Castilléjar

The Castilléjar district is located in a fertile valley that extends to the banks of the Río Galera and the Río Guardal. It has many archaeological sites and some of the most spectacular landscapes in the region. Here the Iberian necropolis Balunca Castro is located, dating back to the 4^th and 5^th centuries BC. It has many Prehistoric caves, some of which are still used as homes. Other points of interest are the Iglesia Parroquial church and the Casa del Tercio, as well as the natural spaces the Sierra de La Sagra and the Sierra Castril.

At the entrance of the village there is an old iron bridge dating back to the early 20^th century, and if you follow the Camino de Castilléjar you reach the Baños de Bartolo or Fuente Hedionda. Castilleja has an artificial lake perfect for bathing. Although in poor condition, the ovens that produced plaster and lime can also be seen here.

Castilléjar has had settlers since Prehistoric times, with remains still visible at archaeological sites such as the Cuevas de Guardal. There are traces of an Iberian town from the 6^th and 5^th centuries BC, later home to the Basti tribes. The Arabs also occupied this territory and called it Morería, until in 1488 it was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs and fell under the rule of the House of Alba.

The town was particularly prominent during the Moorish rebellion in the late 16^th century and was consequently severely punished. The Moors were expelled and the city was repopulated with settlers from the Basque country, Navarre and Aragon.

In Castilléjar you can find a variety of game and fish dishes. In addition, the magnificent lamb from the region is used in many roasted and stewed dishes. Pastries are also excellent as are the doughnuts, cakes and delicious peaches.