ANDALUZ - PROPERTY, 7 Calle Las Palmeras, El Gastor, 11687 Cadiz, Spain. info@www.andaluz-property.com

Tour around the Pueblos Blancos of Cadiz

The mountains in the northeastern Cadiz offer fortified hilltop towns and villages where its buildings are white-washed in the Moorish tradition. Rather than live on Andalusia's plains and fall prey to bandits, some Andalusians chose to settle in these pueblos blancos or white villages. These Pueblos Blancos reveal an amazing host of references to the past. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the nearby Grazalema Natural Park [Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema], the Sierra de Ronda and the Sierra de la Nieves. There are plenty of outdoor activities available including horse riding, mountain biking, walking and hiking, rock climbing, canyoning and paragliding. The turqoise waters of nearby Lake Zahara is popular for fishing, kayaking and canoeing, swimming and other water sports.

As you know, El Gastor is the perfect location to base yourself in order to enjoy these wonders and adventures from a convenient distance. Casa Isobel is available for short-term and long-term stays. Check availability: Casa Isobel

El Gastor

Enjoy the awesome vista from its highest point [altitude 520 meters]. This is why the charming, unspoilt pueblo blanco of El Gastor is known as the "Balcony of the White Villages". From here you can see the breath-taking beauty of the landscape with the villages surrounding it. Do you have a Celtic ancestry? The pilgramage to the Dolmen offers a stunning view, a healthy hike and a life-time experience of connecting spiritually with your Celtic ancestry. This ancient Celtic burial site has been long looted but worth the visit to pay homage to your Celtic heritage.

If you enjoy hiking, cycling, mountain climbing or caving, El Gastor is just the place for you with its stunning natural beauty and many routes for cycling and walking including:

• Ruta del Dolmen del Gigante;
• Ruta de la Piedra;
• del Valle de los Dolmenes, de la Teja, [in the Valley of the Dolmens of Teja]; and
• de Las Columnas y la Ruta Acinipo [Columns and Acinipo route] which ends in Ronda la Vieja.

There are also two caves worth exploring: Cueva del Susto and Cueva de Farina. Cueva del Susto is located inside the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema [Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park]. Inside this cave is a deep pit and several galleries that lead to a huge cavern with a multitude of stalactites and an underground lake. The second cave, Cueva de Farina is fascinating because it used to be the favourite hide out of bandits from another era. However, its entrance is only a hole through which one person can barely move so you may find some difficulty gaining access into it!

From El Gastor, you can explore the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema and visit the other pueblos blancos including Setenil, Algodonales, Montecorto, Ronda la Vieja, Grazalema, Zahara, Torre Alhaquime, La Muela, Los Villalones, Pruna, Olvera, Alcala, Juncales, Montejaques and historic Ronda.

Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema

Immerse yourself in the beauty and majesty of the Grazalema Nature Park. Within the park is a complex of mountain ranges, known collectively as the Sierra de Grazalema. The Sierra de Grazalema, a karstic region, contains a number of large limestone caverns, including the Cueva del Gato, the Cueva de la Pileta, and the Garganta Verde. The Sierra de Grazalema is home to many colonies of vultures including a few pairs of Egyptian vultures, a species which is seriously threatened. Declared a biosphere reserve in 1977, the Grazalema Nature Park is a vast protected area [51,695 hectares] that famous for its rugged limestone mountains and spectacular landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. The village of Grazalema in the park is famous having the highest rainfall in Spain. The limestone peaks of 1,500m around Grazalema are the first barriers that clouds from the Atlantic meet, causing the abundant rainfall here. A unique microclimate has developed where a wide range of flora flourishes, such as the rare Spanish fir (pinsapo) that grows in the Sierra de Pinar close to Grazalema.
Biosphere

