Gareth in Granada: A visit to the Sacromonte Caves
Written by Gareth Danaher
With a cloudy Saturday afternoon looming I was thinking of things to do while having my breakfast, a tostas de jamón serrano y tomate (toasted bread with serrano ham & tomato) around Granada and that’s when I stumbled upon the Sacromonte Caves (Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte) roughly translates to Sacromonte Caves Museum.
I took a taxi here as it can be difficult getting a bus but if you do want to take the bus it’s the number C34. From where I got the taxi near my accommodation at Plaza de Toros it took around fifteen minutes and was about €9-11.
Ticket entry to the caves is only €5 which is very reasonable. It is a self-guided tour and roughly can last around 45 minutes - 1 hour but of course as it’s self guided it’s totally up to you how long you spend there.
The Sacromonte Caves (Cueva de Sacromonte) in Granada, Spain, are a historic and culturally significant site, famous for their unique cave dwellings, which are carved into the hillsides of the Sacromonte district. These caves are deeply intertwined with the history of Granada, flamenco music, and the Romani community.
Early History
Origins: The Sacromonte caves have a history that dates back to at least the 16th century, although some believe that cave dwellings in the region could have existed since Roman or even prehistoric times. The caves themselves are carved into the rocky hillsides of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering both shelter and protection from the region’s hot summers and cold winters.
Romani Influence: The caves became home to the Romani (Gypsy) community, who began arriving in Granada in the 15th century after fleeing persecution in other parts of Spain. This community played a crucial role in the development of the flamenco tradition. Over time, the caves became associated with flamenco performances, and their acoustics made them an ideal location for this passionate and soulful form of music and dance.
19th Century
Flamenco’s Birthplace: The caves of Sacromonte became a key center for flamenco, especially in the 19th century. Flamenco performances in these caves were informal, with music and dance happening in the open air or within the caves themselves. The blending of Romani, Andalusian, Jewish, and Moorish influences led to the creation of what we know today as flamenco.
Tourism and Recognition: By the mid-1800s, Sacromonte began attracting tourists who were intrigued by the unique cave dwellings and the vibrant flamenco culture. Artists, poets, and writers, including the famous Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, were drawn to the area. Lorca often mentioned Sacromonte in his works and was inspired by the flamenco traditions in the caves.
20th Century
Cultural Heritage: In the early 20th century, Sacromonte's caves continued to be a hub for flamenco performances, and the district’s reputation grew as a center of Andalusian culture. This period saw the development of more permanent structures around the caves, with families continuing to live in them while maintaining the tradition of flamenco music.
Preservation Efforts: The increasing popularity of the caves and their cultural importance led to efforts to preserve the area. In the mid-1900s, the Spanish government and local authorities started to protect the Sacromonte caves, recognizing their cultural value and historical significance.
Modern Day
Sacromonte Abbey: Overlooking the caves is the historic **Sacromonte Abbey (Abadía del Sacromonte)**, built in the 17th century. The abbey houses religious relics and has also become a symbol of the area. The Sacromonte district continues to attract visitors who want to experience the historic caves, flamenco performances, and the stunning views of Granada and the Alhambra from the hillside.
Flamenco and Cultural Tourism: Today, Sacromonte is still closely associated with flamenco. Many of the caves are used as venues for flamenco shows, where tourists can experience the raw emotion and artistry of this traditional Spanish art form. The Sacromonte caves and their history have become an essential part of Granada’s identity, blending ancient traditions with modern cultural tourism.
