The Castle of Casares watches over the picturesque white streets where the Andalusian spirit is kept alive in Blas Infante’s hometown.
Where is Casares located
Casares is located 101km from Malaga capital with a population of 2.502 inhabitants. The municipal term has a dimension of almost 160km square.
The origin of the Name Casares
There are two possible theories:
- The name originates from “Caxara” which means in Arabic <fortress>.
- The name comes from “Caesar” which means Roman leader.
- In this village Blas Infante was born, who is considered the <Father of the Andalusian Homeland>.
Demonym of the people of Casares
The inhabitants are called “Casareño or Casareña”.
Curiosities about Casares
- Windows 7 included among its wallpapers an image of Casares.
- From the castle grounds you can spot the following birds: lesser kestrel, griffon vulture, Bonelli’s eagle, red-billed chough, swift, swallows and common house martin.
Monuments and places of interest in Casares
- Castle of Casares: A fortification on top of the town’s urban area. The fortress has its origin in Roman times of which there are no remains, if there are some Arab ruins. The extension of the enclosure is approximately 10,000 square meters with in the middle the Mayor de la Encarnación church, a defensive tower, a door with a semicircular arch, and next to the square a cemetery.
- Church of La Encarnación
- Cultural Center Blas Infante: This building is the old main church of the Incarnation. Built in the 16th century on the foundations of an old mosque of the Arab fortress. The old minaret of the mosque was preserved to convert it into the bell tower of the church with a Mudejar style.
Since the 1940s the church had been abandoned and in ruins but thanks to a rehabilitation and restoration programme, today it has become a cultural center with rooms, exhibitions, a library and music.
- Hermitage of San Sebastián
- Blas Infante’s Birthplace
- Carlos III Fountain: Located and built in the Plaza de España during the Reign of Carlos III in 1785. The location of the neoclassical fountain shows its great importance for the town. The four pipes distribute the fresh water that flows from the Sierra located in Puerto de las Viñas. The fountain formed by three bodies of stone carved from sandstone. The original fountain has undergone some modifications but has retained its appearance and structure over the years.
- Hedionda Roman Baths: The waters of La Hedionda form an ancient Roman spa dating back twenty centuries. The baths have medicinal properties and maintain a temperature of 21ºC all year round. Admission is free to this spectacular and curious place, but you do need to make a reservation.
- Puente-acueducto de los Baños
- Salt tower
- Lacipo
- Albarra Bridge
- Hermitage of the Virgen del Rosario del Campo
- Monument Statue to Blas Infante: The father of the Andalusian homeland who was born in Casares, it was clear that he wanted autonomy for Andalusia without being a national separatist idea, but instead saw Andalusia as an essence of Spain. He was the creator of the Andalusian flag in 1918 and chose green as a symbol of hope and union, white for peace and dialogue. In 1983 the Andalusian Parliament recognized him as “Father of the Andalusian Homeland”.
For more information about Casares Village: visit the City Council page