The Area and Accommodation
Alhama de Granada
This fairly large town is our home base. 54km south west of Granada and 900 metres above sea level it is situated on the edge of a huge gorge. Its origins date back to Neolithic and Roman times when it was known as Artigi. The nearby hot springs fascinated the Arabs who built a therapy centre and changed its name to al-Hamman which means hot water.
The town, particularly the Arab quarter along the gorge, (Tajo), edge, is a fascinating mix of narrow streets, squares, fountains such as the 16th century Wamba and beautiful buildings with coats of arms carved into the door arches. The huge, fortified tower of the 15th century Iglesia de la Encarnacion dominates the town and the church, probably built on the site of the former Grand Mosque, is a visual reference point for Alhama. Nearby is the El Posito, (Communal Granary), a former 13th century synagogue, the old prison, (carcel), the former headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition, (Casa de la Inquisicion), which is now TrailRunSpain’s HQ and accommodation, the castle and the Arab dungeons, which were also used as grain stores.
The gorge itself can be walked from end to end and the caves, ruined flour mills and lagoons along the edge of the trout filled Alhama river make for some interesting exploring. Steps or steep slopes at various points lead up into the town including some near vertical ones (Devil’s staircase) carved into the rock.
The hot springs, Balneario Health spa and Moorish baths are just north of the town. Constructed over Roman ruins by the Moors in the 12th century the luxuriant gardens and thermal waters, (47 degrees C) with their curative properties attract a steady flow of visitors. To the south at the opposite end of the gorge we have a bird sanctuary (La Pantaneta) and El Ventorro restaurant with its cave houses and arab baths plus Pato Loco another excellent restaurant which has a 50m pool.
Casa de la Inquisicion
This is where TrailRunSpain has its headquarters.
The House of the Inquisition is in the old, arab quarter next to the Church of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion, (the church with the fortified tower which can be seen from all points around Alhama de Granada). The house has a hewn stone façade, is a late 15th century mansion and also an excellent example of Isabelline Gothic with its carved stone entrance topped by artistic Geminate window.
We are very close to the old prison, constructed in 1674, the Queen’s blood hospital and the El Posito (Granary) which around the 13th century was a synagogue.
