Cenes de la Vega

Cenes de la Vega is located in the region traditionally known as La Campana Granadina, a term referring to the lands formerly under the jurisdiction of a parish, which has been said, perhaps a little romantically, covers all the lands where the ringing of the bell in the Torre de la Vega in the Alhambra can be heard. The reference to the proximity of Granada could also be used in the case of Vega Huétor, which sits between Sierra Nevada and Granada, only 5 kilometres from the city of Alhambra.

Documentary sources on its history are scarce and fragmentary, little being known before the 16th century. Although it can reasonably be assumed that because of its proximity to Granada, Cenes was involved in the same historical vicissitudes that affected the capital during the different Islamic periods.

As far as its inhabitants are concerned, we know that the Moslems living in the city of Granada  only moved to Cenes during the time of silk production. This medieval socio-economic structure was subjected to a significant change after the Moorish uprising of the Alpujarras, the town of Cenes required a total repopulation after the expulsion of the Moors in order to stimulate the process of agriculture of the region.

 Urban repopulation was a slow process which took place over several centuries, particularly during the second half of the 20th century and especially in the last ten years when the population increased due to a steady influx from many other parts of the province.

Cenes de la Vega is part of the route of Rutas de Al-Andalus, Route Munz. Hieronymus Munzer, an Austrian doctor who travelled in Spain between 1494 and 1495, wrote an account of his journey through this region after the Spanish conquest. This route is also known as Camino Real, which joined Granada and Almeria with inland regions and is one of the oldest roads in Al-Andalus.

Monuments

Iglesia Parroquial (Parish church, modern construction.)

Archaeological Sites

Remains of the Barrio de la Venta.

Gastronomy

The region boasts excellent quality tomatoes, potatoes, onions and peppers, which are used for making dishes such as beef estofaillo.  Also available is a wide variety of sausages, black puddings and longaniza. Cenes is home to some of the best restaurants in the province.

Directions

Leave Granada. Turn left: Carretera de la Sierra. Pass Lancha del Genil and Lancha de. Cenes. Enter Cenes de la Vega.

Distances