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Cerro de la Encina is an archaeological site from the Argaric culture and the Late Bronze Age (approximately 2000 – 900 BC). It is likely one of the main Argaric population centres that existed in the province of Granada.
It is located atop a hill and its slopes at 780 m above sea level, on the right bank of the Monachil River. This population dominated the Granada plain and the Monachil valley. Here, they could exploit the natural resources of the fertile lands and Sierra Nevada.
This settlement of Cerro de la Encina spread over much of the hill where it is located, including the northern slope around the central depression. Only a small part of the site has been excavated to date.
According to the studies conducted, several periodic phases have been identified. J. J. Eiroa established their order as follows:
The settlement was protected by a wall and several stone bastions, as was customary in its time. The settlement's houses were built with adobe or rammed earth walls, mostly rectangular in plan. Some buildings in the settlement had an apsidal plan.
Among the structures found in the homes, there are noteable stone pavements, slate or schist slab containers, stone benches, and milling benches. The mills were made of schist with a slightly concave surface. A millstone, also made of schist or quartzite, was used to grind grain and pour it into a ceramic container. An interesting fact is that this milling task was mostly performed by the women of the settlement, as evidenced by the deformations in their joint skeletons.
The investigations carried out determined that a hierarchical, militarised, and unequal social structure existed among the Argaric population at Cerro de la Encina. In the elevated part of the settlement, burials were identified, where skeletons were accompanied by the richest grave goods.
In general, Argaric burial practices were characterised by being conducted under the floor of a house room. They consisted of simple excavated pits, small caves closed with stone slabs, cists with stone slabs, or masonry walls. Among the funerary offerings found, notable items include earrings, Argaric cups, silver and copper bracelets, awls, and various knife-daggers.
It is worth mentioning that this elevated area was more fortified than the rest.
In Phase III of Cerro de la Encina, corresponding to the Late Bronze Age (increased commercial exchanges with the Tartessos, the Levant, the Ebro Valley, and Phoenician coastal colonies), the first Eastern archaeological evidence was detected. Family houses had an area of 40 square metres in a round or oval shape. The necropolis of this phase has not yet been discovered.
Built: Second half of the 3rd millennium BC - first third of the 1st millennium BC
Style: Argaric culture, Bronze Age
Category: Civil
Type: Archaeological Site
Start your journey in aid climbing with this 2-day course in scenic locations in the province of Granada. You'll learn techniques for ascending walls that require the use of anchors and protection in the rock, progressing with the use of hooks or etriers.
With this course, you'll improve your skills with the guidance of experienced instructors and the latest equipment. You'll receive advanced techniques and tips that will be invaluable in your future adventures. Additionally, the course environment will be a controlled setting.
Are you ready to take on this life-changing challenge?
Are you interested in getting started with sport climbing? This course is perfect for you, designed for beginners who want to climb with greater safety. It takes place over two days and includes both natural rock and climbing gym sessions. The outdoor climbing day will be held in unique locations in the province of Granada, such as the Sierra Nevada National Park, Los Cahorros (Monachil), or the Sierra de la Alfaguara.
No prior experience is required, and you’ll enjoy a safe and fun climbing course. The price includes the guidance of a Level 2 sport climbing technician, personal equipment if needed (climbing shoes, helmet, and harness), group equipment, accident and liability insurance, as well as pre-activity consultation.
This course specializes in trad climbing or traditional climbing, ideal for those with sport climbing experience who want to explore more adventurous terrain. It focuses on advanced techniques for using cams, setting up belay stations, placing nuts, and rope management. These techniques are essential for climbing single or multi-pitch routes without fixed protection. Thanks to this course, you will gain confidence and safety in using these tools.
You will train in the beautiful natural settings of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, which are perfect for this course. Certified instructors will accompany and guide you through adapted routes, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.
Make your reservation and take on your new challenge in Sierra Nevada. Level up your skills in just two days!
This activity is perfect for those looking to experience top-rope sport climbing in a unique way: "blindfolded." Why "blindfolded"? Because it helps develop essential skills such as self-confidence, trust in your team, fear management, and focus. Led by Francisco Javier Aguilar Amoedo, a fully blind para-climber and world runner-up, this adventure offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Book your "blindfolded" top-rope climb today and discover valuable techniques and tips for future climbing challenges. No prior experience required—just bring your enthusiasm!
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Start your journey in aid climbing with this 2-day course in scenic locations in the province of Granada. You'll learn techniques for ascending walls that require the use of anchors and protection in the rock, progressing with the use of hooks or etriers.
With this course, you'll improve your skills with the guidance of experienced instructors and the latest equipment. You'll receive advanced techniques and tips that will be invaluable in your future adventures. Additionally, the course environment will be a controlled setting.
Are you ready to take on this life-changing challenge?
Are you interested in getting started with sport climbing? This course is perfect for you, designed for beginners who want to climb with greater safety. It takes place over two days and includes both natural rock and climbing gym sessions. The outdoor climbing day will be held in unique locations in the province of Granada, such as the Sierra Nevada National Park, Los Cahorros (Monachil), or the Sierra de la Alfaguara.
No prior experience is required, and you’ll enjoy a safe and fun climbing course. The price includes the guidance of a Level 2 sport climbing technician, personal equipment if needed (climbing shoes, helmet, and harness), group equipment, accident and liability insurance, as well as pre-activity consultation.
This course specializes in trad climbing or traditional climbing, ideal for those with sport climbing experience who want to explore more adventurous terrain. It focuses on advanced techniques for using cams, setting up belay stations, placing nuts, and rope management. These techniques are essential for climbing single or multi-pitch routes without fixed protection. Thanks to this course, you will gain confidence and safety in using these tools.
You will train in the beautiful natural settings of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, which are perfect for this course. Certified instructors will accompany and guide you through adapted routes, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.
Make your reservation and take on your new challenge in Sierra Nevada. Level up your skills in just two days!
This activity is perfect for those looking to experience top-rope sport climbing in a unique way: "blindfolded." Why "blindfolded"? Because it helps develop essential skills such as self-confidence, trust in your team, fear management, and focus. Led by Francisco Javier Aguilar Amoedo, a fully blind para-climber and world runner-up, this adventure offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Book your "blindfolded" top-rope climb today and discover valuable techniques and tips for future climbing challenges. No prior experience required—just bring your enthusiasm!
Enjoy the experience of flying over the Sierra Nevada Natural Park. Choose from two options depending on the level of adventure you’re ready to take on:
- Sport Flight: Soar up to 600 meters and admire the breathtaking landscape below you for up to 25 minutes.
- Limit Flight: For thrill-seekers, this option offers a flight of up to 40 minutes, reaching 800 meters above the takeoff point. You’ll enjoy bird's-eye views of peaks like Mulhacén and Veleta.
Which one will you choose?
In the Cahorros Valley, Monachil (Granada), the Normal Route of La Morcilla offers a unique 6-pitch, 150-meter climb, featuring a varied route with both bolted sections and trad protection. Opened in the 1980s, it remains one of the most iconic climbs in the area.
With a professional guide and all equipment provided, the experience ensures safety and confidence, allowing you to focus on what matters most: feeling the thrill of climbing, enjoying nature, and living the adventure of reaching the summit.
Don’t miss your spot!