Walking, Wildlife Watching and Wild Flowers Walking is fantastic experience in this part of Andalucia. You will find an abundance of wild flowers including several indigenous orchids as well as many plants and herbs of great medicinal value, particularly in spring. For information on walks in the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema (including permits needed for certain routes), visit the Grazalema tourist office (turismo) on Plaza de Espana [956 132 225]. Walk the Via Verdi. For bird watching enthusiates, there are many species of migratory birds as well as eagles, ibex, griffon vultures [from the mountainside in the outskirts of La Muela], and the seriously threatened Egyptian vultures [Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema]. The area boasts one of the largest colonies of griffon vulture in Andalusia, best viewed in flight from mountains or foothills in the outskirts of "La Muela". Pueblos Blancos

Zahara de la Sierra

The stunningly situated on a mountain, the whitewashed houses of Zahara de la Sierra fans out below a majestic castle ruin and overlooks the valley. Originally a Moorish outpost, it was a perfect site to build a castle high on its rocky mountain peak. The town's position between Ronda and Seville was of both strategic and military importance, and the castle served as a fortress in case of an attack. This fine pueblo blanco has been declared a national monument; and the remains of the moorish castle still exist and can be visited for free.

For the discerning, Zahara de la Sierra is worth visiting during the famous fiesta of Corpus Christi. During this festival, locals make the whole town look as though it were part of nature by dressing up the fronts of houses with branches and rushes.

The many interesting sights here are the Watch Tower which dates back to the 16th century, the Tore del Homenaje, the Church of Santa Maria de la Meza with its baroque altarpiece, and the Arch of the Town. Zahara de la Sierra was given the title of Artistic Centre (1983). At the foot of Zahara de la Sierra is Lake Zahara, which is a relatively new resevoir and a great place for water sports and swimming. To access the town or picnic area from El Gastor, drive over the reservoir. From Zahara de la Sierra, you may wish to continue onward to Algodonales or Grazalema.

Roman Ruins, Pretty Routes and Historical Andalucia

In Ronda la Vieja and Setenil, you will find many pretty routes that are interesting in both the cultural and natural prespective. Hiking or driving around this pretty area is great. For those who enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting and hiking, you have come to the right place to enjoy a piece of heaven:

• Ruta de los Escarpes del Rio Trejo [Route of the Escarpement of the River Trejo], which is route along the Guadalporcum River: it highlights the rocky walls, caves and waterfalls along the riverbank;
• Rute of the Bandoleros includes part of the Cuevas de San Roman [Caves of San Roman]: it passes through the Roman ruins of Acinipo and is traversed in part by a beautiful forest of oak;
• Ruta del Viajero [traveller]: this "antiguo camino de Ronda a Osuna" [ancient road of Round path to Osuna] is one of the most important trade routes of the 18th- and 19th-centuries, made famous by travelers such as the Baron Bourgoing, el mayor Dalrymple, amd Madame de Aulnoy y Cumblerland.
• Camino de la Aguilera, Las Limosnas, Ruta de los Molinos and the route of the Canada de Malaga [Canyon of Malaga] are the other beautiful spots in this area.

Ronda la Vieja

The magnificent Roman ruins of Acinipo , and the stunning views from above the ruined open-air theatre, complete with stage, backstage areas and semi-circular seating can both found at Ronda la Vieja ["Old Ronda"]. Situated in a rocky promontory overlooking the Sierra de Grazalema, this notable archaeological site circa first-century AD is located about five and eight kilometres from Setenil .

Setenil de las Bodegas

This is a village imbeded in a rock and some of its houses are built into pre-existing caves. This extraordinary and unusual pueblo blanco climbs up the sides of a gorge, which was carved out of volcanic tufa rock by the Rio Trejo. And some of its streets are covered by rock hanging and some houses have olive groves on their roofs! A type of housing with rock roofs are called "abrigo bajo rocas", literally "shelter under rocks": these speak of the town's architectural originality.

