Institutional commitment to restore the mediaeval path known as Cuesta de los Chinos

The Mayor of Granada, José Torres Hurtado, and the Director of the Council of the Alhambra and Generalife, María del Mar Villafranca, today presented the project for the restoration of the Cuesta de los Chinos and the left bank of the River Darro. The building work includes replacement of the cobblestone paving and improvement of the lighting and drainage systems and could begin in July once the project has been approved and is put out to tender.
In addition to this first phase in the Cuesta de los Chinos, this initiative which is part of the institutional commitment to the Alhambra Group of Monuments, also covers a second phase between the Aljibillo bridge and the Hotel Reuma, at the foot of the Alhambra and a third phase in which the City Council and the Council of the Alhambra and Generalife will be performing conservation and restoration work on a stage running between the rear of the Chirimías Bridge and the Camino del Granadillo.
According to the Director of the Council of the Alhambra, María del Mar Villafranca, “this is an important project for the restoration of a mediaeval path, a project which adds authenticity to this historic way”, she said before celebrating “an initiative to be carried out in an auspicious year in which the Alhambra celebrates the 30th anniversary of its declaration as a World Heritage site”.
In the presentation of this first phase the Mayor of Granada, José Torres Hurtado, declared his satisfaction for “a cooperation agreement which restores, conserves and improves a historic and traditional path popular with both the people of Granada and visitors to the city and improves the accessibility and connection between the Alhambra the Albaicín and the city”.
The planned building work will be carried out on a path that is 580 m long and between 4 m and over 6 m wide in the broadest sections. According to Villafranca, “the part between the Alhambra and the highest area near the top of the hill is almost finished”.
The project involves the replacement of the cobblestone with white stone paving, which is softer underfoot so making it easier to walk on. In the steepest areas a metal banister will be installed for safety purposes and the drainage channels and lighting will also be improved.
The cost of the building work, which will be funded 50% each by the Council of the Alhambra and Generalife and Granada City Council, comes to 261,000 euros. Once the project has been passed by the different public bodies, it will be put out to tender and the building work will begin around the month of July. The work is expected to take four months.