The GR-142 passes through Mecina-Fondales; at the same time, Mecina’s layout follows the contours of the hillside. This brings together two distinct themes: long-distance hiking and a settlement pattern whose streets and buildings are closely linked to the terrain and agriculture.
Hiking trails in and around Mecina Fondales
The GR-142 is a 144-kilometre linear long-distance hiking trail from Lanjarón to Fiñana that passes through Mecina-Fondales. It was officially approved and signposted in 2001. Municipal Route 6 links Mecina and Ferreirola via the Escarihuela de Fondales, Cerro Corona and the Escarihuela de Panjuila. In addition, signposted hiking trails connect Mecina, Mecinilla and Fondales. The municipal routes in La Taha are signposted on the ground and are complemented by seven downloadable brochures. Before setting out on a hike, it is worth checking trail conditions and the available information.
Hillside setting and historic cultural landscape
Mecina’s layout is adapted to the contours of the hillside. The village is built around a communal threshing floor; from there, the streets radiate downhill. Tinaos, galleries, passageways and lanes shape the traditional streetscape. The protected cultural landscape also links the settlement with cultivation: Area 2 of the protected historic site includes the village centre of Mecina and its terraced cultivation zone. The traditionally built-up areas and the agricultural land form an inseparable protected heritage system. The historic area of La Tahá comprises six settlement units, including Mecina-Fondales.
Church and Puente Romano
The church of Mecina-Fondales has a single-nave rectangular layout, side chapels and a tower adjoining the chancel. Work was carried out on the church in 1536; it may have been a former mosque building consecrated as a church. In 1564, the interior was decorated with glazed ceramic embellishments.
The structure known as Puente Romano crosses the TrevĂ©lez River and was part of the old royal road to AlmerĂa. It probably dates from the Islamic period. The remains of an old grain mill can be seen beside the bridge. Together, these details lead from the history of the routes to the buildings associated with the historic use of the village.
Water and culture in Mecina
At the edge of Mecina, a path leads to the Alberca Grande, a large water reservoir. It regulates irrigation times and water allocations in this area. Mecina also has a spring with iron-rich water. The public washhouse, Lavadero pĂşblico de Mecina-Fondales, is in Mecina-Fondales.
The former school buildings of Mecina now house the Centro de Estudios de Sierra Nevada y la Alpujarra (CESNA), a cultural space for meetings, exhibitions and various events. The events programme may vary depending on the date; if you plan to attend an event, check the specific dates.
Discover more destinations: Ferreirola.
Return to the main travel overview: La Mamola.
