Colomera – History and Routes

Colomera offers a range of experiences for your stay: church and fortress architecture, an annual pilgrimage and routes of varying lengths. The distances and times are useful for planning: the Ruta de las Fuentes is an easy 1.8-kilometre walk, while the Ruta de Colomera is described as a moderate 17.2-kilometre route taking around five hours. This makes it easy to focus your stay on culture, a short walk or a longer hike. If you’re looking for a hotel in Colomera, these themes can help shape your trip.

Church, castle and bridge

The Iglesia Parroquial de la Encarnación was built in the 16th century on the site of an earlier mosque and combines Gothic and Mudéjar elements. The building is divided into three naves; the Mudéjar wooden roof structure was painted by Miguel de Quintana in 1544. The church was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural on 22 February 1980. Its construction history, layout and roof design offer different insights into the architecture of the place of worship.

The Castillo de Colomera also combines historical accounts with a striking location. The chronicler Ibn Hayyan mentioned the castle as early as the 10th century, describing it as a foundation of the army of Córdoba. As an Arab fortress, it probably consisted of an alcazaba, a middle section and an outer defensive section. From its elevated position, which served to defend the area, the castle overlooks the town and the surrounding valley. Colomera is also a stop on the Ruta del Califato.

The Puente Romano is a single-arch bridge dating from the Roman and medieval periods. It is 16 metres long, up to 7 metres high and 3.80 metres wide. Its tympana and abutments are made of ashlar; remains of old roads can be found nearby. The Torre del Chopo is also part of the protected cultural heritage and is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural.

Towers and archaeological remains

The Torre Atalaya de Colomera stands on a small hill more than 1,000 metres above sea level. From there, it overlooks the valley of the Río Colomera and the present-day town. The Necrópolis visigoda is a Visigothic burial site with 47 graves, recorded in 1986. They contained few grave goods, including ceramic vessels, rings, earrings and jewellery made of copper or iron.

A short walk or a longer route

The Ruta de las Fuentes links several stops: the Pilar de la Higuera, the Pilarillo, the Pilar Leones, the former public washhouse Las Fuentes and the Fuente Cristino. At 1.8 kilometres, it is described as an easy walk. The Ruta de Colomera starts and ends in Colomera and is described as a moderate route of 17.2 kilometres, taking around five hours. The two routes therefore differ both in length and in the stated walking time. On the longer route, Puerto de los Lobos Harteros is the highest point; from there, panoramic views extend across the Embalse de Colomera and the town. Trail conditions may vary, so check the route’s condition in advance.

Two recreational areas also offer different scenic settings. The Área recreativa Los Pinos provides views of the surrounding Sierras and is located on the route to El Pino Solitario. The Área recreativa El Puntalillo is situated in the natural area of the same name and also offers views of the surrounding Sierras.

The Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza

The Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza has been held every year since 1227 and is considered Spain’s oldest pilgrimage. It sets off from Colomera on the Thursday before the last Sunday in April and passes through villages, valleys and rivers on its way to Cerro del Cabezo de Andújar. As the exact date varies from year to year, check the date for the relevant year if you’re planning a trip around the pilgrimage.

Discover more destinations: Puerto Lope, Benamaurel, El Varadero, Lentegí, Quéntar, Tocón, Cónchar, Jayena

For the overview of destinations in the wider area: Granada.