|
|
 |
| |
|
Home > Travel Spain > Spain Destinations > Loja
Loja
Spain, also known as Kingdom of Spain, is one of the oldest inhabited regions on the planet. It is a country which is located in Southern Europe, and politically organized as a parliamentary monarchy. It is the largest sovereign nation of the three nations that make up the Iberian Peninsula. Administratively, Spain is divided into 50 provinces, grouped into 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities with a high degree of autonomy. The name Spain comes from the Latin name Hispania whose capital is Madrid which is also the largest city of the Country.
In a narrow valley dominated by the barren limestone massif of the Sierra de Loja, this small town is divided in two by the Genil river and is situated on the western edge of the fertile vega plain of Granada, with its undulating countryside of olive groves and cereal fields. Occupying what was historically an important strategic position, Loja acted as a defensive centre under the Moors, who exploited the town's geographical location to guard the plain. Its military significance as a Moorish stronghold can be seen today in the remnants of walls and a tower of the former Islamic Alcazaba citadel.
Loja also has several interesting churches, the best of which is the 16th-century Iglesia de San Gabriel, designed by Diego de Siloe, which has many fine Renaissance architectural features. Built over the site of an old mosque, the Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Encarnacion was designed by the neoclassical architect Ventura Rodríguez and has Gothic and Mudéjar elements and an elegant belfry.
A few kilometres outside Loja on the Rio Genil are a series of waterfalls that have been designated a protected area, Los Infiernos de Loja Natural Monument, a pleasant shady spot for a riverside picnic. A possible future protected natural park, the limestone Sierra de Loja, provides a dramatic backdrop to the town, its highest point the Cerro de Santa Lucía at 1,671m.With over 50 caves close to town, caving is popular activity, along with hang-gliding, fishing, hiking and cycling.
Loja, as the town of best geographical environment can trace its origins back to prehistoric times. This is evident from the archaeological sites found throughout the town. Today, one can also learn about its history, from its earliest times and accept gain enthusiasm in its natural beauty and populace.
Back to Spain Destinations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|