Loja by rejseinformation og video

Loja

Loja is situated on the western side of the province of Granada, in Andalusia. Bordering to
the north Iznajar (Province of Cordoba), Zagra, Algarinejo and Montefrio; to the south Alfarnate (Province of Malaga), Zafarraya and Alhama; to the east with Huétor-Tájar, Villanueva Mesía and Salar and to the west with Villanueva del Trabuco, Archidona, Villanueva de Algaida y Villanueva de Tapia (Province of Malaga).

Loja was considered the door to the kingdom of Granada, due to its position between two mountain ranges, which appear as strong bastions.

Natural surroundings
Its terrain is rugged and picturesque; in the so-called "Sierras de Loja "(Mountains of Loja), Sierra Gorda represents its highest peak, 1,671 m above sea level. Nevazo, Loma de las Semillas, Leche, Cerro de los Machos, Las Cabras, Cueva
Horadada, Lagunillas, Sopalmillo, Ranchuelo and Pajonares, are very attractive places for hunters, archaeologists and pot-holers. The mountains of North, Hacho and Tiravira tower above the town and from the top you can enjoy a wonderful view the surrounding countryside.

History
Loja, was an old Moorish town, originally known as Medina Lawsa, it was taken by the Christians in 1486 and named "flower among thorns" by the
catholic Queen Isabella. Howeer, its Islamic heritage can be felt whilst wandering in the quarter of the Alcazaba, or fortress. The Christians erected grandiose temples and civil buildings, and, in the 19th century, the Narváez
family embellished the town with palaces and gardens.

Transport
Strategically placed in the heart of Andalusia, it represents an ideal base for exploring the region. Located just by the A-92 motorway, Loja also has a railway station and is just 35 minutes from the airports of Granada and Malaga.

About town
In Loja there are numerous springs such as the one which feeds this fountain, also called Fuente de la Mora or fountain of the Moorish maiden.

The Antigua Casa de Cabildos is a beautiful example of the civil architecture of the 16th century. It is located on the Plaza de la Constitucion and currently houses the public library.

The Alcazaba and Caserón de los Alcaides Cristianos is a 10th century fortified area on a hill in the heart of Loja, which the Christians used to build the Renaissance Caserón de los Alcaides Cristianos inside.

Climate
The climate is mild and quite dry, with temperatures reaching 40-42ºC during the summer months, to -5/-7ºC on the coldest winter days.