Discover Suflí: church, spring and gypsum history

In Suflí, several interests can be explored through specific places and traditions: religious architecture, the Fuente de los Caños, gypsum history and a pepper-and-tomato speciality. Two festivals with different dates can also influence your choice of travel dates. This lets you decide whether to connect your stay with architecture, a route to historic gypsum sites or local cuisine.

Churches and architecture

The parish church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario dates from the 18th century. Its features include a wooden coffered ceiling and an altarpiece by Jesús de Perceval. A coffered ceiling divides the ceiling into individual panels; the altarpiece is a distinct artistic feature of the church. These bring together two different aspects: the design of the ceiling and a specifically identified altarpiece.

The Ermita de la Cruz offers a different architectural accent. It has a square floor plan; its pyramidal tiled roof has five roof finials, and the entrance portal has a round arch. In contrast to the coffered ceiling and altarpiece of the parish church, the focus here is on the floor plan, roof shape and portal. Comparing the two religious buildings by their architectural features helps distinguish their interiors from their external forms.

Fuente de los Caños and routes

The Fuente de los Caños de Suflí is a monumental spring dating from the late 19th century. It lies opposite the town, on the left bank of the Boloyunta River, in the La Zanja area. The spring is made in the Baroque style from white Macael marble and has three iron spouts. There is also a municipal recreation area at the spring, with gardens, tables, barbecue facilities and stone seating. If you wish to use these facilities, check the conditions on site.

The Sendero de las Yeseras de Suflí (SL-A 027) starts at the Fuente de los Caños. It leads to Andalusian gypsum quarries and kilns dating from the 15th century. If you are interested in the historic gypsum sites, the trail offers a direct connection to them; check the current trail conditions before setting out. Another route option is the official Laroya–Gérgal cycling stage, which passes through Suflí via the AL-6101. The Sendero focuses on the route to the gypsum sites, while the cycling stage passes through the town. Check route conditions before setting off.

Gypsum history and olive oil production

The Centro de Interpretación del Yeso explains the historical importance of gypsum as a commonly used material in traditional architecture. It is housed in a restored old olive mill. Visitors can see olives being ground and pressed to extract oil; a free audio guide explains the oil-making process in six steps. The centre therefore covers both the use of gypsum in architectural history and the processing of olives. Access is important when planning your visit: the centre is usually closed, and visits must be requested through the Ayuntamiento. Confirm arrangements in advance.

Fritada and local festivals

Fritada de Suflí is a traditional homemade preserve made from peppers and tomatoes. It is also used as a pepper-and-tomato sofrito for meat dishes. The Fiesta de la Fritada takes place in July and has been held since 1992. Another occasion is Día de la Cruz on 3 May at the Ermita de la Cruz, with hojuelas, hot chocolate and traditional children’s games.

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