Subbetica
Paseo Reina Sofía (commonly known as ‘La grieta’)
The Benamejí Fault is one of Andalusia’s most remarkable geological phenomena, not only because of its scale, but also because it nearly caused part of the village of Benamejí to disappear. This fascinating geological feature has become a true symbol of the municipality.
The southern slope of Benamejí drops steeply from the town centre, situated on a hilltop, down to the River Genil. Landslides on the slope have been occurring for several centuries.
Among the various causes of the landslides are the impact of the River Genil through its erosive activity on the southern side, the geological and hydrogeological characteristics of the terrain which make these formations highly fragmented, and the presence of water in the subsoil, as the two major natural movements (1963 and 1989) occurred following intense and prolonged rainfall.
Today, visitors can enjoy a pleasant stroll to the viewpoint, which offers magnificent views of Gómez Arias Castle, the Renaissance Bridge of Hernán Ruiz II, the pine trees and undergrowth along the course of the River Genil, Aceña and the hamlet of El Tejar, to name just a few of the outstanding natural landscapes visible from the viewpoint.