We had planned to visit a village in the hills, Alhama de Granada which had been recommended in a Guardian travel article and is half way between Malaga and Granada.
Although it isn't very far, it takes about an hour and a half to get there along twisty roads. When we arrived, there was a procession of cars waving flags out the the window and tooting horns. Fortunately, the demonstration by the local Green Party, was nearly over and we were able to sit in the square over a soft drink and a plate of cheese before starting to explore.
The village was full of people, in the cafes, in the playground and wandering around.
We wandered through some lovely village streets
Naturally, there is a old church, the Church of the Incarnation which dates from the 16th century when it was converted from a Mosque and to the right is the 'new vestry' built between 1734 and 1751.
and plenty of interesting doorways and windows
This is the house of the Inquisition, Casa de la Inquisicion, from the 15th century,
a detail of the window.
The village overlooks a magnificent gorge which has ruined houses and abandoned water driven flour mills. The house in this photo is for sale!
While we were gazing over the valley, we noticed a flock of sheep being moved by one man and his dog
We went down into the gorge and walked along the river; the path is clearly visible here.
There are caves where grain was stored
the ruined flour mill
The chimney stacks and one wall, complete with doors and windows are still standing here
And the mill race exists still
Here we all are
On the way home, we stopped for some photos of the mountains. En route we saw snow on the tops of the Sierra Nevada mountains above Grenada, and a large lake.
Back at the hotel, it was time for a rest before another splendid meal.
Later we read on the Internet that Alhama de Granada is most famous for its hot springs. Just out of the village along the river are the Roman baths which were also given a makeover by the Moors.
Pat and John on tour
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