Now that the concern for sustainable living is on the rise, we can remember the popular cave-houses in Andalusia. These are ancient houses dug into the rock, integrated into the landscape and earthquake-proof. The beginning of this practice can be found in the 15th century in Andalusia according to the testimonies found, if we do not take into account the prehistoric cultures that made regular use of them.
The new construction of cave-houses began to decline from the 60's onwards, as it was not so much an architecture adapted to the environment, but rather a matter of craftsmanship by people of modest means who had nowhere to live.
Granada, together with Almeria, is home to almost all of this type of housing, although in the past they were spread throughout Andalusia. Nowadays they are still being adapted to make them habitable and we can even find tourist cave-houses that you can rent if you want to live a different experience. You don't have to worry, as they will have all the comforts of a modern home.
The Cave Museum keeps 11 of these caves open to the public in their original state and explains the history and way of life of their inhabitants.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nqEuvKEqMUL6nMwr6
If you want to get to know the Cave-Homes, we recommend you visit Guadix and begin your adventure there. The Cave-Houses you will find here are thousands of years old and were built in strategic places that took advantage of the easy terrain.
Contrary to what you may think when you read these lines, many of them are habitable houses nowadays, quite luminous with a mild temperature and you can even find hotels that offer them as accommodation.
One of the most popular neighbourhoods in Guadix is "Casas Cueva" which is located in the highest part of the town. You can get there easily on foot or you can choose to go on a tourist train, in either case we recommend a visit.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/tVbDTvTojX4trtw16
In this neighbourhood you will find a large majority of houses built on the rocks of the mountain. The clay of the ground made the construction work easier and today its use can be very varied. Some of the inhabitants of Guadix keep them as a second home to spend a more pleasant summer. Others live permanently in these cave-houses, some of which can be used as sleeping quarters and are adapted as holiday accommodation. Some can also be visited in exchange for a tip.
You will learn about the cave houses, their evolution over time and how they have adapted to modern needs.
Además de visitar las casas-cuevas de Guadix, puedes pasar por la impresionante catedral cuya construcción comenzó en el siglo XVI de estilo gótico, renacentista y barroco. Una interesante mezcla de tendencias artísticas hasta que fue finalizada en el siglo XVIII.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/QJY4HUqGyVRrBfNP9
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