Learn About the Municipality of Castillejar
Castillejar is one of the interesting municipalities in the province of Granada. It is one of the stunning villages making up the Huescar region of Granada's Altiplano area, roughly 15km from Huescar's town.The village is located 140 km in the north-east of Granada, about 120 kilometres away from the city, with a total land area of 132 km2 or 51 sq mi and at an altitude of 766-792m (2,598 ft) above sea level.
This small yet thriving community has a population of around 2,000 and a density of 12.3/km2 or 32/sq mi.
The climate in this region is different from the coastal areas, mainly because of the surrounding mountain ranges. Temperatures vary, and can be extreme. Summers can be really dry and hot, and winters can be really cold and snowy. Learn about the possible weather conditions before taking a trip.
The municipality of Castillejar is settled in a fertile plain that sits between the rivers of Guardal and Barbatas. It is one of the least spoiled areas in the beautiful autonomous community of Andalucia.
History and Culture
Significant traces of numerous settlers from different cultures were discovered in and around the village. Its historic past and diverse culture along with its fascinating traditional celebrations and impressive landscapes are perhaps the main reasons why more and more people visit Castillejar.
Its name before and until the 18th century was Castilleja, derived from the word Castilla which means Castle. Later on, it became Castillejar de los Rios then eventually known simply as Castillejar. It was one of the most significant commercial gateways and strategic points ever since the ancient times.
The village was also a formidable Moorish fortress built to protect against any hostility and invasion from Murcia. The stones from the fortress were then re-used in the building of a parish church when the Moors were expelled. Later on, Christian colonists settled in the village and fixed its territorial limits.
The Huescar region is known for its plethora of caves which were probably used as shelter in the past. Most of the old caves are in the village, and the so-called 13 caves of La Moreria (i.e., located in a cliff about 20 to 30 metres above the river) are inaccessible unless tackled with some special maneuvers.
Castillejar has always been an agricultural community. However, numerous efforts are being made to further develop this municipality, particularly in the aspects of rural tourism. The village's traditional cave dwellings attract a myriad of curious tourists, even those expatriates aiming to relocate in Spain.
Places of Interests, Activities
Even though this enchanting village is quite tucked away, it is actually accessible from the A-92 motorway. Several Natural Parks (e.g., Cazorla and Castril) are just nearby including the Lake Negratin and the archaeological site of Baza. People visiting these parks stop off in the village for more explorations.
The surrounding countryside offers picturesque views, fresh air and a wide variety of outdoor activities. The lush valleys and other astounding landscapes will surely take your breath away. These areas are perfect spots for photographers and nature-lovers; particularly during autumn or spring. Various types of flora and fauna can also be observed in and around the village, especially in the lakes and rivers.
You can enjoy the scenery and many wonders of the countryside without having to worry about your safety if you go to a place called Las Presas, a well-maintained picnic area by the banks of Guardal river. You may consider hiking, walking, horse riding, mountain biking, and canoeing in the area.
The pre-historic remains and archaeological site of Balunca, just outside the village, is also worth checking out as well as the viewpoint or Mirador de las Eras Altas that provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley and river Guardal. The hermitage of Santo Domingo de Guzman, Castillejar's patron saint, an impressive structure that has been neglected over time must also be visited.
As for the village's gastronomic features, several restaurants take pride in their excellent service and exceptional local dishes. Most of the famed dishes in the village include lamb while others favor some cuscus (couscous) and rabbit. Of course, the local wine is a must-try as it complements the tasty dishes.
Furthermore, witnessing or taking part in the village's many traditional celebrations and festivities should also be a part of your to-do list. The Fiestas de la Candelaria every February, the Fiesta de la Cruz on May and the festival for the Patron Saint held in August are just some of the fun-filled and captivating celebrations in the village. These traditional religious festivals will somehow change your life.