The Capileira district is based in one of the most extraordinary natural spaces of Granada: the Poqueira Ravine. This place, catalogued as historical-artistic set, is located in the Southern slope of Sierra Nevada and it is part of the Natural Park. Located at the bottom of the Veleta peak, it houses in its slopes the towns of Capileira, Bubión and Pampaneira. Capileira enjoys splendid places, leafy vegetation and extraordinary views. From the railings of the Viewpoint, over the same ravine, the neighbouring towns, Sierra Nevada, and in clear days, the Mediterranean Sea can be observed. The Eras of Aldeire or the refuge located at 2,500 meters of altitude is another tourist attractions of Capileira, ideal town from which to start excursions, with all the precautions taken, to the Mulhacén and the Veleta peaks.

Its town centre conserves complete the traditional Alpujarra’s architecture and it is divided in three districts. The white houses of flat roofs give shape to its steep and zigzag streets. The inhabitants of Capileira have characterized themselves throughout their history by a scrupulous respect to their surroundings, which turns this town into an ideal place to enjoy nature. The viewpoints are ideal to contemplate the spectacular views of the Lújar and the Contraviesa mountain ranges. Most advisable are the one of the Tajo del Diablo, over the vertical of Pampaneira; and the one of El Perchel, with its typical Alpujarra’s work. The most impressive is the viewpoint of the Junta de los Rios, located in the Southern end of the left slope of the ravine.

History

The origin of Capileira goes back to the time of the Godos, although some authors consider that it could be before. Its name derives from the Latin word capilaris that means “more elevated place”. Due to its unconquerable character it was one of the last places in being conquered by the Arabs and later by the Christians. In the Nasrid period it was part of the Taha or administrative division of Poqueira. Capileira was scene of the fights between Boabdil and his uncle El Zagal. After the fall of Granada its population continued being Muslim until with the rebellion of 1568 the Moorish were expelled by Felipe II. Later the town was repopulated by settlers of other parts of the Kingdom.

In an Arab oven of Capileira they are still cooking magnificent pieces of bread, ideals to dip and to accompany the traditional Alpujarra’s dish, formed by potatoes a lo pobre, fried egg, jam, chorizo and black pudding. The hunting meat is always present in the local diet. Another of its typical recipes is choto capilurrio and the fennel stew. Its jams are also exquisites.

Museums and monuments

- Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María La Mayor : It was raised in the XVIII century over one of 1502 that replaced the old mosque. It houses a beautiful baroque altarpiece made in wood of the XVII century and one image of the Virgen de la Cabeza donated by the Catholic Kings.

- Museo Pedro Antonio de Alarcón