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Tourist Information:

The town of Alhama de Granada is situated in the “Poniente Granadino” region in the heart of Andalucía in Southern Spain.  This is an area west of Granada and north of the Mediterranean Sea and is abundant with clear blue lakes, mountains, gorges, olive & almond groves, natural parks and medieval towns which have many stories to tell.   

Alhama has approximately 6,000 inhabitants and many bars and restaurants which are thriving during the summer months.   The town has all amenities including supermarkets, primary and secondary schools, churches, banks, hairdressers, beauty therapists, medical centre (with 24 hour emergency service), post office, sports centre, outdoor swimming pool with bar and terrace (only open during summer) and last, but certainly not least, is the “Balneario” spa and hotel which was once operated by the Romans and Arabs and that now offers modern treatments against arthritis, rheumatism and stress, but which many people, local and tourists alike, use regularly just for relaxation.  There is a local market every Friday morning (except during fiestas).

An impressive gorge cuts through the landscape at the edge of the town and the Alhama River runs through the middle providing one of the main tourist attractions of the town and a scenic idyllic walk with breathtaking views.  At the end of the gorge is a small lake which is often used for fishing and next to it there is “El Ventorro” bar and restaurant where you can get something to eat and drink before heading back to Alhama.  There is a new Spa here built in the Moorish design.

Local fiestas are in keeping with traditional Spanish customs and include the Candelaría and Carnival in February, Romería in August and the Ferias (fairs) in June and September.  All of these have live music and all of the bars prepare typical “Alhameño” tapas for you to sample with your drinks.

Historical Information:

There are many caves around the Alhama region which testify that this place was inhabited during the Neolithic period in the sixth millennium BC when Andalucía experienced the arrival of the first agriculturists.  Through the Copper, Bronze and Iron Ages there was a rise of the first Iberian civilisations and as a result increased social complexity.  Then the Phoenicians of Asia, Greeks of Europe and Carthaginians of Africa all colonized parts of Iberia to facilitate trade, especially silver and tin, and the introduction of the production of olive oil and wine.  These were times of great religious influence and accelerated urban development. 

During the fourth century BC Rome began to rise as a Mediterranean power rival to Africa-based Carthage.  During the Punic Wars Carthage was defeated twice and lost Iberia.  Rome began its conquest and occupation of the Peninsula, this beginning the era of Hispania.  Pliny the Elder called Alhama “Stici” and the Romans called it “Artigi”.  They left their mark on the town with the Roman road, Roman bridge and some villas from the 1st century some of which can still be seen today. 

However, it was the Arabs who left a dominant imprint on the town and who gave it its present name, Al-Hammam (meaning hot waters or bath).  Moors and Christians fought about it and it was the Catholic Kings who eventually stole it from the Muslims in 1482.  The writers of the time said that “800 Arabs died and 3,000 were imprisoned, they left a rich gold, silver and pearl booty, and silks and jewels and horses and mules, and infinite wheat and barley”. 

With the Christian conquest new constructions replaced the old mosques, synagogues and Arab palaces.  The church of the Encarnación, the convents of Carmen and San Diego, the House of the Inquisition, the Caño Wamba fountain and numerous family residences were built, providing the town with a rich monumental patrimony. 

In 1884 it was partially destroyed by an earthquake, but its reconstruction was carried out respecting the traditional architecture.