Lugros
by Saskia Mier
Lugros is a mountainous municipality in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park at an altitude of over 1,000 metres. this makes it an interesting place for visitors who will see totally different landscapes if they visit in summer and winter.
History
Although the town’s economy was based on mining in prehistoric times, its name Lugros, however, does not allude to any of the metals the Romans came to find, but rather to wolves, which must also have been abundant in this area at the time. From the Latin word, lupus (meaning “wolf”) was later derived into Luberos, then Lubros, and now Lugros.
From the eighth century onward, the Arabs began to occupy this area, and during the Nasrid period, this town was a hamlet dependent on Beas de Guadix. In 1489, it was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs, and from then on was gradually repopulated with Old Christians.
Things to see
Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua
There is evidence to suggest that there was any small oratory in Lugros during the Muslim era, either before or after the General Conversion, nor is there any evidence of the construction of any small church after 1500. At the beginning of the sixteenth century, a chapel was built on the site of an old blacksmith’s shop to provide Christian care for the local workers. In 1603, the Marquis, at the request of the residents, arranged for the construction of a larger chapel. The construction of the current church of Lugros began on April 9, 1702, with the approval of Pedro de Palacio, according to records in the archives of the Bishopric of Guadix-Baza. On 11 March 1748, the farmers and residents of Lugros asked a priest to come to the church to give them the sacraments and teach them Christian doctrine. Bishop Miguel de San José intervened in this matter and, with the Marquis of Lugros, reached some agreements or rules. With these agreements, the Parish of Lugros was established in 1753, with its first priest, Manuel Ochoa, appointed by the Marquis after approaching the Bishop and the Provisor, Juan Antonio de Ferrer Varacalde. It is located on Calle Real.
Natural Areas
Sierra Nevada National Park
The Sierra Nevada is a dramatic and extensive mountain range. It is 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, and 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, features 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. More>
Dehesa del Camarate: ‘Bosque Encantado’
One of the most beautiful corners of the Sierra Nevada National Park, which includes one of the best-preserved mixed forests in Andalusia, has become a prime spot to enjoy the autumn season, a spectacle of colours that attracts hikers from many backgrounds, naturalists, and photographers every year. Located on the northern slope of the mountain range, the abundant water and its orientation have fostered extraordinary biodiversity. This authentic treasure trove of botanical gems is home to numerous species of deciduous trees and shrubs, offering a multitude of different landscapes.
Gastronomy
When visiting Lugros, try local dishes such as potaje de San Marcos (chickpea and cod stew), migas (fried breadcrumbs served with pork) and choto al ajillo (garlic lamb). For something sweet, try the pestiños (honey pastries).
Bus Service
There is a bus service from Lugros to Granada City.