Seniors Stop In Loja

This is a stop for an enjoyable time in Loja, Spain with a population of just over 21,000. Seniors travelers will find Loja 55 kilometers at the western limit of the province of Granada.

Washed by water from many different rivers and streams, the town has important historic monuments, with palaces, churches, convents, gardens and stately houses. It is surrounded by the so-called Sierra de Lojas, of which the highest peak, Sierra Gorda, stands 1,671 meters above sea-level.

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.

Seniors Visit An Old Moorish Stronghold

Jo Williams notes that Loja is in a “narrow valley dominated by the barren limestone massif of the Sierra de Loja. This small town – divided in two by the Genil river – is situated on the western edge of the fertile plain of Granada, with its undulating countryside of olive groves and cereal fields”.

Occupying what was historically an important strategic position, Loja acted as a defensive centre under the Moors, who exploited the town’s geographical location to guard the plain. Its military significance as a Moorish stronghold can be seen today in the remnants of walls and a tower of the former Islamic Alcazaba (citadel).

Loja also has several interesting churches, the best of which is the 16th-century Iglesia de San Gabriel, designed by Diego de Siloé, which has many fine Renaissance architectural features. Built over the site of an old mosque, the Iglesia de Santa María de la Encarnación has an elegant belfry.

Senior visitors can enjoy Loja‘s fountains and natural springs, such as its 25-spout fountain Fuente de la Mora or fountain of the Moorish maiden, and another named Fuente Santa, renowned for the medicinal properties of its waters.

Seniors Enjoy Cycle Touring And Caving

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.

The surrounding area is ideal for cycle touring and adventure sports such as caving and paragliding, not forgetting fishing at the Riofrío intensive preserve.

Check out the Barceló La Bobadilla, a 1,000 acres private estate resort with 60 rooms and 4 suites. This major resort is in a countryside setting in traditional Andalusian style. Senior visitors will be surrounded with 800 acres of olives trees and oak trees. Sounds good. Google it and dine in typical southern Spainish cuisine in La Finca (the Farm) Restaurant.

Senior visitors will also find Flamenco dancing in Loja that many find highly enjoyable. So set your sites (GPS) for Loja and enjoy this Andalusian prize. -jeb