The Spanish queen looked for the city of Loja; capturing it would provide great spoils for the troops.

The fortress of Loja was positioned on top of a mountain that overlooked the cultivated valley, protected by a river from the suburbs of Granada.

The Sultan of Granada, aware of the fall of Alhama, garrisoned the fort with 3,000 of his best men, led by an experienced warrior, Ali Al-Attar.

The Spanish encamped in the hills, whose deep ravines blocked communications in the army, while the valley proved unfavorable to the men-at-arms.

Ferdinand's brother advised him to build a bridge to cross the river lower down the stream to get to the other side, but the Castilian overruled him.

A large body of Spanish were sent to occupy the high position and fortify it to harass the city.

On the 4th of July, Ferdinand issued the troops at the heights to break their camps and join with the main body.

The Granadans began cutting down the Spanish from all sides, inflicting heavy losses, and chased them six leagues from Loja.