baza,granada villages

Baza

Baza is the largest municipality in Granada, known primarily for its sulphurous waters and the Sierra de Baza Natural Park, which boasts a fairly high average altitude. This park is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as hiking trails and bird-watching areas.

With a continental Mediterranean climate, Baza is a perfect place to enjoy historical monuments and natural tours through its mountains. The combination of its rich cultural heritage and impressive natural landscapes makes Baza an ideal destination for tourists seeking an authentic and diverse experience.

Origin of Baza

Although the current name was given by the Romans, Baza was already inhabited in the Iberian period, being the capital of Bastetania and known as Basti. During this period, Basti was an important commercial and cultural centre. After the Muslim conquest, the city became known as medina Batza, and it became an important strategic and defensive enclave in the kingdom of al-Andalus.

The history of Baza is marked by its cultural diversity, with Iberian, Roman, and Muslim influences reflected in its architecture, traditions, and customs. Among the most notable monuments are the Alcazaba, an Arab fortress offering panoramic views of the city, and the Iglesia Mayor, built on the site of an ancient mosque.

Additionally, Baza is famous for its Dama de Baza, an Iberian sculpture dating back to the 4th century BC, discovered in 1971. This figure is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and is exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid.

Tourism

Baza is a municipality with a rich historical legacy, located near the Sierra de Baza Natural Park, with peaks reaching up to 2270 metres in height. This park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and cycling routes, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Some of the places you can visit in Baza include:

Baza tourism
  • Archaeological Museum of Baza: Located in the old Town Hall, this museum houses a collection of artefacts that narrate the rich history of the region. (map)
  • Interpretation Centre of the Archaeological Sites: This centre is located on Cerro Cepero and is the perfect place to learn more about the origins of Baza and its past through 3D videos and virtual reality. (map)
  • Iberian-Roman City of Basti: The ancient city of Baza located on Cerro Cepero, where the famous Lady of Baza was found, a great example of an Iberian funerary statue, which can be found in reproduction form in the Archaeological Museum. (map)
  • Alcazaba of Baza: A great fortress in the past, although currently only some remains of its walls are preserved, and it is undergoing restoration. (map)
  • Arab Baths: Located under a house, these baths have been declared a National Monument and are among the few that managed to survive Christian fundamentalism, which thought they were brothels and places of perdition. (map)
  • Cave Houses: These dwellings carved into the rock have the peculiarity of maintaining the same temperature throughout the year, offering a unique lodging experience. (map)

Gastronomy

A visit to Baza can include tasting its rich gastronomy. Among the typical dishes of Baza, we highlight:

  • Gachas tortas: A traditional dish made with corn flour, water, salt, and olive oil, served with pieces of chorizo or bacon.
  • Gurupina: A stew that combines flour, cod, potatoes, pepper, onion, and mushrooms, creating a unique and comforting flavour.
  • Testuz: A hearty dish that includes beans, black pudding, pig's ear, and potatoes, among other ingredients, ideal for cold days.
  • Gurullos: A pasta stew with partridge or hare, slowly cooked to bring out the flavours of the meat and spices.
  • Migas serranas: A typical mountain dish made with crumbled bread, garlic, olive oil, and accompanied by chorizo, bacon, or peppers.

Don't forget to try the sausages and serrano ham from Baza, which are of high quality and have a unique flavour from the mountains. These products are ideal for enjoying as tapas or as part of a more elaborate meal.

Fairs and Festivals in Baza

The Fair and Festivals of Baza are one of the most anticipated events of the year, held from the 6th to the 15th of September. During these days, the city comes alive with a wide variety of activities for all ages, including concerts, craft fairs, and sporting events.

One of the most notable events is the Cascamorras Race, a tradition that dates back over 500 years and has been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest. In this race, participants paint themselves black and run through the streets of Baza and Guadix, creating a festive and unique atmosphere. The Cascamorras Race is a celebration full of energy and excitement, attracting visitors from all over.

How to Get to Baza from Málaga

To get to Baza from Málaga by car, take the A-92 road towards Granada. Along the way, you will pass through the towns of Loja, Granada, and Guadix. As you approach Baza, you will skirt the impressive Sierra de Baza Natural Park. The journey takes approximately just over 2 hours, offering panoramic views and a pleasant drive.

If you need a rental car in Málaga or a taxi to Baza, feel free to contact us. We have a wide selection of vehicles to suit all budgets, ensuring you find the perfect option for your trip.

In the following map, you can see the recommended route to get to Baza:


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