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 fortresses 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.
Statistics
Area: 162 square kilometres
Altitude: 435 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 32,000
Distance from Nerja: 169 km
Driving Time: +/- 1 hour 25 mins
Location
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 Festivals
Romería de Mayo
Feria de Agosto
La Virgen del Rosario and Santo Cristo de la Buena Muerte (September)
Useful Info
Tourist Office
Tel: 952894056
Where to Stay
Rural de Casares**
calle Coperas 52
Telephone: 952895211
Fax: 958894227
E-mail: [email protected]
www.hotelcasares.com
Plaza*
Plaza de España 6
Where to Eat
La Chuleta
calle Villa, 25-27
Telephone: 952894003
Laura
Ctra. Casares, km13 Puerto del Lugar
Telephone: 952894024
Los Camioneros
calle San Roque
Rojas del Moral
Plaza España, 3
Venta Comecapa
Ctra. Cádiz-Málaga, Km. 146
Villa de Casares
calle Villa, 127
Telephone: 952894210