Málaga. España.

May 17, 2008

LOJA

Situated a stone´s throw away from the A92, at the most westerly point of the province of Granada, we find Loja, the larges nucleus of population in the Poniente Granadino. “My town wears a happy countenance, offers fascinating views, and beautiful women who cure afflictions of the heart”. These are the words used by the Lojan polygraph Ibn Al-Jatib to describe Loja, the town where he was born in 1313. Loja, known as the “city of water” lies on the banks of the river Genil. This same river has crafted some delightful handiwork, such as the “infiernos de Loja” with cascading waterfalls and chasms. It is surrounded by two mountain ranges (that of mount Hacho and the Gorda range).

HISTORY

Its origins go far back into history. It was Alfeia for the Phoenicians, Tricolia for the Romans and Lauwsa for the Arabs, from which its present-day name is derived. Its strategic situation, being on the main route between eastern and western Andalusia made it a very disputed place. Because of its dominant position at the entrance to this mountainous pass, Loja has been very rightly called the “key to Granada”. Its Arab name means “Guardian” and that is exactly what Loja was for the fertile plain of Granada – one of its foremost sentinels. Despite the archaeological finds from the Bronze Age and the Phoenician.

NATURAL HERITAGE

Loja is incide what is soon to become the second nature reserve of the Poniente Granadino, a territory with interspersed mountainous zones and flan fertile plañís which alternate in consonance, living birth to natural phenomena Duch as Los Infiernos, which result from the narrowing of the river Genil at a point where multiple tributary streams meet each otrher. The spot has been catalogue as “being of outstanding beauty” by the Special Plan for the Protection of the Environment of Granada.
At the same time, in the area round this town and its score of dependent villages, visitors will be able to find numerous places of interest such as: The Gardens of Narváez, declared Monument of Cultural Interest.
Megalithic formation of Sierra Martilla in the rural village of Ventorros de San José, which is composed of more than ten dolmens and tombs from the late Middle Ages, a Spanish watchtower and imposing views of the zigzagging reservoir of Iznájar.
Riofrío: The aerodrome in Cuesta la Palma and the rural village of Venta del Rayo offer microlight flying, gliding, han-gliding and sky-diving. It is also possible to practise moto-cross at the foot of the Sierra de Loja and 4X4 rally driving together with trekking, potholing or climbing.

HISTORY HERITAGE

Monumental heritage:

Alcazaba de Loja, Chyurch of the Encarnación, Church of San GabrielChurch of Santa Catalina, Palace and mausoleum of General Narvaéz, Fountain of twenty-five outlets, Convent of Saint Clare, Puerta de Jaufín, Casa de Cabildos, Pósito, Aliatar.

Historical figures:

Loja was the birthplace of the historian Ibn al-Jatib, one of the most outstanding men of letters in the history of Al-Andalus. General Narváez, known as the Espadón de Loja, was a politician and soldier who played an important role as prime minister during reign of Isabel II. Another famous figure was Rafael Péreez del Alamo, leader of a popular uprising against the Espadón de Loja in 1861, when he proclaimed the city an independent canton. The peasant revolt came to be known as the Revolt of Bread and Cheese.

GASTRONOMY

Typical dishes of this town incluye lamb, kid and pork specialities. In more mountainous areas small game dishes such as: rabbit, partridge, quail, thrush or turtledove are also typical. All of them are accompanied with fresh vegetables. There is a clear Moorish influence in the roscos de Loja, huesos de Santo and other cakes typical of all festivities.

FESTIVALS

2 nd February, bonfires and carnaval
25 th April: pilgrimage of Saint Mark
1 st May: friendship pilgrimage
Easter: Los Incensarios
End of June: International Street Theatre Festival (Va de Calle)
Last week of August: “La Volaera”.
Festivals in the different neighbourhood.