Lanteira
Lanteira has origins linked to the mining of silver, as there were large quantities of this material in the locality, however, the passage of time has depleted this natural resource. It has about 530 inhabitants.
History
Evidence of prehistoric settlements has been found in the area of Lanteira, indicating that it has been inhabited since ancient times.
During Roman rule, the town was part of the Via Augusta, an important trade route linking the southern Iberian Peninsula with the rest of the Roman Empire. Later, with the arrival of the Muslims in the eighth century, the town gained great strategic importance due to its location on a hill, which gave it a privileged defensive position. In the sixteenth century, with the Christian conquest of Granada, Lanteira came under the rule of the Crown of Castile. During this period, the town experienced significant growth, and its architecture was enriched with the construction of churches and stately homes.
Over the centuries, Lanteira has witnessed various historical events that have left their mark on the town. During the Peninsular War in the nineteenth century, the town suffered the consequences of the fighting and French occupation. Today, Lanteira preserves its charm and traditions, and its residents are proud of their historical heritage. The town has preserved its typical Andalusian architecture, with cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses, creating a picturesque and welcoming atmosphere.
Things to see
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación
A church located in the town’s main square; this seventeenth century building is one of the last examples of a new church built in the region in the Mudejar tradition. Its design dates back to 1653, so it was likely built in the following years. The interior consists of a single nave and a main chapel separated by a large semicircular triumphal arch, both very wide in relation to their height. The church’s most notable feature is the presence of simple coffered ceilings decorated with original polychrome work on the beams and the surrounding frieze. It has a high choir stall at the foot, made of wood reinforced with a wrought-iron column. Its main altar is presided over by the image of the Santo Cristo de las Penas, patron saint of Lanteira. The exterior is sober, with whitewashed walls, although the side doorway is more monumental, composed of pilasters and a plastered brick entablature. The tower is notable, robust and crowned by a wide bell tower topped with a belfry resembling a metal temple. Outside, a plaque and a bust commemorate the former Bishop of Guadix-Baza, Blessed Medina Olmos, a native of Lanteira. Located in Plaza de la Concordia.
El Fuerte
A farm tower, situated within a walled enclosure, in the form of a fortified wall, of which there appear to be remains in the walls located at the edge of the slope that descends to the river, where a bridge and a medieval path can be seen. Its floor plan is slightly rectangular, measuring 14.40x14.10m, and it currently stands at a height of about 6.50m, with two floors. The ground floor is built with masonry walls, while the second floor is constructed with adobe walls 1.15m thick, with up to three levels of caissons preserved on the north side. Located on Calle Fuerte.
Ermita del Camino de Jérez
Newly built chapel due to road widening. It was previously situated on the left side of the road but is now located on the right side. Located on Camino de Jérez.
Ermita del Camino de Alquife
Despite being a small town, Lanteira has many shrines in its surroundings, almost all of them dedicated to the Ánimas Benditas and Virgen del Carmen. They are located at the village’s exits, along the roads. The one on the Camino de Alquife is also known as the “miners’ road” where many miners would go to work praying for protection. The shrine we see today is a new construction, as the old one was demolished when the road was widened. Located on Camino de Alquife.
Things to see outside the town
Castillo de la Reina
A small fortress located on the most prominent part of the hill, associated with a larger settlement that occupied the entire summit. Two phases of occupation are documented: one early medieval between the eighth and tenth centuries, and another Almohad period from the early Nasrid period, in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It preserves almost its entire perimeter, although its most important remains are in the west and south. To the south are three towers, the central one being of considerable size; between it and the one at the western end is a double wall, perhaps a curved access to the enclosure. The west side preserves two corner towers and the wall that connects them, all with their respective claws. Located southwest of the town.
Natural Areas
The Sierra Nevada is a dramatic, rugged and extensive mountain range, the highest in Europe after the Alps and the most significant section of the Cordillera Penibética. The protected central area of National Park encompasses 85,883Ha of snowy summits, torrential rivers, sheer-sided gorges, stony scree slopes, glacial lakes. An outer protection ring denominated Natural Park of 86,335Ha between the National Park and the foothills such as Alpujarras in the south featuring cultivated terraces of almond trees and vegetables. Popular activities in the parks include skiing, hiking, mountain biking and summer camps. One can simply travel and discover its fauna and flora, see its lagoons and have an adventure in this vast area of land.
Bus Service
There is a bus service from Lanteira to Granada City. The bus station in Lanteira is on Avenida del Gobernador Pedro Temboury. More>
Gastronomy
When visiting Lanteira, try local dishes such as potaje con hinojos (fennel stew), migas (fried breadcrumbs served with pork), choto al ajillo (garlic lamb), pelotas (chickpea soup), espinacas con nueces y granados (spinach with walnuts and popmegranate) and jarugas con cebolletas (borad bean and chorizo stew). For something sweet, try the potaje de bolones (chestnuts in syrup), bizcocho de dátiles (date spongecake) and mouse de limón (lemon mousse).
Festivals
Popular festivals in Lanteira are Fiestas Patronales, Jueves Lardero, San Marcos and Fiestas Patronales en honor al Santo Cristo de las Penas.
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Lanteira. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Lanteira is located in the Town Hall. More>
Nearby Places
The neighbouring villages to Lanteira are Jérez del Marquesado and Alquife.