At the top of the village stands a ruined 12th century Moorish castle. It took the Christian troops fifteen days to expel the Moors from the castillo in 1484 (relatively late in the Christian Reconquest). The Moors where led by Nasrid rulers of Granada. If you are careful, you can climb the vestigial tower of el castillo. The first building in the village built after Christian reconquest is the Hermitage of San Sebastian, in late Gothic style, located on the outskirts of the village. The late-Gothic style church in town, the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, keeps a chasuble given by the Catholic Monarchs to coincide with the celebration of the first Mass. The Christian rulers developed a flourishing agricultural base of olives, almonds and vineyards. However, Setenil's wine trade was wiped out by the phylloxera insect infestation of the 1860s, which effectively destroyed most European vine stocks.

Setenil's extra virgin olive oil is one of the best of all those with the "Denominacion de Origen Sierra de Cadiz". and is the key ingredient in its cuisine: la sopa cortijera [soup], al gazpacho, el revuelto de esparragos [asparagus], las migas de pan [bread crumbs], baked goods, and pastries such as las tortas de aceite [olive oil cakes] and la carne membrillo [meat quince]. Sample the local delicacies, delicious goat and cow cheeses, and 'chacinas'. Setenil is reknown for its meat products, particularly chorizo, sausage and pork, from pigs bred in the surrounding hills. It also has a reputation for producing fine pastries and meat pies. Its outlying farms also provide Ronda and other local towns with much of their fruit and veg. Local handicrafts and products include wickerwork, 'esparto', brass and wrought iron, and natural cosmetics made from olive oil [soaps, gels, bath salts and 'aceites corporales']. Setenil's bars and restaurants are among the best in the region. On route to Ronda from Setenil, you can also find Bodega Las Monjas (a former nunnery), a bodega and a restaurant, which produces and sells a fine local red wine named Principe Alfonso and there is a restaurant. Visit Setenil all year round, or come during Easter when the whole village comes alive to watch the traditional procession parades complete with the best marching bands in the country. Other festivities include the Fiesta del Patron San Sebastian [Feast of the Patron Saint Sebastian] on the 20th January; Carnival in Febraury, la Romeria de San Isidro Labrador [the Pilgrimage of San Isidro Labrador] in May; la Fiesta del Corpus Christi [the Feast of Corpus Christi] in June; las Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of the village, in July; and la Gran Feria de Setenil [the Great Fair Setenil] in the first half of August.

Remember to visit the significant remains of the Roman town of Acinipo, located in Ronda la Vieja nearby. From Setenil, you may wish to continue onward to Torre Alhaquime and then Olvera. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Grazalema or Ronda. More.

Haven for Adventure Seekers

People come from all over to enjoy the fantastic scenery and parttake in the many outdoor activities, air sports, trekking adventures, and rural tourism in the area. Algodonales has the largest Paragliding [parapente] school in Andalusia, and the paragliding World Championships took place in Algodonales in 2001.

Algodonales

Algodonales is another typical white village of the mountains of Cadiz. The village is Arabic in origin and its name is derived from the Spainish word for cotton. Archaeological sites that attest to earlier human settlements have been found such as the Roman ruins of Cerro de la Botinera, located about 4 kilometers from the town. The Roman ruins date from the second century BC and among its highlights are the water tanks built to store rainwater, a precious natural resource. Neolithic remains have been found in caves of Castillejo, Santa and Chamusquina.

As you stroll through Algodonales, you will not miss to be impressed by the architectural beauty of the parish church of Santa Ana. This prominent landmark, built in the centre of the village, is a striking and grand example of religious architecture in the mountains of Cadiz Also of great importance in Algodonales is La Ermita de Jesus Nazareno, de la Virgencita o de la Concepcion for its historical value, for worship and pilgrimage processions.

