Capileira

Capileira is a municipality in the Alpujarra of Granada. It is located within the Sierra Nevada National Park and borders Bubión, Pampaneira, Trevélez, Monachil, or Lanjarón.

Like Bubión and Pampaneira, its origins are believed to date back to Roman times. It also underwent a repopulation process after the expulsion of the Moors in the 14th century. Along with Bubión and Pampaneira, it formed part of the Taha de Poqueira, an area that encompassed the entire ravine of the same name. This gave it the status of an Asset of Cultural Interest (B.I.C.), with the typology of a Historic Ensemble.

Capileira is one of the highest municipalities in Andalusia and Spain, a title shared with Trevélez and Güejar Sierra. This is due to its municipal boundaries including the peaks of Mulhacén (3,478 meters in altitude) and Veleta (3,398 meters in altitude). The population centre itself is located at 1,426 meters above sea level.

It is a reference point for enthusiasts of mountaineering and hiking, a natural high-altitude space that connects rural corners of the Alpujarra with Sierra Nevada. Its location allows you to choose between entering the Poqueira Ravine or climbing the high peaks of the Sierra.

As in Bubión or Pampaneira, the Berber-Alpujarra architecture of “terraos” and white houses are characteristic elements of Capileira, all mixed with an important gastronomic offering typical of the Alpujarra.

Besides the typical washhouses present in all the villages of the Alpujarra, Capileira has other noteworthy heritage elements. We are talking about the Church of Our Lady of the Head. Inside, there is a 17th-century Baroque altarpiece in gilded wood. There is also an outstanding image of the Virgin of the Head donated by the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century.

In Capileira, you can also find the Pedro Antonio de Alarcón House-Museum, a space dedicated to the work of the well-known writer. In addition, it serves as a museum of Alpujarra's customs and traditions.

All this has led Capileira to be part of the Network of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain.