Loja, Granada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Loja
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Bell Tower of the Church of the Incarnation.
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| Nickname(s):
Flower among thorns
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 Loja
Location in Province of Granada
Loja
Location in Andalusia
Loja
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community |  Andalusia |
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| Province | Granada | ||
| Comarca | Loja | ||
| Judicial district | Loja | ||
| Founded | 9th century BC | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 454.7 km2 (175.6 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 448 m (1,470 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 20,371 | ||
| • Density | 44.801/km2 (116.034/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Lojeños | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postal code |
18300
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Loja (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈloxa]), once known as Loxa, is a town in southern Spain. It is located at the western edge of the province of Granada. The town sits in the valley of the River Genil. It is overlooked by the Sierra de Loja mountains. The highest peak, Sierra Gorda, reaches 1,671 metres above sea-level.
Contents
History of Loja
Loja has a long and interesting history. It is believed to have been settled as early as the 9th century BC. The town first appeared clearly in Arab records around the year 890. It was likely taken by the Moors in the 8th century.
The Reconquista Period
In 1226, King Ferdinand III of Castile captured Loja. However, his forces soon left the town.
Later, during the Granada War, Loja was attacked in 1486. Christian forces, led by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, fought for the town. Some English soldiers, including Sir Edward Woodville, also joined these forces. After their victory, the Spanish rulers allowed the Muslim people to move to Granada.
The town's original Moorish name, Medina Lawša, was changed to Lauxa. Queen Isabella famously called Loja "the flower among thorns." In 1491, work began on the Church of the Incarnation. It was built on the site of the town's main mosque.
Loja in the 1800s
In 1861, Loja was the center of a local event. It was led by a person named Rafael Pérez del Álamo. This event was quickly brought under control.
Later in the 1870s, a railway line reached the area. This new line connected Loja to Bobadilla and Granada.
Places to Visit in Loja
Loja has many interesting places to see. Its past as a Moorish town is still visible today.
Historic Buildings and Sites
- The Alcazaba: This is an old Moorish fortress. Most of its walls and towers are still standing.
- Convent of Santa Clara: This building dates back to the 16th century.
- Convento of St. Francis of Assisi: This convent includes a beautiful cloister from the 16th century.
- Church of the Incarnation: This is the main church in Loja. Its construction began in the late 15th century in the Mudéjar style.
- Church of San Gabriel: Built in the 16th century.
- Church of Santa Catalina: This church was built between the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Church of Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Caridad: Another 16th-century church.
- Hermitages: These are small chapels or sanctuaries from the 16th century. They include Jesus Nazareno, San Roque, and Calvario.
- Caseron de los Alcaides Cristianos: A historic house from the 17th century.
- Palacio de Narvaez: This palace also dates back to the 17th century.
Unique Fountains
- Fuente de la Mora: Also known as los venticinco canos, which means "the twenty-five spouts." This is a special fountain where water from different springs flows out of twenty-five tubes.
See also
In Spanish: Loja (Granada) para niños
