Area Guide for Cazalla de la Sierra, SevillaIntroduction:Cazalla de la Sierra, at the foothills of the Sierra Morena, ninety kilometres north of Sevilla is a small town that is famous all over the world for its cherry-brandy. A favourite haunt of many Sevillians, this village lies 595m above sea level and has a distinctive Andalucian look with tree-line streets and white-washed houses.
Cazalla de la Sierra is home to the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion, one of the most magnificent churches in the Sierra Morena. The church has a renaissance chancel and a unique honey-combed vaulting. This village also contains other equally beautiful churches and grand maisons and a little out of town lays a splendid hotel that was once a 15th century monastery.
History:Archaeological discoveries from the Cuevas de Santiago reveal the presence of human settlements since Neolithic times. Cazalla del Sierra, called Callentum under the Romans, became famous for its grand vineyards and fine tasting wine. When the Moors occupied the city, they changed the name to Kazala, which means fortified town in Arabic. The architectural influence of the Moors can be seen in the castle and in the remains of the defense walls.
As the biggest exporter of wines around the world as well as the huge popularity of the locally prepared aniseed liquors, the 16th and 17th centuries were boom time for the city of Cazalla del Sierra.
In 1730, Cazalla del Sierra was bestowed with the royal seal of approval by Felipe V, after he and his court spent the summer in the city. The well-preserved mansions dating from the 16th and 18th centuries still bear evidence of these affluent times.
Site Seeing:Cazalla del Sierra offers plenty to see and do for nature as well as history lovers. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Consolación erected on the Plaza de los Mártires, is an intriguing combination of different architectural influences and styles. The church remains incomplete even today, though construction began in the 14th century. The most prominent features of the church are the fine Renaissance interior, with an altarpiece and paintings from the 16th century and the Mudéjar tower.
Adjacent to the church are the defensive walls that were constructed by the Almohads in the 13th century.
The Iglesia de San Benito, another impressive structure with a Renaissnce façade and an ornate belfry, has been converted into a hotel.
Other structures worth visiting are the convents of San Agustin and San Francisco, which is now being used as a warehouse by the anisette manufacturer, Miura.
The perfect place for nature lovers is the Sierra Norte National Park, which spans a part of the Sierra Morena Mountain Range. Here the landscape is dominated by large pastures with colossal oak trees that shelter threatened species of birds including the imperial eagle and the rare black stork.
Industry:Known the world over for its locally made Anís, an aniseed-based liqueur and Guinda, a rich-tasting cherry brandy, most of the industry in Cazalla de la Sierra is associated with the production, marketing and export of these products.
Gastronomy:Guinda, the rich-tasting cherry brandy, and anis, the aniseed-based liqueur produced in Cazalla del Sierra are famous all over the world. It is served in all the local bars, where it is drunk accompanied by salchichon (cured sausages) or chorizo ( spicy sausages).
Some of the foods distinct to this region include Gazpacho Blanco, made from fried egg, rabbit liver, garlic, bread, olive oil, mint and vinegar as well as Pitorras con arroz, Rabbit Cazalla style, Cocido de collejas and Calderata de rucho lechal. Cazalla is also noted for its aniseed cakes and its Iberian pork products.
Nightlife:The Palacio de San Benito Hotel is the place to be if you are looking for a frenetic night life in Cazalla de la Sierra. Elegant restaurants and exciting bars offer you a wide choice of food, drinks and entertainment to while away the night.
Summary:Cazalla de la Sierra offers you a perfect vacation with plenty of choices for indoor as well as outdoor activity; splendid churches, impressive National Parks and the majestic Sierra Morena in the background. Not to be missed is the unique opportunity to experience first-hand the production of the world-famous Anís and Guinda. Don’t forget to pick up more than a few bottles while you are there.
Useful Business Links for Cazalla de la Sierra:Do you offer a service in this area? If so, why not put a link here directly to your website. Contact Ask Olive today |
