Introduction:

Located on the southern slope of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, Busquístar is surrounded by glorious chestnut trees.  The hillside town features many period homes in the Berber style situated on steep streets.   Busquístar is an excellent town for the nature lover and outdoor enthusiast.  Many hiking trails can be reached with ease from varying sections of this Spanish town.

History:

As early as the 13th century, it is believed that Busquístar formed a portion of the Taha district of Ferreira.  The district was a formation of many small towns along the Sierra Nevada.  The area was populated by the Moors, but they lived quietly, not drawing much attention to their area. When the Catholic kings’ armies waged a war against the Moors hoping to capture much of Spain, Busquístar fell to ruins.  The Moors were defeated and Christian settlers moved into the area.  Busquístar remained in a recession for many years while the new inhabitants attempted to repopulate the town that was now under the control of the government of Albuñol.  In the 19th century, Albuñol opted to give control of the town to Órgiva.  The only potential use for Busquístar relied on many iron-rich mines found within the town limits.  Townspeople relied on the income that the mines produced.

Site Seeing:

There is one church in town that is an important historical building.  The Iglesia Parroquial de San Felipe y Santiago dates back to the 15th century.  Renovations have been made throughout the decades.  The Mudejar style church features many period architectural features worth viewing. Stroll the streets and take some time to observe the Berber style homes.  Their mud/clay roofs, known as launa, are common to the area.  With proper upkeep, the roofs remain waterproof for centuries. If you venture into the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, you will find many hiking trails.  The trails range in difficulty, but the scenery is exquisite.

Industry:

Until recent years, Busquístar’s main income came from the iron mines.  Unfortunately, the mines closed in 1973.  Townspeople were forced to move to other towns or find ways to commute to other towns for work.  This led to a steep drop in population.  Fewer than 400 residents remain in the picturesque town.

Gastronomy:

Busquístar’s cuisine is a throwback to the Moorish culture.  Rich stews utilizing readily available produce and meats are common.  Fennel stew is the most popular dish in the town.  Another popular dish is Asadura Encebollada (lamb cooked in wine with onions and garlic.)  Roasted pepper soup is also served in many homes.  For dessert, sweetened and fried bread dough dipped in honey or sugar is extremely tasty. 

Nightlife:

Due to the decline in population in Busquístar, there are few restaurants and bars to be found.  According to the Spanish Institute of Statistics, Busquístar currently has two restaurants.  They do serve typical Andalusian fare.  Both restaurants contain bar areas where patrons can enjoy the relaxing evenings.  You can visit one of the two restaurants for a cool drink and some traditional tapas.

Summary:

Busquístar is a nice place to stop for a night.  Rates are inexpensive and the scenery is charming.  With close proximity to area hiking trails, Busquístar may be an excellent destination for people interested in camping out and enjoying the sounds and scents of nature.

Useful Business Links for Busquístar:

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