Alquife: Mining History and Landscape

Culture

The Minas de Alquife are protected as a cultural asset of special cultural interest (Bien de Interés Cultural). The Minas de Alquife are classified as a site of industrial interest (Lugar de Interés Industrial).

Since the Nasrid period, Alquife was the most important iron production centre in the Zenete. The mines on Cerro del Castillo north of Alquife contain the oldest mining facilities in the region. They date from the 10th or 11th century.

The area around the protected Minas de Alquife contains industrial facilities and ore-loading installations. The same area includes an iron bridge, two railway lines and the miners’ settlement of Los Pozos.

A monument to a miner stands at the entrance to Alquife. The surviving fortification is approximately pentagonal in shape. Up to seven towers have survived. Remains of adobe walls on a masonry base also form part of the surviving complex.

Inside the fortification is a rectangular cistern measuring an average of 5.85 × 3.20 metres.

On 3 and 4 December, Alquife celebrates the Fiesta de Santa Bárbara in honour of the patron saint of miners. One of the mining company’s former vehicles is used in the procession of the Fiesta de Santa Bárbara in Alquife. The celebrations of San Hermenegildo in Alquife include a procession through the town and the burning of the traditional Palo Alquifeño. The Palo Alquifeño is a ritual offering that emerged from Alquife’s mining history.

Landscape

The open-pit mines of the Minas de Alquife are almost 300 metres deep. They are currently partially flooded, forming an artificial lake with water from the aquifer.

The area of the Minas de Alquife forms a reddish landscape with hollowed-out depressions alternating with plains.

The Mirador Las Cuevas viewpoint is located around Alquife. The Mirador de la Magdalena viewpoint is in the vicinity of Alquife. Cerro de Juan Canal is located close to Alquife. The Alto de la Carrasca peak lies in the surrounding area of Alquife.

Cuisine

Potaje de hinojos is a traditional dish from Alquife. It is prepared with fresh fennel, pulses and potatoes.

Homemade bread is one of the typical components of the local cuisine in Alquife. It is made by local bakers.

Surroundings

The Cueva Museo De Costumbres Populares museum is located around Alquife. The Cueva Museo de Alfarería La Alcazaba museum is in the vicinity of Alquife.

The Palacio de Peñaflor palace is located around Alquife. The Palacio de los Marqueses de Villalegre palace is located close to Alquife.

Other Places

Other places at a glance: Escoznar, Quéntar, Churriana De La Vega, Gorafe, Fuensanta, Caniles, Válor and Padul.

To the main travel overview: Granada.