Algarinejo – Granada

Algarinejo in Granada is situated in the Montes Occidentales and sits at the foot of the Cerro del Calvario hill. The name comes from the Arab word al-Garin (the caves). Algarinejo is an agricultural inland village and most residents earn their livelihood from olive farming.

A large part of the population lives in rural areas. The village of Algarinejo its geographical location and its way of life are ideal for both cultural and rural tourism. In some areas you can still see ancient crafts being practised such as cheese-making and salting and preserving foods. Here saddles, other leather goods, wicker products, linen and blankets are made.

Local information

Ayuntamiento de Algarinejo
C/ Alta, 1 18280 Algarinejo (Granada)
Telephone: 958-312-001
http://www.algarinejo.es


Residents 2734	Health Clinic	Bars, shops, restaurants	Schools	Municipal pool	Beach 1h 30 min

Golf nearby	Antequera 73km Malaga 98km Granada 95km	Bus and train services	Malaga airport 107Km	Granada airport 65Km	Seville airport 201Km

Gallery

Main information

According to the analysis of the archaeological remains found in the Tajo de la Villa Vieja and in Cerro del Almendral, the inland town of Algarinejo was already a settlement in the Chalcolithic era. Algarinejo in Granada was also a Roman settlement.

Recent excavation of the archaeological site on Avenida de la Constitucion has unearthed a lot of interesting evidence. For example the ruins of walls and floors of a building dating back to the Ibero-Roman era, as well as several graves that were part of an, as yet undated, cemetery.

During the 15th century, many battles took place in the town, as it was located on the border of the Reino Nazari of Granada. It was finally conquered by a Christian King in 1843.The town had many caves that served as occasional refuges for local shepherds. The caves were known as al-Garin in Arabic, which gave the town its name. The caves were mentioned by Alfonso XI in his Libro de la Monteria.

After the Reconquista, Algarinejo in Granada fell under the jurisdiction of the Council of Loja.In 1614, Algarinejo village was considered a town in its own right, it was then segregated from Loja.Fuentes de Cesna is just next to Algarinejo. It is located to the southwest of the town in the surrounding hills and ravines. Its origin is remote and it is thought that in the 15th century it may have been a town of some importance, inhabited by Arabs active in the jewellery trade. In 1940 the old town, known as Las Fuentes Viejas, was battered by a heavy storm. Falling rocks killed many people and the town was practically destroyed.

Fiestas

24th, 25th and 26th of July – Feria de Santa Ana or “feria chica”. During these days Algarinejo in Granada has lots of events in the town to celebrate the patron of the town.
August – Fiestas de Ntro. Padre Jesus Nazareno “feria grande”. During 4 days, there are many religious and cultural events. On the last day there is a procession of Jesus Nazareno.