Alhama Granada andalucia spain

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ALHAMA


I. Introduction II. History III. General Information A. Geography & Population IV. Tourist Spots A. El Poniente Granadino B. Significant Landscapes And Monuments C. Other Places Of Interest 1. The Balneario 2. The Alhama Gorge 3. The Alhambra Palace V. Celebrated Occasions A. Fiesta De La Candelaria B. The Carnival C. Good Friday D. Wine Pilgrimage E. The Grand September Fair F. Youth Music Festival


I. INTRODUCTION


The town of Alhama’s name originated from it’s well-known thermal waters and bath, which has already been famous during the Roman times. These thermal waters are referred to as Al Hammam in Arabic. Located in the south-western part of the province, within an hour drive of the city of Granada, the town is beautifully surrounded with glorious mountains, with appealing white houses, impressively located at the side of a ravine. The heritage of the various cultures and traditions that have passed through Andalusia throughout the years are a few of the town’s fascinating and historic monuments. One of the many things that shouldn’t be missed when deciding to visit the town of Alhama are of course the Moorish baths, with their usual Caliphal-style arches and vaults, located within the Spa resort.


The town of Alhama, also known as “Alhama De Granada” offers tourists a lot of modern amenities without undermining the elegance and the grandeur of the town itself, which people might expect due to Alhama’s historical background. The town’s geographical area provides those tourists who loves nature and its picturesque views an exceptional foundation, from which the can choose to explore several of the town’s spectacular landscape.


II. HISTORY


It was once called “Artigi” when it was under the Roman rule. “Túrdulos” was the name they call those who occupied Andalusia on those times.


It was then named “Al-hama” during the Islamic rule, which meant “The Bath”, attributable to the healing properties of the thermal waters. Nowadays, it is one of the most reputable medicinal spa facilities located in Andalusia, Spain.


Ibn Al-Jatib, an illustrious 14th Century Andalusian historian, poet, writer, philosopher, physician and a politician, from An-Andalus chronicled rigorously the city and its baths. He was exiled in Granada twice, and was murdered in the year 1372. He was a well-known historian and he also wrote magnificent poetries and some of them decorate the walls of Alhama in Granada.


It served as a fortress in the Nasrid Kingdom due to its strategic location, and it played a crucial role in the War of Granada. Often besieged by the Christians, the Duke of Acros finally took over Alhama in the year 1482.


The natives displayed heroic efforts of their own in order to fight against the Napoleonic troops during the War of Independence, which eventually caused a huge loss in the French army specifically with people and success. Eventually, as a result, the French pursuit diminished owing to the 10,000 reales (the old Spanish currency) collected by the natives in order to minimize attacks.


An earthquake which occurred during the year 1884 nearly destroyed the entire town. However, due to King Alfonso XII and Spain’s financial support, the town’s reconstruction was quickly initiated, while still respecting its original and historic architecture.


III. GENERAL INFORMATION


A. Geography & Population


The town of Alhama is located nearly 58 km from Granada. As previously mentioned, the town is situated in the south-western part of Spain, and it is located nearly in the middle of Malaga and Granada. Therefore, it means that it can be easily accessed from either within the cities of Malaga and/or Granada, as well as their airports. It takes approximately 45 minutes drive from Alhama towards the city of Granada, and approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive to Malaga City.


The town of Alhama has an area measurement that extends up to 433 km2, and it has an altitude of 895 m above sea level.


At present, there are nearly 6035 natives who live in the town of Alhama, and they are called “Alhameños”. The city of Granada is their town province and their postal code is 18120.


IV. TOURIST SPOTS


A. El Poniente Granadino


The last enclave of Andalusi border, known as the region of Poniente Granadino involves paths, cultures and traditions in which archeological sites of vital importance, from high antiquity are preserved.


Phoenicians, Greeks and the Romans also made a mark in this town’s history. Still, the legacy of the Moorish culture are the ones that still exists within its towns’ and cities’ natives. An example of this is the Alhama de Granada with its Arabic thermal baths.


