The name of some Andalusian towns recalls their past situation on the frontier between Christian and Moors. Established in the 13th c., the frontier between Castille and the Nazari Kingdom of Granada was somewhat oscillating.
This tour, through the lovely hills of Cadiz and Malaga that plunge down towards Gibraltar, had one of the most "mobile" flanks, where the "battle of the Strait" was waged.
Olvera is a whitewashed picture of the Middle Ages: the township is clustered on the hillside and way up on top there emerges a church and the remains of a castle. This picturesque town is a quintessential example of Andalusian charm, with its narrow, winding streets and traditional whitewashed houses. The castle, originally built by the Moors and later expanded by the Christians, offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Not many kilometres away, near Alcalá del Valle, stand the ruins of an old 16th c. Franciscan convent. This convent, once a significant religious site, now serves as a poignant reminder of the region's rich history and the enduring legacy of its monastic communities.
Once powerful Ronda still remains of its walls. Ronda is one of the most historic and picturesque towns in Andalusia, known for its dramatic escarpments and views, as well as its deep history. The town is split by the deep El Tajo gorge, which carries the Guadalevín River through its centre. The Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge spanning the gorge, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Ronda's history is rich with tales of conquest and reconquest. The town was an important cultural centre during the Islamic period and later became a key stronghold for the Christian forces during the Reconquista. The remnants of its once formidable walls and fortifications are a testament to its strategic significance.
Visitors can explore the well-preserved Arab Baths, the Mondragón Palace, and the Church of Santa María la Mayor, which was built on the site of a former mosque. The town is also famous for its bullring, one of the oldest and most picturesque in Spain, which hosts the annual Goyesque Fair.
The castle, much like the defensive bastions at Gaucín, is right at the top of the hills. Gaucín is a picturesque village perched high in the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and even the distant Mediterranean Sea. Its strategic location made it a key defensive site during the period of the frontier between the Christian and Moorish kingdoms.
The Castillo del Águila (Eagle's Castle) is the most prominent historical site in Gaucín. This castle, originally built by the Romans and later fortified by the Moors, played a crucial role in the defence of the region. The castle's elevated position provided a vantage point to monitor and control the surrounding area, making it a formidable stronghold during times of conflict.
Visitors to Gaucín can explore the ruins of the castle and enjoy the panoramic views from its ramparts. The village itself is a charming blend of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and vibrant local culture. Gaucín is also known for its artistic community, with numerous galleries and workshops showcasing the work of local artists.
Jimena de la Frontera is known for its strategic location and historical castle. This historic village is located in the Campo de Gibraltar region, within the Los Alcornocales Natural Park. Its strategic position made it a key defensive site during the period of the frontier between the Christian and Moorish kingdoms.
The most prominent historical site in Jimena de la Frontera is its hilltop castle, built by the Moors around AD 750. The castle played a crucial role in the defence of the region, and its elevated position provided a vantage point to monitor and control the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the castle's keep, storage facilities, and water supply systems, including Roman cisterns.
Jimena de la Frontera also has a rich history that includes Phoenician, Iberian, Carthaginian, and Roman civilisations. The ancient Phoenician city of Oba, known for its minting of coins in the Libyan-Phoenician alphabet, is usually identified with Jimena. The remains of this ancient city can be seen in the grounds of the castle.
Near the walled village of Castellar, we come upon the remains of the old 16th c. Mercedarian convent of La Almoraima. Castellar de la Frontera is a charming village located in the province of Cádiz, known for its rich history and stunning natural surroundings. The village is divided into two parts: the old town, located within the walls of the medieval castle, and the new town, which lies at the foot of the hill.
The medieval castle, built by the Moors in the 13th century, is the most prominent historical site in Castellar de la Frontera. The castle's strategic location on a hilltop provided a vantage point to monitor and control the surrounding area, making it a key defensive site during the period of the frontier between the Christian and Moorish kingdoms. Visitors can explore the well-preserved castle and enjoy the panoramic views of the Alcornocales Natural Park and the Guadarranque Reservoir.
In addition to the castle, the remains of the 16th-century Mercedarian convent of La Almoraima are also worth visiting. This convent, once a significant religious site, now serves as a poignant reminder of the region's rich history and the enduring legacy of its monastic communities. The convent is located in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills.
In Tarifa facing Africa, the 11th c. castle of Guzmán the Good recalls the legendary gesture whereby this Castillian lord elected to sacrifice his son rather than to surrender. Tarifa is a historic town located at the southernmost point of mainland Europe, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Its strategic location made it a key defensive site during the period of the frontier between the Christian and Moorish kingdoms.
The Castle of Guzmán the Good, also known as Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno, is the most prominent historical site in Tarifa. Built in 960 AD by the Caliph of Córdoba, Abd-ar-Rahman III, the castle was later named after Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, who heroically defended the town against the Moors in 1294. The castle's elevated position provided a vantage point to monitor and control the surrounding area, making it a formidable stronghold during times of conflict.
Visitors to Tarifa can explore the well-preserved castle and learn about its rich history through various exhibits and guided tours. The town itself is a charming blend of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and vibrant local culture. Tarifa is also known for its beautiful beaches and is a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
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