CAVE HOUSES IN SPAIN? A DAY IN GRANADA
Caves Where?
For a change away from the hustle and bustle in Barcelona or Madrid, Granada is an excellent choice. Granada is an hours' drive from Valencia and easily accessible. In Granada, there is a province named Guadix which you cannot miss. Why? Because in Guadix lies the highest concentration of cave houses and Troglodyte ( cave dweller) comes to mind and you can spot them at every turn.
The change in landscape as you neared Guadix is amazing. From afar, you will spot from far the plains When you are cruising along the road,
For generations dated back to 16th century, the people in Guadix have lived underground, in cave dwellings, and still are. These dwellings were dug out from hills, made of clay and rooms varies in shapes and sizes according to functions.
As I have learnt the front door of the dwellings are often painted white and extends right underground into the hills. Cave quarters are located mainly in Guadix
Cueva Museo
We went to Cueva Museo, located in Purullena a short drive away from nearby Guadix.
Living Museum
Also known as Museo La Inmaculada and had a tour round the cave house. This house is currently inhabited by a family as well as opened for tourists visits. The host and his family is currently the 5th generation living in the cave house made from his forefathers and he now holds the responsibility of restoring these 3 caves, which made up the Museum. The host spoke good English and was detailed in his explanation on his tour, letting us know exactly the history and functions of the rooms in the caves etc.
Cueva Museo is the centre of the province and holds a panoramic view of the province
Have a look inside the house!
Entrance to Cave 1 from the courtyard on ground level.
In the courtyard, you can see a chicken, duck coop.
The first part of the tour brings us to the part of the present-day of the cave's living conditions.
The caves now have all the modern features necessary — internet, heater, fridge, television.
Here's the main hall.
The baby of the host. Remember this is a 'living' museum and the host and his family are still living in the cave house.
Toys belonging to the children in the house.
Ancient Pottery play an important role in Guadix since ancient days for the locals and every houselhold will have a porttery workshop of sorts.
2nd Cave
Located on 2nd level and features the ancient style and condition of the dwelling.
Be in awe.
2nd level is where the bedrooms and nursery are and are adorned with ancient furniture passed down from centuries.
The previous generations who have lived in this cave house.
2nd cave's exit.
Azure Sky and Clouds
At the rooftop of the house, lies the 3rd cave where you can get an unperturbed view of Guadix and holds another amazing stuff assortment of old collections of tools, furniture and potteries in ancient Gaudix.
Treasures Within
Inside the 3rd cave, the rich pottery tradition of Granada is reflected through the numerous displays of work such as the accitanas — the local jar (foreground, left) in the Cueva Museo.
Intricately baked with red clay.
More sightings of pottery and bronze wares.
Outdoors, the cliffs on the far end are where the main concentrations of cave dwellings and Sierra Nevada are.
The modern day Guadix is no longer filled with cave dwellings but also a bustling town with concrete buildings of shops, shopping centre and churches.
Beautiful fluffy clouds against the sky.
Accommodation in Guadix/ Purullena.
Get a taste of cave house living.
[check pricings]
Entrance Fee General: €2,50
8:30 am - 20:00 pm
Timing varies according to seasons.
Cueva Museo La Inmaculada.
C/Carretera de Granada. Nº 80.
C.P. 18.519 PURULLENA, (Granada)
SPAIN.
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