Fuente Vaqueros
A visit to Fuente Vaqueros is the perfect way to learn about the life and works of Federico García Lorca, one of Spain's finest writers and poets. The house where he was born has been converted into a museum. Here, visitors can see the room where he was born, as well as his bedroom, which was separated from his parents' bedroom by a curtain. The museum also contains his cradle, as well as three frames displaying photos of his childhood, school friends and his baptism certificate. Next to the museum, in the centre of the village, are the historical archives where García Lorca’s written documents, recordings, and images of his life and work are kept. The village has a population of around 4,200.
History
When Granada fell to Christian hands in 1492, King Fernando and Queen Isabel distributed the fertile lands of the Vega among their nobles, but they were careful to reserve the estate known as Soto de Roma for the Crown as a hunting ground and place of recreation. On this 1,500-hectare estate, traditionally covered with tamarisk groves, poplar groves, avenues, elm groves, and willow groves, the Royal Palace was built at an undetermined date, according to a document by Pedro de Aguilar. More>
Things to see
Casa-Museo natal Federico García Lorca
Federico García Lorca’s birthplace is a typical farmhouse, like many others found in any village in the Granada plains. Built in 1880, when Federico García Rodríguez married his first wife, Matilde Palacios, it is here that Federico was born on June 5, 1898. (Location)
Teatro Federico García Lorca
The theatre opened its doors on June 5, 2000, the 102nd anniversary of the birth of its most illustrious resident, Federico García Lorca. It was inaugurated by Carmen Calvo Poyato, then Minister of Culture for the Regional Government of Andalusia. Its extensive and varied theatre programme is complemented by flamenco performances, film screenings, conferences, lectures, concerts, and exhibitions. With a capacity of 354 seats and a well-established programme over its more than twenty years of operation, it has become a cultural landmark for the residents of the town and surrounding villages. Events such as Cultural Week and the commemoration of the Day of the Federico García Lorca Theatre are held there. Located on Calle Manuel de Falla.
Centro de Estudios Lorquianos
The Lorca Studies Centre is an extension of the FGL Cultural Foundation, whose aims are the conservation and provision of documentary and bibliographic heritage to researchers, and the dissemination of the work and life of Federico García Lorca, with a program of ongoing activities, including conferences, exhibitions, and concerts, along with promotion and support of research projects on Federico García Lorca and his era. Users will have access to a reading room, information, reference, and photocopying services. Original documents may only be consulted with express permission from the Foundation’s representative. Located in Paseo de la Reina.
Sala de Exposiciones del Centro de Estudios Lorquianos
The Exhibition Hall at the Lorca Studies Centre is a space open to all kinds of proposals that take as their starting point some facet of the life, work, or historical context of Federico García Lorca. (Location)
Iglesia Parroquial Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
The church was completed in 1870, but only the tower remains today as the building was demolished and rebuilt in 1954. It is a modest, single-nave church that became a parish church in 1780. It held the privilege of being a royal chapel until 1837. Of particular note, the baptismal font where Federico García Lorca was baptized is located inside, and his baptismal certificate, a valuable document, is preserved in the church archives. Located on Calle Iglesia.
Monumento en recuerdo a las víctimas de la Guerra Civil
On August 1, 2009, the Day of Historical Memory, the central monument was inaugurated paying tribute to the victims of the Spanish Civil War in the town. At its base, there is a plaque with the names of each of the fallen. The inauguration was attended by relatives of the victims, who laid bouquets of flowers and notes in remembrance of their murdered family members.
Busto de Fernando de los Ríos
On 5 June 1988, during the annual commemoration of the poet and playwright's birth, a bust of Fernando de los Ríos, sculpted by Eduardo Carretero, was unveiled. Following this, an exhibition of manuscripts and photographs was opened at Lorca’s birthplace. Those in attendance recalled how Fernando de los Ríos had encouraged Lorca to reside at the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid and travel to New York. After the exhibition opened, attendees were served the traditional mint lemonade that Lorca often offered his visitors. The venue was located in Plaza Dr. Pareja.
Things to see outside the town
Casa Real del Soto de Roma
A small palace surrounded by gardens and exotic trees, it was once the rural property of the Nasrid Kings of Granada. After the Reconquista, it became the property of the Catholic Monarchs, who used it as a hunting and recreational retreat. After 300 years in royal hands, it was gifted by His Majesty King Carlos III to Ricardo Wall in 1756, but in 1777 it reverted to the Crown. This did not last long, however, as in 1813 the Cortes (Spanish Parliament) granted the estate in perpetuity to the Duke of Wellington as a reward for his services during the Peninsular War against the French. It is currently private property and is not open to the public. Located 1km from the town towards Valderrubio.
Bus Services
There is a bus service from Fuente Vaqueros to Granada City, Santa Fé, Chauchina, Escóznar, Valderrubio and Obéilar. More>
Gastronomy
The fertile lands of Fuente Vaqueros mean that the typical diet of the fuenterinos is dominated by high-quality vegetables. The most typical delicacies are leche pava (a type of soup made with eggs), revuelto de espárragos verdes (scrambled eggs with asparagus), choto en salsa (veal in sauce), sopa de pimiento y tomate (tomato and pepper soup), papas en gloria (potato cooked with oil and vinegar) and caracoles en salsa (snails). For something sweet, try the huevos a la nieve (meringues) and roscos de vino (aniseed biscuits).
Festivals
Popular festivals in Fuente Vaqueros are Romería de San Marcos, Día de la Cruz, Fiesta Aniversario del Nacimiento de Federico García Lorca and Fiestas Patronales. More>
Weather forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Fuente Vaqueros. More>
Tourist office
The tourist office of Fuente Vaqueros is located in the Town Hall. More>
Villages Nearby
The neighbouring villages to Fuente Vaqueros are Chauchina and Cijuela.