The Cástaras district is part of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park and it is located in its Southern slope. The village of Nieles belongs also to this district. This hidden and precious village is without a doubt one of the most surprising of the region, at the same time that it is one of the most punished by the emigration. Of white houses and steep streets adapted to the ground, its urbanism is typical from the Alpujarras. The views that are contemplated from any point of their surrounding are magnificent.
One of the places with more enchantment are the old Mines of the Conjuro as much by the spectacular site, abandoned years ago, as by the incredible panoramic views. From there one controls the Trevélez valley and the extensive territory of the Tahá and Busquístar.
Its citizens like to remember the nickname of "orchard sleeping between stone and water" with which Cástaras appears mentioned in the archives of its City council, a right definition that remind us its steep land, the abundance of water and the lush vegetation.
Nieles is located at the bottom of the Hill of the Alfanjías, a thousand meters of altitude and with good views of the valley of the Guadalfeo river and the Cerrajón de Murtas.
Of Arab origin, it reached importance as population centre thanks to the iron mines of the Conjuro, exploited until a few years ago, and others of mercury that have been closed since mid XX century.
After the Reconquista carried out by the Catholic Kings, Cástaras fall into Christian hands. In the middle of the XVI century the Moorish revolt took place, reason why the Moorish were expelled from the district. Years later, the town was repopulated with settlers of other regions.
Cástaras has seen reduced its population drastically due to the emigration. In the 70, before the massive exodus of its inhabitants in search of work to other points of Spain, it had to close two third parts of its houses.
In Cástaras excellent inlays are elaborated, mainly, jam, chorizo sausage, black pudding and salchichon. Among the most flavourful dishes the choto al ajo cabañil or the remojón stand out. The chestnuts stew is a typical dessert that shares with other towns.
© Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada I Diputación de Granada
