Cave Living Andalucia
The rich and ancient heritage of Baza
Baza is the capital of the northern part of the province of Granada, and festivals take place here that are unique in Spain, Cascamorras like celebrities. Archaeological remains tell us that man has lived here since prehistoric times. The famous Dama de Baza was found in one of the places Iberian burial in the area, and the Moorish baths are among the most comprehensive in the country.
Baza is believed to be one of the oldest of all human settlements in Spain. The city and its surroundings has a rich and varied architectural, historical and archaeological heritage, having been home many different cultures for centuries and back to the pre-historic times. Its downtown Historic Center was declared in 2003, and its narrow winding streets, especially around the walled medina, where the Alcazaba was built, we can see many traces of this rich and ancient past.
Approximately 20,000 people live in the county, north of the province of Granada. Archaeological sites, such as the Ibero-Roman city of Basti and ancient cemeteries, in one of which discovered the famous Dama Baza, and Arab baths, make this one of the most important archaeological and historical sites in Andalusia.
From the point of view environment, Baza offers a contrasting landscape ranging from mountains, declared a Natural Park in 1989, almost desert landscapes in the area known as the plateau a green oasis between the two, which is La Vega. But the region is also well known for its own particular type of domestic architecture, which is the home cave. Many these old houses, which were used in the past by farmers, ranchers and miners, have been adapted for rural tourism.
Baza has an architecture major, archaeological and historical heritage, the result of the diversity of peoples living in this area over the centuries, and from which left something of their culture behind them. Although little remains of the Alcazaba de Baza these days other than sections of the wall and towers of Sorna, was once an impregnable fortress. Its walls were built in three phases: the first in the 11th and 12th centuries, the second at the time of Moorish occupation and the third by the Christians in the 16th century. Is located in the heart of the old city, dominated by the old medina.
The palace of the Henrys is a great example of a Renaissance palace designed in the style of an Italian country villa, and as such, is unique in Andalusia. It was built by Enrique Enriquez and his wife, Maria de Luna, aunt and uncle of the Catholic Kings. Work on the palace began in 1506 and has since been restored. Inside you can see excellent examples of Mudejar arsenal Sorne all highly decorated with Renaissance motifs.
The Real Granary was built in 1762 during the reign of Charles III, and still retains its beautiful courtyard surrounded by galleries. At the main entrance we see the royal coat of arms and the mayor (the local chiefmagistrate) and the mayor. Inside, besides being a grain warehouse, the works of theater also held. This was also once the headquarters of the Economic Society of Friends of the Country Baza during the last quarter of the 18th century. Arab Baths in the city are particularly well preserved, dating from the 13th century. They are a magnificent example of urban bathrooms of the era, located next to the mosque in the old part of Marzuela (Now the district of Santiago). A visit to the Arab Baths is a must for any visitor to the city.
As expected, there are numerous churches in the city, among them Mayor Collegiate Church. We must also see a monumental fountain located near the Puerta del Peso, on the Camino Real de Lorca, which was designed in form of lion and human head. There are many local festivals throughout the year in the city, the most prominent of these is the Feast of Cascamorras Him was declared of Tourist Interest National in 2006 and begins each year on September 6, six in the afternoon, beginning what has become one of the most popular traditional festivals throughout the region.
About the Author
With more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry Rudi van der Zalm is the founder of one of Europe’s most popular websites for rural holiday apartments in Granada, Spain. A wide selection of country houses and lodgings can be found at http://www.rural-tour.com
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