A Simple Guide On Exploring Baza
Baza is a captivating Moorish town in the north-east part of the province of Granada. The city of Granada is a popular destination in Spain; it is located on the southern part of the country, and in the eastern part of Andalucia's autonomous community. The town of Baza is just 100km away from Granada City.This town is ideal for anyone who wants to dig deeper into the diverse cultural attractions of Spain, particularly in the Andalucian region where there is rich ancient traditions and historical heritage. The region's picturesque countryside, towering mountain ranges, ancient buildings and traditional cave houses capture individuals who want to experience exceptionally productive holidays and a way of living in Spain.
Baza's History
The entire region boasts of numerous archaeological remains and historical sites. This is mainly because Baza can be dated back to the prehistoric times and the reign of the Phoenicians. It has been settled by the Greeks, Visigoths, Carthaginians, Romans and the Moors.
The Iberians founded the city and named it Basti in the 4th century B.C. It became a thriving commercial center of a Roman province called Tarraco. Nevertheless, it was under the rule of the Moors when it really flourished. It became a formidable military installation along the border. In 1489, the town succumbed to the Reconquista or the Christian Reconquest led by the Queen Isabella I of Castile.
Baza is evidently rich in diverse history, and its past splendor can be observed through the number of preserved historic buildings from the 16th and 17th Centuries. The Arab Baths or Banos Arabes are just some of these fascinating structures with historic importance. Alcazaba, the ancient fortress is also a must-see in the region along with other prominent military architecture, monuments and churches.
The Lady of Baza or La Dama de Baza is perhaps the most famous Iberian sculpture from the ancient Iberian-Roman city of Basti that has ever been discovered. It was recovered on July 1971 in the Cerro del Santuario, one of the two necropolises in the town, by Francisco Jose Presedo Velo.
The Municipal Museum of Baza has some incredible collections of exhibits with great archaeological interest. It has specific sections for each era (i.e., Iberia, Medieval, Roman and Prehistoric) as well as for cultural activities and other significant exhibitions.
You may also want to check out the Royal Duke's Palace (Palacio del Duque del Infantado), the Royal Granary and other civil buildings; particularly those from the Renaissance period.
Basic Facts and Information
The municipality of Baza is sitting on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Baza range, 844 m above sea level and with an area of 545 km2 or 210 sq mi.
It is the largest municipality in the Granada Province with a population of 23,287 and 43/km2 (110/sq mi) density.
Benamaurel, Cortes de Baza, Caniles, Cullar, Cuevas del Campo, Freila and Zujar are some of the other villages in the Baza region.
The countryside is composed of the Sierras (mountain areas), the Meseta and the Vega.
Sierra de Baza is a mountain range with rocky peaks the occupies a great part of the municipal area. It is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada and the Sierra de Cazorla mountain ranges along with some arid plains and fertile valleys.
The Vega and the Meseta are the flat plains that surround the city which are usually utilized for agricultural purposes. Recent developments made the area suitable for construction of new properties.
In 1989, the Sierras (with peaks reaching over 2,000m in height) have been officially declared as National Parks. The Casas de Santa Olalla, Tesorero and Tablas are just some of the abandoned villages scattered within the park.
The Altiplan region of Baza is formed by the dry or 'bad lands' of the plateau.
It is normally dry and cold all throughout the region. There can be intermittent bouts of snow, and the temperature during the winter has an average of 10C or below. On the other hand, the average daily temperature during the summers can reach 25C or more. August can be the hottest month.
Baza has a large and fascinating heritage of traditional cave houses. At present, it is a popular and preferred retreat by many tourists who would rather savor the rural areas of Spain instead of the Costas. In fact, a lot of cave houses and other types of Spanish properties are for sale in the suburbs of Baza.
You can easily reach the city of Baza through the A92 Motorway. You can take a train (nearest is at 48 kilometres away) or a bus that travels to and from the municipality. There are various bus services that can enable you to enjoy the picturesque view of the countryside while traveling in comfort.
Attractions, Festivals, Activities
The region of Baza offers diverse activities for anyone who wants to have an adventure and a fun-filled yet informative holiday. There are numerous Moorish streets and structures as well as other historic monuments and buildings to check out. You can also delight yourself in the surrounding countryside, and exploring the Sierra de Baza Natural Park must be a part of your activities.
There is so much to do if you want to experience an extraordinary outdoor adventure. You can go hiking, paragliding and camping while feasting your eyes upon the magnificence of the scenery. A range of water sports await in the nearby Lake Negratin, Andalusia's third most important reservoir.
The Carnival celebrations every February is something you should not miss. The festival is becoming more colorful, extravagant and organized each year. The region's holy week celebration is a religious tradition that many tourists are aiming to witness. It's a result of eager preparations all throughout the year.
The Town Fair or Feria is one of the many local celebrations that involves a lively and colorful portrayal of a 500 year old dispute between Baza and Gaudix, often referred to as the fiesta of Cascamorros. It is celebrated from the 6th to the 15th of September.
When it comes to gastronomical features, the region of Baza takes pride in its solid home cooking. Stews made with fresh vegetables are in demand during the winter. Gachas Tortas and Gurupina are just some of the most delectable local dishes that will make you crave for more. In addition, the region is also known for its extraordinary collection of sweets and stimulating desserts.
It is truly a paradise for anyone who aims to enjoy a one-of-a-kind countryside experience. Baza will kindle the historian and nature lover in you while satisfying your need for a productive outdoor kind of life.