La Alpujarra architecture

One of the most characteristic elements of La Alpujarra architecture is the tinaos, covered spaces that form passageways connecting streets and houses. In some cases, the upper part may house rooms of the houses or have the typical Alpujarra terraces made of malhecho, a mixture of earth and gravel, and launa, waterproof clay made from decomposed slate. Tinaos are built by resting wooden beams, mostly chestnut, on the walls of the houses, running from side to side, with alfarjías (cross beams) and slate slabs.

The origin of this unique construction dates back to the Muslim period, especially in the settlement of the Moriscos expelled from Granada in the 15th century. In La Alpujarra urban planning, they serve as an extension of the dwellings, providing shelter from winter snowfall or summer sun during agricultural work. At the same time, they were a public space where people could socialise.

The irrigation channels allow the water that flows from the springs to be channelled, with the channels running down the centre of the streets. One of the most important water channels in La Alpujarra region runs from the washing place to the lowest part of the village. From the upper part of Street Estación, it descends to Square de la Libertad and continues along the iconic Street Verónica, creating one of the most popular images of Pampaneira. It is not the only one; one of these waterways also runs along Street Partidero, although it is currently out of use.

The shape of the houses has had to adapt to the mountain slopes and the climatic conditions of the area. Traditionally, local materials have been used to build the houses, such as stone, slate, wood (chestnut, walnut and poplar), plaster and launa, a greyish clay that makes the typical roofs and terraces waterproof.

The roofs of the houses, which are flat or terraced, are made with wooden beams supported by thick load-bearing walls, to which irregular slate slabs or tiles are attached. Depending on their size, these can be held perpendicular with wooden joists called alfajías or alfarjías. On top of this is a mixture of clay called malhecho and finally the roofing. The edges of the terrace are covered by large slate slabs forming the eaves, on top of which large stones called castigaeras are placed.

The terraces of La Alpujarra houses are used as drying areas for crops harvested from the gardens and also for hanging out washing.

Chimneys are another iconic feature of La Alpujarra region, generally truncated cone-shaped. They are topped with a slate slab shaped like a lid, on which a stone is placed to prevent it from being blown away by the wind, giving rise to the traditional ‘hat’ shape.