Granada · Andalucía
Guadix
- Province
- Granada
- Declared
- 1969
- Status
- Conjunto Histórico
- Population
- 18800
- Elevation
- 949 m
Guadix is a heritage town in the province of Granada, Andalucía, Spain. It was designated a Conjunto Histórico (Spain's national heritage designation for historic ensembles) in 1969. Population 18800 (2020), elevation 949m.
Guadix is the cave city of Andalucía: an estimated 2,000 families still live in cave houses hollowed from the soft tufa hills below the town's Moorish alcazaba, in a troglodyte neighbourhood that has been continuously inhabited since the Bronze Age and remains fully residential today.
Key facts
- Province
- Granada
- Heritage status
- Conjunto Histórico (declared 1969)
- Population
- 18800 (2020)
- Elevation
- 949 m
History of Guadix
Guadix is one of the oldest cities in Spain. Its claim to be the first city to receive Christianity in the Iberian Peninsula is legendary rather than documented, but there is firm archaeological evidence of continuous occupation from the Chalcolithic period. Under Rome it was Julia Gemella Acci, capital of a conventus juridicus (judicial district) and an important city on the road between Castulo and Iliberri (Granada).
The Moors called it Wadi Ash and built the alcazaba that still overlooks the town. Ferdinand and Isabella took Guadix in 1489 as part of the final campaign against Granada. The cave-dwelling tradition likely dates to this period, when Moorish families expelled from their houses in the town were forced to excavate shelter in the soft tuff hills.
The cave neighbourhoods grew over the following centuries and remain inhabited today.
Heritage & Monuments
The Barrio de las Cuevas (cave quarter) is the unique sight: a hillside of rounded chimneys and whitewashed façades, each one the ventilation and front door of a cave house behind. Cave houses range from simple two-room dwellings to multi-room homes with modern kitchens and televisions. Several cave houses are open to visitors; the Cave Museum (Cueva Museo) demonstrates traditional cave-dwelling life.
Above the cave quarter, the Alcazaba of Guadix, a Moorish fortress, offers commanding views over the Altiplano. The Cathedral of Guadix, a large Gothic-Renaissance structure begun in the 16th century, has an impressive baroque façade by Gaspar Cayón. The old town between the cathedral and the alcazaba preserves Moorish street patterns and several fine palaces.
Practical Travel Info
Guadix is 55 km east of Granada on the A-92 motorway. There are regular buses from Granada (1 hour). The cave quarter is a 10-minute walk from the town centre; follow signs to Barrio de las Cuevas.
The Cave Museum is signposted. Several families rent cave accommodation. The Alcazaba is free to visit.
A half-day from Granada is feasible; an overnight in a cave is a memorable experience.
Traditional food & drink in Andalucía
- Gazpacho
- — A cold soup of raw blended tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, garlic and olive oil — the taste of an Andalusian summer.
- Salmorejo
- — A thicker, creamier cousin of gazpacho from Córdoba, topped with chopped egg and jamón.
- Pescaíto frito
- — Lightly floured small fish flash-fried in olive oil — the classic coastal snack.
- Jamón ibérico
- — Cured ham from acorn-fed Iberian pigs, with prized denominations in Huelva and the Sierra.
- Sherry (Jerez)
- — The fortified wine of the Jerez triangle, from bone-dry fino to sweet Pedro Ximénez.
Watch: Sherry (Jerez)
Location
Quick answers
Is Guadix worth visiting?▾
Guadix is the cave city of Andalucía: an estimated 2,000 families still live in cave houses hollowed from the soft tufa hills below the town's Moorish alcazaba, in a troglodyte neighbourhood that has been continuously inhabited since the Bronze Age and remains fully residential today.
Why is Guadix a heritage town?▾
Guadix is officially designated a Conjunto Histórico, declared in 1969 — Spain's national protection for historic town ensembles (Conjuntos Históricos).
What is the traditional food in Andalucía?▾
Andalucía is known for Gazpacho, Salmorejo, Pescaíto frito and Jamón ibérico. You'll find these regional specialities in and around Guadix.
Where is Guadix?▾
Guadix lies in the Guadix-Marquesado comarca, in the province of Granada, Andalucía, Spain.
How big is Guadix?▾
Guadix has a population of about 18800 (2020), and sits at 949 m above sea level.
What is there to see in Guadix?▾
The Barrio de las Cuevas (cave quarter) is the unique sight: a hillside of rounded chimneys and whitewashed façades, each one the ventilation and front door of a cave house behind. Cave houses range from simple two-room dwellings to multi-room homes with modern kitchens and televisions.
Nearby heritage towns
Last updated 20 June 2026.