The old washhouse in Granada province which serves as a mini swimming pool in summer

Summer in Andalucía

Local children head to the Melegís washing place in the Lecrín Valley to cool off and have fun

Rafael Vílchez

A few days ago a group of young musicians from the ‘San Juan Bautista’ Nigüelas-Lecrín band in Melegís in Granada province cautiously entered the ... public washhouse to cool off a little after a performance.

Afterwards, the young musicians changed their clothes and joined the rest of the band to play during mass half an hour later and once that was over, to give a concert in the square.

Until 1974, the fountains supplied water for people and animals to drink, for washing, washing up and bathing. It is believed that originally it must have had a ground-level basin, as that was how the system worked during the 20th century. In the post-war years, they were gradually refurbished and improved and in almost all places the water taps were raised to waist height to make washing with homemade soap more comfortable.

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• Getaways

  • https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/costa-tropical/the-most-beautiful-bathing-spot-granada-20250728075420-nt.htmlto the River Melegís. This site, which some experts believe dates back to Roman times, is renowned for its mineral-rich, medicinal properties, which are said to help treat skin conditions and rheumatic problems.

    The area features a couple of shallow pools, designed so that visitors can sit and bathe in comfort. It is easily accessible on foot as part of the local walking routes. Melegís village is well worth a visit for its cuisine, rural tourism and monuments.

    At the Federico García Lorca Cultural Centre, which opened on 20 April 1998, painter, gallery owner and teacher, Rafael Dueñas, exhibits his work. Since last year, this venue has also featured a bar and a café. The village is included on walking routes and the famous Ruta del Azahar.