District of "El Poniente de Granada"

This area estends to the western extremes of Granada Province. It consists of a rich landscape bordered by the western hills and the Sierras de Tejeda Natural Park, Almijara and Alhama.

The countryside is defined by marked contrasts and a great ecological diversity. The villages have a Morisco character with white houses and narrow streets fitting the landscape perfectly.

The southern part of El Poniente is the nost mountainous an steep part where we find the Tajos de Alhama.

The area of El Poniente is one of the most accessable areas in the whole of Andalucia, the A-92 motorway crossing it from east to west.

Its mixed character shows wherever you look, castles, watchtowers, churches what you will see is reminiscent of the last chapters of the fall of the Nazari Kingdom, Alhama was the capital of the last kingdom of Al-Andaluz at the end of the 15th century.

The history here is thousands of years old. Lovers of Archaeology can visit both the Sierra Montilla (Loja) and the Archaeological park of La Peña de los Gitanos (Montefrio), where there are Neolithic remains and signs of the Iberian-Roman and Visigoth epoch, as well as dolmens, "Los dólmenes de la Peña de los Gitanos".

The area has its own distinct cuisine based on the inherited dishes of the ancient populations of Muslims and Jews.

To eat in El Poniente is a delight due to the first rate fruit and vegetables from its fertile plains, such as the asparragos of Huetor-Tájar, the wine and the mushrooms of the Alhama, the trout and sturgeon in the Riofrío, the local cheese of Montefrío and Játar or the Moorish pastries of Loja, all giving unequalled textures to each of its dishes.

The El Poniente has perpetuated its legacy of tradition, fiestas and craftwork.

Of its rich craftwork is the fine lacework, of which typical examples are the Spanish mantilla, dating from the 16th century when it was introduced as a popular fashion. Today the production of these garments continues using the same techniques as in the past. The lacework is also used to decorate picture frames and scarves.

Other activities of note in the area are the looms of Illora, and skills such as ironwork, esparto and willow-work and pressed flowers.