Zahara de la Sierra
I traveled through the town many times, always on the run and for a purpose other than sightseeing, but I always wanted to come back because the very view of the castle on the rock he was very tempting. In the end it worked and what? We entered the town and we were immediately accosted by the local grandfather, showing us the right, not obvious for a tourist, road leading on the castle, by the way telling us his life story :) I thought - it starts well and how not to love Andalusia? :)
We went as indicated along a side lane, stopping every bit and at one point we froze, literally ... walking further in silence and concentration I suddenly had to say "Oh God!" to which Gosia replied "Ooo, yes!". It was so beautiful, so green, so fabulous that we ran out of words :)
Zahara de la Sierra is located in the province of Cadiz, 45 minutes from Ronda and about 2 hours from Malaga, in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema National Park, at the foot of the Sierra del Jaral. The town is perched on top of a hill and surrounded is the turquoise waters of the Zahara el Gastor reservoir, which creates an extraordinary view and a true postcard picture. This privileged geographical location only proves that that over the centuries Zahara was an important defensive enclave and border fortress of the Nasrid kingdom, and the castle was one of the main fortresses that protected Ronda and Málaga against Christian invasions. Zahara was constantly on the front line of conquest, but in 1407 it was finally conquered by Christian troops who lost it again in 1481. For Christians, the fall of Zahara de la Sierra was considered so important that it was used as an excuse to start the war in Granada.
The main attraction are there are undoubtedly the remains of the 13th century. Moorish castle Nasrid and the Tribute Tower towering over the town (Torre del Homenaje). A walk along the steep path can be swordsmanship, but the view is really worth it.
From the top, you can admire the white town lying at the foot and the turquoise congregation. Being there in the spring you can even fall in love with the surrounding greenery and amazing landscape. And what's more, in simple silence. The singing of birds and the rays of the setting sun accompanied us throughout the entire climb, reminding me how beautiful nature can be, without the hustle and bustle of the city, without unnecessary communicators. Sounds trivial, I know, but we sat or stood in silence, we were simply enchanted and admired the beauty of Andalusia :) The observation tower was recently renovated and opened to the public. Being there can be seen part of the old Nasrid Early Warning System, as Olvera, Matrera, Cote and Algodonales Locks are clearly visible in the background.
Other sights in Zahara de la Sierra include the 17th century the church of Santa Maria de las Mesa (Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Mesa) in Plaza de Zahara, for the construction of which materials from the old temple on the hill were used. In addition, it is worth paying attention to 19th-century chapels San Juan de Letrán and the sixteenth century clock tower (Torre del Reloj). The town center is small, but it has its charm and atmosphere.
Few people knows that Zahara de la Sierra is famous for producing one of the best olive oils throughout Andalucia. For example, in Molino El VÃnculo, an olive mill from 1755, still grinds olives with stone presses. It belongs to the more modern ones the Oleum Viride mill.
The specialties of the kitchen include so-called soups. 'Sopas hervÃas' (soup made of hard bread and asparagus) and 'quemones de cebolla' (based on green peppers, onions and garlic). I recommend trying the local cuisine in the Al Lago Restaurant, where I also recommend you park your car in the area.
I hope that with this text and photos I encouraged you to visit another white town in Andalusia. It is one of those places that amazed me to death. Here, simply admire the beauty of nature and simplicity It would seem ordinary pueblo blanco, which turns out simply Magic.