Laujar de Andarax what to see in the capital of the Alpujarra de Almeria

The essential things to see and do in Laujar de Andarax

In this article you will find all the information you need to visit and see the best of Laujar de Andarax :

• A few words about Laujar de Andarax
• Where is Laujar?
• What to see and do in Laujar de Andarax
• What to do in the province of Almeria
• Booking accommodation
• The main festivities in Laujar
• What to see around Laujar de Andarax
• Some useful links
• Continuing your trip to Andalucia

A few words about Laujar de Andarax

Laujar de Andarax is a very pretty little town in the province of Almeria. It is also the capital of the Alpujarra region of Almeria. It is a picturesque town overlooking the Sierra de Gádor at an altitude of almost a thousand metres.

Finally, Laujar de Andarax is one of the Pueblos mágicos de España.

A little history

Laujar de Andarax is one of the most important places in Spanish history. It’s well worth taking a closer look. In the Middle Ages, Laujar was the capital of the taha (district) of Andarax. Writings by the poet Ibn al-Khatib confirm the importance of this town and its alcazaba, the most important in the Alpujarra, as well as the village’s silk craftsmanship, a silk more resplendent than gold.

It is also known as the last stronghold of Boabdil, the last king of Granada. Indeed, at the end of 1491, King Ferdinand and Boabdil drew up the ‘Capitulation of Granada’, a treaty containing some sixty agreements, one of which granted Boabdil the territory of the Alpujarras. In January 1492, Boabdil handed over the keys of Granada to the Catholic kings and left to live with his court in Laujar de Andarax.

Boabdil, el rey Chico, lived there for only a short time. A few months later, his wife Morayma died and he decided to move to Morocco, to Fez, in 1493.

A historical curiosity

It was his cousin Cid Hiaya el-Nayyar who was awarded the lands of Alpujarra by the Catholic kings in 1500. Cid Hiaya el-Nayyar had been known as Pedro de Granada since 1489. In fact, that year he converted (with his wife and children) and was baptised, in the presence of King Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic, who even acted as godparents!

The story of Pedro de Granada, a descendant of the Nasrid royal family, was an incredible one. After the fall of Granada, he became mayor of the city and of Baza. Titles of nobility were later awarded to his family, which became the Granada-Venegas, such as that of Marquis of Campotéjar.

This family would become one of the largest Christian aristocratic families in the kingdom of Spain. The Granada-Venegas palace in Granada is located in Calle Pavaneras and is now known as Casa de los Tiros.

Finally, this small mountain town is famous for having been the epicentre of the Alpujarra revolt of 1568-1570, when Aben Humeya (Christian name: Fernando de Córdoba y Válor) led the Moriscos against the Catholic kings.

Where is Laujar de Andarax on the map?

What to see and do in Laujar de Andarax

1 – The Alcazaba district of Laujar

2 – La Encarnación church

3 – Nuestra Señora de la Salud hermitage

4 – The curious house-palace of the Moya family

5 – The Town Hall

6 – The convent of San Pascual Bailón

7 – Hiking and the Moorish bridge

8 – Viewpoint of Laujar

9 – The fountains – Pilares y fuentes – (Fountains and fountains)

10 – ‘La Plaza’ handlooms

11 – Visit an organic wine cellar in Laujar

1 – The Alcazaba district of Laujar

This is the historic quarter of Laujar de Andarax and the site of the last residence and alcazaba of Boabdil, the last king of Granada.

A few sections of wall and the remains of some towers can be seen from the Alcazaba, but very little remains. At times, between two houses, remains of the old wall can be seen:

Calle Alcazaba is the main street in this district.

At the beginning of the street, in a square, there is probably the most beautiful fountain to be seen in Laujar de Andarax.

It’s a shame that there aren’t more remains of the Alcazaba, which was the residence of El Zagal, then Boabdil and finally Aben Humeya.

Molino viewpoint

At the very end of Calle Alcazaba is the Molino viewpoint, which offers one of the best views of the landscape surrounding Laujar de Andarax.

2 – La Encarnación church

The church of La Encarnación has been declared a BIC (Property of Cultural Interest). It is the oldest building in the town (16th-17th centuries), built on the site of the former mosque. This church is a beautiful Mudéjar-style building.

With its imposing size, this church is nicknamed the Cathedral of the Alpujarra.

Inside, the magnificent altarpiece and the gilded wood altar are of particular interest.

3 – The hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Salud

This is the second most important religious temple in Laujar. It dates from the 17th and 18th centuries, and is distinguished by its Mudéjar exterior and Baroque interior.

4 – The curious house-palace of the Moya family

This stately home, with its balconies and columned patio, dates back to 1732 and was once a Moorish palatial house.

It now houses the Hispano-Philippine Cultural Centre 🙂 . The centre was opened after Laujar de Andarax twinned with the Filipino town of Antipolo.

