Sacromonte
A Romani quarter of whitewashed cave dwellings hewn into the hillside of the valle de Valparaíso, birthplace of zambra flamenco since the sixteenth century.
From the Plomos del Sacromonte to the caves
The name Sacromonte arose from a series of discoveries. In 1588 a parchment with relics came to light in the Torre Turpiana in the centre of Granada, and between 1595 and 1599, on the ancient hill of Valparaíso, the celebrated Libros Plúmbeos emerged: 223 lead sheets bearing Arabic texts. Archbishop Pedro de Castro y Quiñones championed their authenticity and in 1609 founded the Abadía del Sacromonte on the hill, renaming it the "sacred mountain". The Vatican declared the texts false in 1682, but the relics remained associated with San Cecilio, patron saint of Granada. The Plomos del Sacromonte did not return to the city until the year 2000. In parallel, following the conquest of 1492, Romani communities settled on the hillside and carved their homes into the soft clay — easy to shape and cool in summer.
What you see as you explore it
Climbing the Camino del Sacromonte, whitewashed cave houses open up on one side while the Alhambra appears ahead, silhouetted against the Darro valley — one of the most photographed views in Granada. The Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte preserves eleven original furnished caves showing how people lived and worked: the forge, the loom, the kitchen. At night, the tablaos continue to offer zambra, the Romani flamenco dance born in these caves that enjoyed its golden age between the 1950s and 1970s with figures such as María la Canastera. The whitewashed walls, hanging copper pots and cobbled slopes give the neighbourhood its unmistakable character against the open sky of the hillside.
How to visit without the crowds
The Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte costs around 5 € (free for children under 10) and includes the eleven caves, the viewpoint and an audio guide in Spanish and English. It is open every day: in summer from 10:00 to 20:00 and in winter from 10:00 to 18:00, with last admission 20 minutes before closing. Allow an hour and a half for the museum. The neighbourhood is very steep with uneven ground, so comfortable footwear is essential; in summer, go first thing in the morning or at dusk to avoid the heat. The bus C34 runs up from Plaza Nueva if you prefer to skip the climb. Book your flamenco show in advance, as the cave venues are small and fill up quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book for flamenco in the Sacromonte?
How long does it take, and is the climb worth it?
Is it accessible for people with reduced mobility?
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