Loja

Loja stands in the Genil valley at the western approach to Granada. Known as Lawša in Arabic, it developed as a fortified town guarding the Granada plain and later formed part of the Nasrid kingdom. Its position made it a target during the Castilian campaigns against Granada.

After failed attacks in 1482 and 1485, Castilian forces took Loja in 1486. Muslim inhabitants were escorted towards Granada and Christian settlers received houses and lands. The older urban layout remained, but parishes, churches and convents reshaped the town; it expanded beyond its walls during the sixteenth century.