A caliphal bridge dating from the 9th century, a MudĂ©jar vault and archaeological remains give Pinos Puente a distinct cultural and historical profile. Also among its features are traces of the former tram service, a weir on the RĂo Cubillas and two routes with different duration estimates. This means that travel planning can take in architectural and archaeological history as well as water engineering and transport.
Bridge, Chapel and Protected Status
The Puente Califal is classified as a caliphal bridge dating from the 9th century and has been a Bien de Interés Cultural since 1922. The century places the bridge in its historical context; the year 1922 refers to its protected status. The bridge is crowned by a chapel dedicated to the Virgen de las Angustias. Locally, it is known as “La casica de la Virgen”; its vault is in the Mudéjar style. Its dedication and construction add two specific architectural and cultural details to the historical context.
Cerro de los Infantes, also located in the municipality of Pinos Puente, is a Bien de Interés Cultural designated as an archaeological zone. Here, an archaeological zone is the focus, whereas the Puente Califal is a structure. Their shared designation connects the two subjects without equating their distinct types of cultural heritage.
Archaeological Remains and Technical Traces
The Iberian reliefs known as “Los Caballicos” depict horses associated with a deity worshipped by the Iberian people; the reliefs have been restored. By contrast, the focus at Peñón de Zujaira is on caves hewn by people into the rock. They form a necropolis dating from the Copper Age. The archaeological sites therefore differ both in form and in the period to which they belong.
The Centro de InterpretaciĂłn de la Ruta Colombina is housed in an 18th-century building and serves as both a tourist information center and a museum. Its dual function combines visitor information with a museum. The Parque Municipal de TranvĂas occupies the site of the former tram station; tram tracks are still preserved in the ground there. They are a reminder of the site’s former use.
The Media Luna de Pinos also adds to the picture of the area’s technical heritage. This crescent-shaped weir is an engineering structure that dams and regulates the water of the RĂo Cubillas. Its form and function go together: this is water engineering, not a naturally formed landform.
Routes and Practical Information
The Ruta del Agua is a low-intensity route that you can complete on foot, by bicycle, by car or on horseback. Its approximate duration is given as 40 minutes. The Ruta ArqueolĂłgica is described as a medium-duration route, taking approximately one hour. This allows you to make a rough comparison between the time required for the two routes; the actual duration may vary depending on the mode of transport and conditions. Check local conditions before setting out.
A section of the Camino Mozárabe, which leads towards the Camino de Santiago, runs through the area around Pinos Puente. Pinos Puente has a municipal hostel, the Albergue Refugio Municipal del Camino Mozárabe, at Calle Vereda La Alameda 1, 18240 Pinos Puente. Check the hostel’s operating arrangements before travelling.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Valderrubio, Cúllar, Ferreira, Benalúa De Las Villas, Albolote, Gójar, Güevéjar, Colomera.
For the main travel overview: Granada.
