Melegís: Architecture, Views and Citrus Traditions

Melegís lies on the left bank of the Río Torrente, surrounded by orange and lemon groves. The village combines a protected church and regional architectural history with views of the Béznar Reservoir and a cuisine in which citrus fruits play a role.

Church and architectural history

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Juan Evangelista is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category; it was designated in 2003. Built in 1560, it combines Renaissance and Mudéjar stylistic elements. The surviving roof structure dates from 1599 and was made by carpenter Alonso López Zamudio. The church thus brings together different periods of construction and two stylistic traditions. For travelers interested in culture, its protected status, architectural forms and the carpenter’s name provide specific points of reference for understanding the church’s history.

Views and remembrance

From the Mirador de las Alvirillas, the view takes in the Béznar Reservoir as well as Restábal and Pinos del Valle. The viewpoint also features sculptures by artist Elena Vicente commemorating emigrants who left their homeland. The view thus combines with a theme of shared remembrance. From Loma del Cementerio, the panorama extends to the villages in the lower part of the Valle de Lecrín and across the entire Béznar Reservoir. The viewpoints offer different perspectives: the Mirador looks out toward two specific villages, while the description of Loma encompasses the entire reservoir and the lower part of the valley.

Remojón and the Citrus Festival

In the Valle de Lecrín, including Melegís, remojón is a common dish: a salad made with orange, onion, olives, fried cod and pieces of dried tomato. Traditionally, it was prepared in winter. At the Fiesta de la Naranja, held in March, remojón is the main dish; women from the village prepare it together with the festival organizers. The traditional winter preparation and the festival in March give the dish two different seasonal associations. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check its date before travelling.

River landscape and thermal spring

The banks of the Béznar Reservoir and the confluence with the Río Torrente can be reached via paths. Path conditions may vary, so take this into account when planning. The El Baño thermal spring lies below the cemetery, about two kilometres from Melegís. If you are considering bathing there, check the water conditions on site before entering. The paths by the reservoir and the spring can thus be considered as distinct landscape features, without combining them into a single route.

Discover more destinations: Lecrín, Tocón, Pórtugos, Fuente Vaqueros, Gor, Venta Micena, La Calahorra, Armilla

Return to the main travel overview: Granada.