Flamenco in the Sacromonte Caves
Inicio » The caves of Sacromonte
To the east of the wall that surrounds the Albayzin, between pitas and prickly pears, are the caves of Sacromonte.
The Sacromonte quarter in Granada
A troglodyte neighbourhood of doubtful origin, although the most authoritative voices say that the first inhabitants were the Moors, who were joined by the gypsies who accompanied the troops of the Catholic Monarchs when they conquered the city, for whom they worked as metal craftsmen and cattle herders, They also came artists who were the ones who established the roots of flamenco mixing them with musical influences of the time that were represented in the prenuptial rites of the Moors of Granada, the result of this fusion were born the Zambras that we know today and that include in their repertoire native songs and dances such as La Alboreá, La Cachuchá and La Mosca.
History of Sacromonte and its Caves
Sacromonte is one of Granada’s most emblematic neighbourhoods, known for its picturesque surroundings, its connection with flamenco and its famous caves. Its history is closely linked to the gypsy community and other cultures that have inhabited the city over the centuries, creating a unique place where tradition and culture intertwine in a special way.
Origins of the Sacromonte quarter
Sacromonte is located on Valparaíso hill, opposite the Alhambra, and its history goes back several centuries, although there are no precise records of its exact foundation. However, its development is closely linked to the arrival of the gypsy community in Granada from the 15th century onwards. After the Reconquest in 1492, many Gypsies, along with other ethnic and religious groups (Moors and Jews), settled on the outskirts of the city, seeking refuge in marginal places to avoid persecution.
Sacromonte became a multicultural neighbourhood, where Gypsy, Arab and Jewish influences mixed. The difficult living conditions on the hill forced its inhabitants to take advantage of the natural resources of the land. Thus, they began to dig into the hillsides to create caves that would provide them with an economical and efficient shelter, using ancestral techniques passed down from generation to generation.
Caves: traditional dwellings and cultural spaces
The Sacromonte caves were born out of the need to adapt to the terrain and the lack of resources to build conventional houses. These troglodyte dwellings were dug directly into the rock, taking advantage of the natural thermal properties they offered. The caves provided a cool temperature in summer and warmth in winter, which made them particularly suitable for the climate of Granada. They were also relatively simple and inexpensive to build, which allowed many families to settle there.
Over the centuries, the caves evolved in terms of structure and functionality. They were originally simple shelters, but over time rooms, outdoor courtyards and fireplaces were added to make them more habitable. They became a symbol of the resilience and adaptability of the Gypsy community.
The Gypsy Zambra
Over the years, these dwellings were transformed into cultural spaces. Sacromonte, with its gypsy community and rich musical tradition, established itself as an epicentre of flamenco in Granada. In the mid-20th century, some of the caves began to be used as stages for flamenco shows, especially for the zambra gitana, a traditional dance of Moorish origin characterised by its expressiveness and energy.
The zambra quickly became popular with visitors, attracted by the authenticity of these shows in such a peculiar environment. In this way, the caves went from being mere dwellings to become places of cultural encounter and artistic expression. Today, many of the Sacromonte caves have been adapted to host regular flamenco shows, keeping the tradition alive and offering visitors the opportunity to experience flamenco in its most authentic setting.
The caves of Sacromonte, therefore, are much more than a tourist attraction: they represent the history of a community that has managed to resist and transform adversity into a unique cultural expression, making flamenco a fundamental part of its identity and sharing it with the world.
Do you want to enjoy a flamenco show in a real cave in Sacromonte?
SHOW + DRINK
ADULTS
(From 12 years old)
26 €
SHOW + DRINK
CHILDREN
(From 5 to 11 years old)
20 €
Are you in Granada? You can't miss it
Enjoying a flamenco show in Sacromonte is not the same as attending a performance in a conventional theatre. The caves, with their white walls and low ceilings, create an intimate and enveloping atmosphere that cannot be replicated elsewhere. This historical and cultural setting adds a unique value to the show, transporting the spectator to another time, where music and dance were the purest forms of expression.
Duration
1 hour
EVENING PERFORMANCES
Usually at 7:45 PM. We recommend that you arrive 20 minutes before the start time.
CAPACITY
55 people