Cájar: Silk, History and Green Corridors

Cájar lies in the central part of the Vega de Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Several aspects of the town come together for your trip: the history of silk, historic buildings and settlement patterns, and recurring festivals. The Green Corridors of Granada’s southern zone also pass through Cájar, providing access to the Sierra, especially on foot or by mountain bike. Culture, local traditions and routes in the surrounding area offer a range of ways to enjoy your stay.

Silk and Local History

The Centro de Interpretación de la Seda explores the presence of silk in Cáxar through the 18th-century Libro del Censo de la seda. Guided visits for individuals and groups last 40 minutes and must be booked in advance. Factor the required reservation into your plans and check the visiting arrangements beforehand.

The Galería Tabourot is dedicated to Enrique Tabourot. Its program includes temporary exhibitions, study days, silk-painting workshops at schools, talks, concerts and small-scale events. The specific activities on offer may vary.

The parish church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores was built in 1785 and is neoclassical in style. Its architecture is marked by simple forms and solid masonry. The church was once dedicated to the Mystery of the Encarnación; today, it is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Dolores.

At the Torreón del Lunes, the remains of an old Andalusian mill in the Vega de Granada were documented and dated to the Nasrid period, from the 14th to the 15th century. Qüiyar was a large country house built for an Arab nobleman during the Nasrid era. The mill remains and Qüiyar thus point to the Nasrid context, while the church takes the historical story through to the late 18th century.

Festivals and Local Traditions

For the Fiesta de la Cruz, the community puts up a traditional Cruz de Mayo decorated with red carnations; popular and traditional dances are also part of the festivities. Green beans from the Vega de Cájar, Jayuyas or Salaillas from the town’s bakeries, and salted cod are also on offer. The selection may vary from one edition to another.

The Fiestas Patronales of Cájar have been celebrated since the 18th century. The program includes musical, sporting, gastronomic and religious activities; the exact lineup may vary from one edition to another. Their wide-ranging program sets them apart from the Fiesta de la Cruz.

Another tradition is a night-time procession in which children and young people carry hollowed-out melons fitted with candles through the streets of Cájar. The shells are usually carved with images of the sun and moon. A historic procession also refers to Cájar’s Moorish past.

Green Corridors and Getting There

The Green Corridors in Granada’s southern zone run through Cájar. The network provides access to the Sierra, especially on foot or by mountain bike. Hikers, cyclists, horse riders and livestock are all named as users of the corridor network. Check route conditions before setting out.

For road access, the A-4028 connects Cájar with the city of Granada; it can be reached via the Ronda Sur, exit 2. The Ronda Sur connects directly to the Sierra Nevada and the GR-30 ring road. This gives you different points of reference when planning your trip: the connection to Granada, as well as the links to the Sierra Nevada and the GR-30.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bérchules, Huétor - Santillán, Pulianas, Deifontes, Dílar, Castillo De Tajarja, La Mamola, Juviles.

Return to the main travel overview: Granada.