There are 12 natural spring sources (fuentes) surrounding the town and the water is the most sought after in Southern Spain. While exploring the village street, you will most certainly come across one of these: the Algarrobo, which is made up of 12 golds pipes [canos dorados]. In order to take advantage of this precious natural resource, public laundries were built next to the source in the nineteenth century. You will find the northern entrance of Parque Natural de Grazalema [Grazalema National Park] in Algodonales, in the foothills of the Sierra de Lijar across the river Guadalete. The area boasts one of the largest colonies of griffon vulture in Andalusia: to view these in flight look up from the mountain in the outskirts of "La Muela". From Algodonales, you may wish to continue onward to Olvera or Puerto Serrano or

Grazalema

Grazalema offers the most dramatic setting: it is nestled between the two rugged peaks of Pico del Reloj and the Pico de San Cristobal. The entire village is surrounded by cork oak forests of Grazalema National Park. The village was established by Berber settlers in Moorish times. The Berber settlers discovered a striking similarity with the mountains Sierra de Grazalema with those of their homeland. To guard against the wet climate, the Berebers introduced sheep grazing in the lush mountain pastures and produced wool for ponchos and blankets. The cottage industry of producing woollen blankets - the renowned mantas de Grazalema - continued even after the Duke of Arcos conquered the Moors in Grazalema in 1485, reaching its peak in the 17th and 19th centuries Vestiges of this industry is still apparent in Grazalema today, with one workshop still in operation making thick woollen blankets, rugs, ponchos and scarves: these are exported and shipped all over the world. Visit the Artesania-Textil de Grazalema [956 132 008] a workshop on the road to Ronda, where you can see looms and carding machines and buy blankets and other textiles in the shop. Other locally produced handicrafts include baskets and leatherwork.

On the first Monday after the celebration of the Virgen del Carmen Virgen del Carmen fiesta in mid-July [July 16th], the village holds an exciting mini-Pamplona where a bull is released to charge through the streets [bull run]. Grazelma's annual fiesta with flamenco music, fireworks and a procession, culminates with the bulls in the streets. The neat, steep cobbled streets of Grazalema are lined by whitewashed houses with windows covered by wrought-iron rejas and plant pots spilling over with colourful flowers. The Plaza de Espana is an attractive main square in the heart of the village. It is lined with bars and restaurants. On this square, you will find the 18th-century church of La Aurora , the village hall (ayuntamiento) and the parish church, the Iglesia de la Encarnacion. From the square, up Calle Mateos Gago, you will find Iglesia de San Jose, a 17th-century former Carmelite convent, with paintings by a disciple of Murillo. A viewpoint that looks out over the village is situated close to this church.

In the summer, dip in the town's pool, on the eastern edge of the village by the road to El Bosque. The superb panoramic views over Grazalema and the Sierra will not fail to disappoint!

Olvera

The main monument of this city is itself. "OLVERA is a street, a church and a castle, BUT what a street, what a church and what a castle!"

