Aerial view of Castellar
Castellar de la Frontera is one of the most attractive and impressive places of Campo de Gibraltar, province of Cadiz, Andalusia. Castellar is formed by two main populated areas. The new village, founded in 1971, and the old fortress. The latter was the only village until the new foundation. This movement of population to the new village was due to obvious reasons of comfort. The fortress was getting too small for a growing population that demanded suitable services impossible to get in such a reduced area. It is reached following a winding route, driving through narrow, two-ways roads. The landscape is astonishing, with lush forest, plenty of Mediterranean plants. Sometimes you can see hitchhikers asking to get into your car. Connections between surrounding towns and fortress are not very good.
The fortress, better known as “the castle” was built between the XII and XV centuries by Muslims and was an important bastion in their fight against Christians. This area, including the fortress, was reconquered in 1434 by D. Juan de Saavedra.
Situated in the middle of the Nature Reserve of “Los Alcornocales”, big animals can be seen in the forest or crossing the roads, like deers, mouflons, foxes, or wild boars. From the top of the mountain, where the fortress is, you might see many birds of prey, like eagles, peregrine falcons, kestrels or vultures, soaring near the buildings and walls of the fortress. Watching the flight of these birds, at dusk, is a natural remedy for stress.
Castellar de la Frontera. Fortress, better known as "Castle"
Nowadays the old fortress has been turned into a refuge for bohemian people and high-grade tourists searching for tranquility and picturesque atmosphere. Inside the fortress, most old houses have been turned into comfortable houses devoted to country holidays. You can find good and surprising accommodations there. Other old buildings are now inhabited for bohemians (most of them foreigners) dedicated to crafts market and artistic activities, like painting and sculpture. They have set up their shops or art galleries in the same houses.
Good meals can be also found in the fortress. You may enjoy typical dishes made with wild boar and venison meat. Inside the walls there is a good restaurant where these dishes are served.
Once there, enjoy unforgettable sights and a peaceful stay.
How to come:
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Gallery:
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- Inside the fortress.
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- Castellar de la Frontera. Fortress, better known as “Castle”
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- Inside the fortress.
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- Aerial view of Castellar
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- Sights from the fortress.
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- Sights of Rock of Gibraltar from the fortress.
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- Inside the fortress.
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- Inside the fortress.
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- Inside the fortress.
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- Inside the fortress.
