Molvízar: Hiking, Culture and History

Molvízar offers a range of experiences for a stay: hiking on the Sendero Sierra del Chaparral, architectural and art history, archaeological sites, and the local Choto tradition. A look at the area's history takes you from the Neolithic and Copper Age through Roman times to a 16th-century crucifix and the church built in 1785. You can thus explore nature, local history and food culture as different facets of a trip.

Hiking on the Sendero Sierra del Chaparral

You can start the Sendero Sierra del Chaparral at the entrance to Molvízar via the Río del Pueblo path, which begins behind Molvízar's municipal cemetery. The route passes through a landscape of limestone geology and dense scrubland. It also offers opportunities to look at the carefully constructed walls and paths made from stones found on site. You can therefore appreciate the route both for its geological setting and its stone structures. The walls and paths also draw attention to the work involved in building them. The combination of landscape and stonework gives the trail a designed character as well as its natural one. If you are planning a hike, check local conditions before setting out.

Architectural and art history

The Church of Santa Ana was built in 1785 on the orders of Charles III and is a neoclassical work by the architect Ventura Rodríguez. Inside is a 16th-century crucifix. The contrast in age is striking: the crucifix dates from several centuries before the church was built. A building from the 18th century and a much older work of art thus stand side by side as distinct historical landmarks. Another historical landmark is the building known as La Compañía, formerly owned by the Society of Jesus. This former connection to the Jesuit order adds a religious perspective to the area's architectural history.

Archaeological sites from different eras

The archaeological sites differ in both period and function. The megalithic complex at Loma del Cerrajón is a site dating from the Neolithic and Copper Age, and is particularly significant for Andalusian prehistory. The Roman villa at Loma de Ceres in Molvízar existed from the 1st to the 4th century AD and was an agricultural complex for wine production. The villa also included the production of amphorae for sale. The comparison leads from a prehistoric site to Roman agriculture: Loma del Cerrajón points to early periods, while Loma de Ceres represents a later history of production. Wine production and amphora-making illustrate different aspects of the Roman complex. Period and function are useful guides for distinguishing between the two archaeological sites.

Choto and local food culture

At a competition, participants prepare Choto according to the traditional recipe of the municipality of Molvízar. The gastronomic Choto tradition attracts dozens of visitors every year. The competition and the local recipe give the subject a clear culinary connection to Molvízar. If you would like to include the tradition in your travel plans, check the dates for your intended travel year.

Discover more destinations: Velilla-Taramay, Cástaras, Gor, Moraleda De Zafayona, Salobreña, Guejar Sierra, Capileira, Salar

For the broader travel overview: Granada.