Discover Durcal: Landmarks and the Los Bolos Route

Durcal offers a wide variety of themes to consider when planning your trip: bridges from different eras, religious and military buildings, industrial history and the Los Bolos hiking route. If you are looking for a hotel in Durcal, you can think about which of these themes you would like to shape your stay. The sights offer specific starting points, from architectural details to a trail that runs through the river in sections.

Bridges and architectural history

The Puente de Lata is considered one of Spain’s most representative structures from the era of metal bridges. Today it is accessible only to pedestrians and offers panoramic views over the deep valley of the Dúrcal River. Check local conditions before your visit. The Puente Antiguo, also known locally as the “Roman Bridge,” has a different historical significance. It was probably built during the Andalusi period and served as the river’s main crossing until the mid-19th century. The bridge was restored by students from the Escuela Taller Dúrcal II.

Church, castles and fortress

The Inmaculada Concepción Parish Church is an elegant building dating from the mid-16th century. It was partially destroyed during the Morisco Rebellion. Outside, its slender brick tower and simple façade define its appearance; a round arch is supported by pilasters. If you are interested in architectural forms, you can take in the clean façade design and the tower’s distinctive proportions here.

The Castillo de Dúrcal, also known as the “Penón de los Moros,” is a small ancient castle that probably dates from before the Nasrid period. The remains include a corner of a tower, two cisterns and several gallery passages. These extend as far as the river and are known as the “túneles moros.” Check access arrangements locally. The Fuerte de Márgena reflects a different period of history: it was a defensive structure from the Nasrid period and dates to the 14th century. Only a rectangular, almost square tower remains; two connected walls still stand about seven metres high.

Industrial history and landscape

The Fábrica San José was built in 1907 in the Neo-Mudéjar style as a factory producing oil and olive pomace. At the beginning of the 20th century, Dúrcal had three oil factories; the Fábrica San José is the only one still standing. The building adds the town’s industrial history to its religious and military heritage, without confusing its former function with that of the older bridges or fortifications.

Las Buitreras is located at an altitude of 1,666 metres and takes its name from a former colony of griffon vultures that lived there until the 1960s.

Hiking and springs

The Los Bolos Route is a linear hike that follows the same path out and back. It is about 6.5 kilometres long, takes approximately three hours and is of moderate difficulty. Some sections run through the Dúrcal River; the route ends at a waterfall. Seasonal conditions and the river’s flow may affect the hike. Check local conditions before setting out, rather than treating the approximate time and distance as a guarantee of what the route will be like on the day of your visit.

The Baños de Urquízar and Vacamía are springs with medicinal and thermal water used for bathing and drinking. Urquízar water was recognised as mineral water in November 1990 and as thermal water in 2006. Check access and conditions of use locally. The pools also differ in size: the Baño Chico spring complex at Urquizar I feeds two shallow artificial pools, each just under two metres long and 1.5 metres wide. The Baño Grande at Vacamía is about six metres long, three metres wide and approximately one metre deep. It is regularly reconstructed, so its condition may change. These details help distinguish the two pools; check their condition and local conditions before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Murtas, Almuñécar, Alfornón, Baza, Bérchules, Soportújar, La Rábita, Brácana

For the overview of the wider region: Granada.