Nerja Today

Casares, Málaga Province

Casares is considered to be one of the most picturesque of the 'White Villages', with steep, narrow streets winding their way through the labyrinth of white-washed houses. Although the Romans settled the area, the present day village owes its design and structure to the long Moorish period of Iberian history and the remains of one of their foretresses overlooks the village.

It was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs at the end of the 15th century. Casares is also the birthplace of Blas Infante Perez de Vargas, or simply Blas Infante as he is more usually referred to in literature. Born in 1885, Blas Infante was one of the leading figures in Andalucían nationalism and he wrote a statute of autonomy for Andalucía which was approved by parliament in 1936 and was due to be ratified by referendum in September 1936.

However, in July 1936, a spot of bother started in Spain (the Spanish Civil War) and in August 1936, Blas Infante was assassinated by General Franco's men, thus putting paid to Andalucían autonomy for approaching forty years.

Climb to the top of the town and, on a good day, you can see Gibraltar and the North African coast

 

Location

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Places of Interest

The castillo árabe, which overlooks the village.

The 17th century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación

The 17th century Iglesia de San Sebastián

The 16th century Convento de Santa Catalina

The 18th century Fuente de la Plaza

The house where Blas Infante was born (calle Carrera), now a museum.

At the top of the town, along with the old castle, are the ruins of the Iglesia de la Encarnación, built in 1505 and in use up until 1845. It was badly damaged during the Spanish Civil War. It was also from here, amongst other places, that the warring factions disposed of their enemies by hurling them down into the gorge. A friendly lot.

Nearby are various Roman remains including bits of the Roman Baths and the Lacipo Castle.

 

Local Cuisine

Local specialities include: Morcilla de Chivo (black pudding made from kid), Gazpacho (chilled tomato, garlic and vegetable soup), Conejo (rabbit). Guisado de Patas (pig's trotter stew) and Gachas con leche de Cabra (a sort of goat's milk custard with sugar and cinnamon).

Local Fiestas

Romería de Mayo

Feria de Agosto

La Virgen del Rosario and Santo Cristo de la Buena Muerte (September)
 

Where to Stay

Rural de Casares**
calle Coperas 52
Telephone: 952895211
Fax: 958894227
E-mail: hotelcasares@cherrytel.com
www.hotelcasares.com

Plaza*
Plaza de España 6