Zagra

Zagra borders with Algarinejo and Loja and is very close to Iznájar. It is located at the foot of a high hill at the top of which you can still see the remains of an ancient castle from which you can get magnificent views. The town is of Spanish origin and its name comes from the word ‘sajra’ meaning rock or pit.

The main economic driver is agriculture, particularly olive production.

In of Zagra numerous objects dating back to the Prehistoric and Roman period have been discovered. Flint arrowheads, Neolithic axes, pottery fragments and coins have been found in ancient graves. The origin of the town and its castle is Arabic.

After the Reconquista, the castle was given to a Castilian warden who tried in vain to gain dominion of the surrounding land. Having previously been under the direct control of the sultan, without any proper jurisdiction, the lands were divided among the Spanish settlers who settled in the village.

For centuries it fell under the jurisdiction of Loja. In 1982 when it got its municipal independence.

In Zagra many olives are grown and in neighbouring Iznájar there is a great fishing traditions so its no surprise that both of these ingredients are used in local dishes. Local cuisine has also been influenced by the neighbouring province of Malaga. Choto stew and homemade sausages are popular here as is Sobrehúsa and Porra.

Rosquetes, doughnuts, Roscos de viento, Borrachuelos and Piñonate are desserts worth trying.