Chimeneas
Chimeneas was initially a small farming settlement. According to some authors, it owes its unusual name to travellers who, from afar, saw the smoke from the first houses in the village. It has a population of around 1,500.
History
The town consists of two population centres: Chimeneas and its hamlet, Castillo de Tajarja. Situated north of the Temple plateau and bordering the Vega de Granada, the two centres share characteristics of both regions. While the exact origin of the town is unknown, some archaeological remains dating back to pre-Arab times have been found. More>
Things to see
Iglesia Parroquial
The church is the town's most prominent building. It was partially destroyed in the 1884 earthquake and rebuilt years later using funds from all over Spain. Inside, you can admire a perfectly restored altarpiece dating from the sixteenth century. While there is no information about the church’s original construction, it is known that the reconstruction was relatively recent, involving the addition of two side aisles to the central nave. The church tower was built in 1798. The church's most notable artistic feature is the main altarpiece, which was reused from another church as it lacked one in 1755. It is located on Calle Jardín.
Ermita de la Virgen del Carmen
This is a small chapel with simple architectural lines, dating from the late nineteenth century. It was built by the villagers in gratitude for the fact that, during the Christmas 1824 earthquakes, also known as the 'Andalusian earthquake', there were no personal injuries despite the serious damage caused to houses and the church. The chapel is presided over by a small shrine containing a statue of the Virgen del Carmen. It is located on Avenida de Granada.
Things to see outside the town
Castillo de Tajarja
Only two sections of the walls remain visible of this small castle, which apparently had a trapezoidal plan. These walls feature doorways formed by slightly pointed horseshoe arches. The walls are crenellated, each with five merlons. To the north of the small square between the castle and the house of the lords of the manor, which is included within the fortress enclosure, the west and north walls must have corresponded to the castle’s outer wall. It is located south west of the town.
Countryside walks
Chimeneas is situated next to the Zarzas ravine, surrounded by fertile land, thanks to the nearby Genil River. To enjoy the surrounding nature, visitors can go horseback riding and hiking.
Bus Services
There is a bus service from Chimeneas to Granada City. More>
Gastronomy
When visiting Chimeneas, try local dishes such as morcilla de sábado (cured sausage), tortilla de collejas (wild herb omelette) and potaje de vigilia (chickpea stew).
Festivals
Popular festivals in Chimeneas are Fiestas de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Fiestas de San Judas Tadeo, La Candelaria and Semana Santa. More>
Weather forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Chimeneas. More>
Tourist office
The tourist office of Chimeneas is located in the Town Hall. More>
Villages Nearby
The neighbouring villages to Chimeneas are Láchar and Ventas de Huelma.