Finally, part of this house is dedicated to the Alpujarreño poet Francisco Villaespesa.

5 – The Town Hall

The Town Hall is a neoclassical monument to be seen in Laujar de Andarax. It dates back to 1792.

It also has a curious three-storey frontage.

This town hall is in the heart of the city on the Plaza Mayor, also known as the Plaza Mayor de las Alpujarras.

In this square there is a bar-restaurant offering typical cuisine for a good lunch.

And at the end of the alleyway that runs alongside this restaurant, there is a beautiful sculpture and a great view of the surrounding area.

You’ll also find the tourist office in this square, which has a room where you can find out more about the history of Laujar.

6 – The convent of San Pascual Bailón

This convent, built between 1691 and 1708, is notable for its large size.

However, it is now in a state of ruin and access to it is closed. The monks who inhabited this Franciscan monastery left in 1822, and its condition has deteriorated since then.

7 – Hiking and the Moorish bridge

There’s a great 7km walk just outside Laujar. This walk takes you along the old irrigation canal, the waterfall of the Andarax river, past a cave and through a tunnel. Finally, we’ll also pass over an ancient Arab bridge from the Middle Ages, the Puente del Chillo. This is a unique structure in the Alpujarra that is still in use, consisting of three arches.

Here is the link to the Senda de la Hidroeléctrica hiking route.

8 – Laujar viewpoint

The Laujar viewpoint has a spectacular balcony overlooking the Alpujarras and Sierra de Gádor. It is located outside the village, so it is advisable to get there by car. Here’s the exact location.

9 – The fountains – Pilares y fuentes –

Laujar de Andarax enjoys a privileged location for its water resources. The village has no fewer than 16 fountains that are in operation all year round!

The historical importance of Laujar de Andarax in the Middle Ages can be explained, among other things, by the importance of water in Muslim culture.

Laujar de Andarax can be visited in an original way from the Plaza Mayor. A path – Ruta de los pilares – runs through the streets of Laujar, allowing visitors to visit the 16 fountains.

• Pilar de la Plaza, dating from 1684 and built in the Baroque style. It has four spouts, the village coat of arms and bas-reliefs.
• The Pilar de San Antonio is another beautiful pink fountain with three spouts.
• The Pilar de la Barandilla
• The Pilar de San Blas

…. and one last one with a very curious name… The Pilar de el Chocho … I can’t translate the meaning of el chocho here 🙂 . But the story goes that the chocho was originally the name of a twisted pastry made from sugar cane, baked in the bakery adjoining the fountain.

10 – ‘La Plaza’ handlooms

Here’s a shop just off the Plaza Mayor that sells handmade rugs, typical of the Alpujarra. The famous jarapas made on old looms.

In this traditional, family-run shop, you can see how jarapas are made.

11 – Visit an organic wine bodega in Laujar

Vines have been grown in the Alpujarra for many centuries.

Originally, table grapes were the main crop. However, wine-growing began to develop in the 17th century. There are now several wineries in the region. In Laujar de Andarax you can visit a bodega and taste the increasingly popular organic wines.

What to do in the province of Almeria

Below you’ll find the excursions and activities on offer in this magnificent province.

You can also book them online today (with free cancellation):

Book accommodation

Below you will find all the availability in Laujar de Andarax after selecting your dates:

Main festivities in Laujar de Andarax

Feria del Vino in May

Feria de Laujar de Andarax in September

What to see around Laujar de Andarax

There are some fabulous places to visit in the Laujar area. Here are 3 ideas for visits fairly close to Laujar de Andarax.

Macael

Macael is a small town that doesn’t get talked about enough. The town, nicknamed the white gold capital, has a lot to offer visitors. The surrounding area is sure to delight you!

Here’s the link if you’d like to visit Macael.

Tabernas Desert

The Tabernas Desert is a wonder to behold…not just for its famous western film locations 🙂 .

Here’s a link to visit the Tabernas Desert.

Pampaneira

Pampaneira is a beautiful village in the Alpujarra granadina. Just next door, 3 and 5km away, there are two other magnificent villages: Bubión and Capileira.

To find out more, here’s a link to what to see in Granada’s Alpujarra.

Some ideas and useful links

The links below can be very useful depending on where you are staying and what you need to do to have a wonderful time in Andalucia.

• An interactive map of Andalucia to find lots of ideas for visits around you, off the beaten track.

• link to book a rental car at Malaga airport.

• link to book a rental car anywhere else in Andalucia with the rentalcars platform.

• If you’re on the Costa del Sol and looking for ideas for excursions in Andalucia, you can use the following link to book a tour departing from Málaga, Torremolinos, Estepona or Benalmadena.

Discover more of Andalusia’s beautiful sites in the Andalucia blog pages.

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