• The Arab castle was constructed on a strategic rock at the end of 12th century and mostly in the 13th. This gave the Moors the ability to communicate with other nearby castles through signals [e.g. reflecting light with mirrors]. Its structure was created deliberately to disadvantage enemy to the maximum.
• The Moorish Wall. There are seven buttresses which support the wall. The "Cilla", which served as a jail and a ducal barn amongst other uses, is now a tourist office and a municipal museum, comprising four display rooms and a patio with a majestic view. In one of its rooms, is a permanent exhibition featuring "the Castles and Strengths of the Nazarí Kingdoms".
• The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación [the Parish of Our Lady of the Incarnation] dominates the area like the top of a pyramid. This The neoclassic-style church was built by the orders of the Duke of Osuña in 1822 on the foundations of a small gothic- mudéjar [Andalucian Moorish] style church (conserving and incorporating a small baptismal room), which in turn was built on the foundations of an Arabic mosque. The building of this church created a debt with the Olvera township by not investing the taxes in the improvement of the town. The work was finished in 1843, culminating in one of the greatest churches of the province, with dimensions worthy of cathedral. In 1936 republican revolutionaries burnt some of the icons and images along with the interior during the Spanish Civil War. In the interior are several frescos, stain glass windows of great value and images of the different phases of the death of Christ including a Crucified Christ from the 16th century, discovered 15 years ago in the cellars of the building. The last restoration started in 1994. The church was closed to the congregation until the conclusion of restoration work at the end of the 1999. However, due to a fire lasting 15 hours of an image/statue in September of 2004, the sacred place is once again closed. The fire has left the great church in lamentable condition, and it is hoped that the necessary money will soon be obtained to reopen the church.
• La Villa District. The "Casco Antigüao" [the ancient town center] within the old town walls is la villa (the village). 700 years ago, this was where the Visigoth town called Wubira existed. The narrow streets, strategic corners, old cottages, and other old Muslim architecture are a testaments of the town's ancient origin can be found with the modern.
• La plaza de Andalusia, also called "La Alameda" [tree lined area], features a majestic stone fountain/waterfall that was constructed in 2004. Above this is el Peñón del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús [the Rock of the Sacred Heart of Jesus], a great rock garden full of ivy, flowers, birds and animals. The statue of Christ with arms raised, carved by Jose Even Navas in 1929, sats on the highest part of the rock.
• El Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios [The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Remedies] is 2 km from the town centre. It was constructed in the 18th century, in Andalucian style on the foundations of a small hermitage. It venerates the patron of the locality, Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios, who is loved by the town of Olvera and many towns around, known collectively as “las cientos sierras” (the 100 mountain ranges). Unknown persons created an original statue to her during 16th century, which was restored 10 years ago. The head of the statue is in poor condition as the galleries became infested with termites for more than a century, however, the best possible restoration has been applied to it. The Archbishop of Seville, Don Good Jose Maria Monreal, was crowned here in 1966.
• El Monasterio de Caño Santos was constructed in 1542. It is located 7 km from Olvera. For many years it was the seat of the old patrona of the city, the Holy virgin of Caño, an image kept by the local Franciscan friars who inhabited the interior. In 1835 they were expelled and the monastery confiscated and abandoned. After many years, when the building was all but lost, the council of Andalusia decided to restore it. Although the monument is within the municipality of Olvera, this monastery is property of the city council of Alcala del Valle. --->

  El Bosque

  Located 18 kilometers west of Grazalema, El Bosque is considered to be the gateway to the Parque Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema. The area is also popular amongst those who enjoy hunting and fishing. Visit the town's proud of excellent trout farm, which is the most southern fish farm in Europe. Sample the fresh trout and cold meats of the town. The picturesque village, with its narrow winding streets, was founded by the Duke of Arcos Historical points of interest worth visiting in El Bosque are: the Hermita del Calvario, the Church of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, and the Molino del Duque (the old mill), all from 18th-century .

  

  Just 20 minutes from El Gastor is the historic Ronda, perched spectacularly on a gorge spanned by the famous Puente Nuevo. Ronda is renowned for its beautiful Moorish architecture, one of the oldest bullrings in the country and the many Roman ruins. You could not choose a more central location as El Gastor to enjoy sightseeing in the great Andalucian cities of Jerez, Cadiz, Seville, Granada and Cordoba. Also, not too far away, are the unspoilt Costa de la Luz and the coastal resorts of the Costa del Sol.

  Andalucian Cities

  ANDALUZ - PROPERTY 7 Calle Las Palmeras, El Gastor, 11687 Cadiz, Spain. info@andaluz-property.com Mailing address: 2 Auburn Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3R 1K4 Telephone: (902) 423.2651 Mobile/Cellular: (902) 225.5768 Fax: (902) 477.1375 www.andaluz-property.com

  Home	Casa Isobel	Pueblos Blancos	Andalucian Cities	Survival Guide	Property Search
  Outdoor Adventures	Winter Retreat	Honeymoon in Spain	Tantalizing Recipes	Useful Spanish Words	Contact Us & Useful Links