WHITE VILLAGE OF CASARES
Casares is a
magical beautiful white village with whitewashed, sugar-cube houses climbing
the steep mountain hill. It is located fifteen kilometres inland of Estepona, to the
west of Marbella, in the Malaga province of Andalucía. Casares was built 4035 meters
above sea level where the views are so breathtaking you will think you are looking at a
postcard.
HISTORY OF CASARES
Casares occupies a
distinguished place in the history of Andalucía
The history of Casares can
be traced as far as 100.000 years back in time! Then the inhabitants, the
Neanderthals lived in caves in the Sierra de la Utrera and
lived from hunting and fishing. It was an excellent area with caves, natural
water springs and a rich animal life.
The Neanderthals where later replaced by the
Homo Sapiens about 6.000 years ago who lived in the large cave called ”Cueva de Gran Duque”.
They seem to have been dedicated to (except from hunting and acgriculture)
ceramic production. They made pots, which were carefully decorated as well as
bracelets and necklaces.
Later the inhabitants moved out of the caves
and built huts and with time created small villages ”villas”.
The Romans settled down and created the village Lacipo just
outside the current village of Casares. They built roads and advanced water
systems and minted their own coins, which could still be found in the ground in
the area as soon as 10 years ago.
Julius Ceasar is said to have given name to the
village Casares. And he was the one contructing the “Baños de la Hedionda” where
he took baths to cure his psoriasis. Still people cover their bodies with the
mud from the sulphur bath and claim to get better health from it.
After the Romans the the Moors came
and settled down about 800 years ago and they were the ones building the large
fortress still existing on the top of the village as well as the mere part of
the original village.
The strategic positions and excellent views
has made Casares impossible to conquered for several intents as for example the Napoleonic trops.
It also was one of the last villages to be christened after the moors.
PLACES TO SEE
Beside ancient castle, several churches and chapels you can find in Casares many traditional tapas bars and quaint cafes, most of them in the Plaza de Espana.
It's great
just to walk around to take in the serenity of the place and the winding alleys
between the immaculately kept houses.
Climb up past Arrabal via
Puerta Calle to the Castle. There is a cemetery located within the grounds of
the Castle which is unique because of it's circular shape. There are
whitewashed niches and this is a good place to rest whilst taking in the
beautiful views.
There are a number of signed
walks just outside the village. Some lead to the top of nearby hills where to
can get even better views of the white village. Walk the Sierra Cristilina for
natural beauty or you can take the popular walk down the river valley to
Manilva.
Casares with its dominating
view is a magical place to visit, and offers those who stay an authentic
andalusian experience.
