Area Guide for Cuevas de San Marcos, MalagaIntroduction:Situated in the midst of the gorgeous Sierra del Camorro Mountains, Cuevas de San Marcos is a charming town with a population of around 4,000 people. In the northern most portion of the province of Malaga, the town sits on the provincial borders of Malaga and Corboba. Panoramic vistas of mountains, olive trees, and colourful gardens create unforgettable images.
Malaga is approximately 90 kilometres away, but the MA202, N331, and A92 make Cuevas de San Marcos an easy reach from many larger towns or cities. If you prefer to avoid driving, buses travel to and from Antequera, Archidona, and Malaga daily. Archidona is around 20 kilometres away and offers both a train station and bus depot.
The average annual temperature is 16ºC. Summers are warm, and winters are cool, but still rather mild by many people's standards.
History:Cuevas de San Marcos's history lies mainly in the occupation of Belda centuries ago. At the time, Belda was the stronghold that was established in prehistoric times. Evidence has been unearthed. The Romans and Moors helped add their touch to the flourishing area.
In the 1400s, the Moors were defeated in a grave battle that changed the area. Lands were split amongst neighbouring areas. In the 1800s, the residents in the area asked King Carlos for their independence. Eventually, their wish was granted and the town was given reign to start anew.
As the population expanded, people began to settle further down the hill establishing fields and homes along the banks of the Rio Genil. The Rio Genil proved to be an excellent source of water for irrigation systems.
Site Seeing:At the Cave of Belda, visitors and outdoor enthusiasts can tour the wide cavern system that surrounds three lakes. The lakes are accessible via a relatively easy walk through the caves. The cave is home to one of the largest colonies of bats in Europe, so be prepared to view some of these critters.
Built in the 1600s and restored in 1798, the Iglesia de San Marcos is the town's most important historical building. Located in the centre of town, the church is easily accessible by foot. The church's key features are a stunning blend of Neoclassic and Baroque styles. Inside are three naves with a vaulted ceiling and then one of the most important aspects is the bell tower that contains three sections made from brick, rubble, and ceramic.
The Feria is a yearly event. Every August, the town fills with visitors who come to enjoy the yearly fair. Dances, musical performances, and other festivities fill the air with intriguing music and delicious smells.
Hermitage el Carmen was built in the 1700s. The hermitage has weathered greatly throughout the centuries, but most of the structure remains intact. The main features are a well preserved brick tower and roof created from handmade tiles.
On the outskirts of town, the historic town called Belda sits high above the town on a mountain peak. This ancient town offers preserved houses, a defensive tower, and even an old dungeon. An archaeological museum is on the premise. A wide array of artifacts collected in the area offers an extensive look into the history of this medieval wonder. Entrance into the museum is free, but it is required that you first call the museum to arrange an appointment.
Industry:While much of Cuevas de San Marcos's economy revolves around agriculture. Craftsmen specializing in furniture made from woven reeds is also immensely popular.
The irrigation systems, warm climate, and rich soil ensure that cereals and olives thrive within the region. Smaller businesses are also present throughout the town. Automobile repair shops, small manufacturers, and real estate firms are prominent in the region.
Gastronomy:Cuevas de San Marcos takes typical Andalusian fare and gives it a unique twist. You will find many restaurants and private homes serving Relleno de Carnaval, a sausage made from pork, ham, egg, bread crumbs, and parsley. The sausage is filling and extremely delicious.
Other common dishes include blood sausage fried with green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Cakes and biscuits made from chestnut flour are typical. Less common, but very important to the area is boiled grape must. Grapes are pressed to release their juices. The juice is then boiled until it shares a similar density to honey. The resulting must is used in many regional dishes.
Cuevas de San Marcos is also known for incredible baked goods. San Marcos Bread is one of the more unique items. A sweet bread dough is twisted and then baked with a whole egg in the interior.
Fresh produce is abundant throughout the year in Cuevas de San Marcos. The mild Carrot salad is popular in the warm summer months. Sobruesa is another popular dish. The stew contains eggs, coriander, and locally grown legumes.
A liqueur made from fresh quince is brewed in many private homes and bars. This sweet liqueur is one of the area's specialties. The other popular liqueur, Resoli, is made from coffee, anise, and other herbs.
Nightlife:Visitors to Cuevas de San Marcos will find many bars scattered throughout the town. Some bars serve sit down meals while others stick to the popular tapas selections. A few of the bars do have small dance floors. There are a few restaurants in the area that offer incredible meals made from local produce, breads, and meats.
If you want larger dance clubs or cinemas, you will need to head to larger cities. Cuevas de San Marcos offers a variety of nightly activities, but the younger crowd prefers to head to larger cities for their entertainment.
Summary:The population of Cuevas de San Marcos is steadily increasing. Tourism is improving as more people flock to the caves and the ancient town of Belda. Cuevas de San Marcos is also becoming a trendy area for retirees from all over Europe. Housing prices are steadily rising and as the economy improves, the growth within this town will draw more tourists to the area. It is a matter of time before everyone discovers this little gem.Useful Business Links for Cuevas de San Marcos:Do you offer a service in this area? If so, why not put a link here directly to your website. Contact Ask Olive today. |