Towards the west, a distinctive balance within the rural and urban areas and a huge archeological legacy can be discovered when tourists visit the towns of Alagrinejo, Arenas del Ray, Cacin, Ezcúzar, Huétor-Tájar, Íllora, Jayena, Loja, Moclín, Monteferio, Moraleda de Zafayona, Salar, Santa Cruz del Comercio, Ventas de Huelma, Villanueva Mesía, Zaffaraya, ang Zagra.


B. Significant Landscapes And Monuments


The town of Alahama additionally preserves vital and historic monuments, and some of the many are the Arab baths that provided the city’s name, and the Roman bridge, which is located over the Alhama river, near the hot springs.


The most impressive part of the town lies within the southwestern part. Additionally, the town was recognized as a “Historic-Artistic Site” or otherwise known as “Conjunto Histórico-Artístico”. Several of the most significant yet marvelous areas here in this particular town is the “Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación“ which was constructed during the year 1505 by the Catholic Monarchs, the very first Christian church sanctified by the ancient kingdom of Granada. Enrique Egas was the one who created the church’s façade.


C. Other Places Of Interest


Apart from those magnificent landscapes and monuments which are previously mentioned, listed below are a couple of places of interest which you shouldn’t miss while you’re in the city of Granada or in the town of Alahama.


1. The Balneario (Spa)


Located approximately 3 km outside of the town of the Alhama, nearly 55 km from the Granada city. The Baneario is located within the glorious mountains, beside the river Merchán. It’s design involves both Arabic and Roman influence and offers a perfect space for relaxation and rejuvenation. 2. The Alhama Gorge


Offers deliciously divine views below the town of Alhama over almost sheer slope.


3. The Alhambra Palace


Alhama de Granada offers the Alhambra Palace which is considered by some individuals as one of the “10 Wonders Of The World”. Despite having it’s usual amount of churches, museums, etc, which is quite normal for southern European cities, the city of Granada possess the Alhambra, which is known to several as one of the 10 wonders of the world. Built for more than countless of centuries, Alhambra is an exceptionally large castle that contains fortifications, gardens, and deluxe palaces.


These are only a few of the remarkable and spectacular places which you cannot afford to miss in the city of Andalusia, specifically, Alahama de Granada. Most of the places in Alahama has picturesque views, and their archaeologic design reflect the town’s history, which makes them really interesting.


V. CELEBRATED OCCASIONS


The town of Alhama only has five important festivals, and they are the following:


A. Fiesta De La Candelaria


Fiesta De La Candelaria is being held during the 2nd day of February. This is a standard practice within the province of Granada. The streets of Alhama are lit with candles or bonfires that ignite the neighbors. The town needs one month (since January) of preparation in order for the neighbors to fully cooperate and engage themselves with the town’s celebration.


B. The Carnival


The Carnival, or also known as the “El Carnaval” unites all of the tourists, particularly during “Piñata Sunday” (Sunday after Ash Wednesday). It was announced to be Andalusia’s “Day of Tourist Interest”.


C. Good Friday


Good Friday, also known as “El Viernes de Dolores” is the Friday before Palm Sunday which marks the beginning of Holy Week. Good Friday is commemorated with the procession of “Virgen de las Angustias” also known as “Our Lady Of Sorrows” which is the Patron Saint of the town of Alhama.


D. The Wine Pilgrimage


Also referred to as “La Romería del Vino”. This occasion occurs during August 15. Apart from wine tasting, there are also several activities that are being done during this occasion that bears no relation to wine tasting.


E. Great September Fair


Also known as “La Feria Grande de Septiembre”. Celebrated around the 8th of the said month, where in the grounds of Alhama are placed with booths, stages and other children’s attractions. F. Youth Music Festival


Takes place approximately within the first week of August, from Thursday to Saturday nights, This is one of the Spain’s oldest festival and it first took place during the year 1966, featuring the performances of novice groups and guest artists. This year 2010 will be the 45th edition of the festival.