ZAGRA, more than a ‘present’!
Imagine a place where you could walk through prehistoric dolmens with thousands years of history, a minute later you could see several Visigothic archaeological complexes, discover a magnificent fortress of the first defensive line of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, or get lost in a maze of narrow, sinuous and steep streets; and all of this while stopping to enjoy wonderful views of the Lake of Andalusia with unforgettable sunsets.
Then, take pleasure with a cold beer with its tapa at a calm terrace in the town centre. You can do these things in Zagra, where every moment will be magical.
Then, take pleasure with a cold beer with its tapa at a calm terrace in the town centre. You can do these things in Zagra, where every moment will be magical.
Zagra is surrounded by centenarian olive groves, Mediterranean forests, steep cliffs, and by rivers that feed the grand inside sea of Andalusia, as well as by Iznájar’s Reservoir, one of the most amazing landscapes of the Poniente Granadino.
Zagra is an example of the White Towns in the heart of Andalusia, for it has houses that spill out on the hillside crowned by the ochre towers of its castle, and passageways that go up and down in a maze of beauty and harmony created by history. White houses, with lime and flowers in the Last Border of Al-Andalus, to live, walk, and share the urban landscape with its people and carry forever in our memory the naturalness and beauty of this town.
Zagra is the ‘White Watchtower of Poniente Granadino’, witness of the history of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, it was border in first line with its castle and its wide defensive system (Tower of Martilla, Tower of Pesquera, Castle of Cesna and the lost Tower of Merced) until it was conquered permanently in June of 1486, after the conquest of Loja. The Castle of Zagra, which was declared BIC (bien de interés cultural) in 1993, had its period of highest splendour during the Nasrid period, even though its existence is already documented from centuries ago. The fortress is divided into two well distinguished areas: the higher zone belongs to the Alcazaba, of about 600 m2, and there were the Tower of Tribute, the weapon courtyard and the cistern. The lower zone was the Village, with several towers and high walls around it. This area has about 4000 m2.
Zagra still preserves the Andalusí essence in its houses and streets in the historic centre, above everything in the Castle Quarter, sheltered by the Cliff of Zagra. In this neighbourhood we can find many cave houses, which were carved into the rock in the past and are still used in the present. While we go for a walk we can enjoy excellent views from many different lookouts and contemplate the vastness of the landscape.
If we go down to Antonio Ortega square, we will find an ancient and nice Washing Place, the Town Hall and the Parish Church of San Lorenzo, with clear Andalusian appearance, which was rebuilt in 1970 over the old church from the 16th century.
Equally, you must visit the Hermitage of ‘Santa Barbara y el Resucitado’, in the Calvario Quarter, which was rebuilt in 2000 on top of the former chapel from the 18th century. From this place we have a magnificent panoramic view of the village, above the Cliff and the Castle over the white town.
Zagra and its outskirts are a magic paradise for its archaeology, where we can let your imagination fly, and get into the uncertain and disconcerting passing of time.
There are a lot of archaeological sites; some of the most important are the following:
– The Visogothic Archaeological Complex of ‘La Algarbe’: this is an exceptional cultural space from c. the 7th-9thcenturies, home to unique architectural units like liturgic-ritual spaces with one church, a baptistery and the rooms of a monastery in several caves, besides one cemetery with tons of graves excavated in stone and one settlement.
– ‘Torre Martilla’, wrongly known as Sierra Martilla, is a place where there are very different archaeological remains and we can contemplate 8 dolmens from the 3rd millennium B.C., a big Visogothic necropolis (7th -9th centuries) and the ruins of Nasrid Tower of Martilla (14th -15th centuries).
– Complex of ‘La Atalayuela’, in this place exist a Roman baptistery, a Visogothic necropolis and the ruins of an old quarry of mill stones.
– Other places with an important historical past are Fuente Alta, Cortijo del Duende, Cerro María de Obras and La Raja.
From all of these locations we can enjoy amazing views and sunsets.
Nature and sports lovers should visit Iznájar Reservoir, in the setting known as ‘Los Cangilones’, a spectacular narrow pass in the river Pesquera, where you can go hiking, climbing, canoeing, fishing or do motocross.
Other sites where you can spend a good time calmly or go hiking are the Cerro de la Cruz, La Raja, La Algarbe or Martilla.
Last but not least, you can enjoy our fantastic and delicious gastronomy in our Fair of the Tapa and in the Fair of the Nations or while you make the most of fairs and parties such as Fairs of May and September, San Lorenzo in August, Romeria of San Antonio or the fantastic Easter Week with its amazing Resurrection Sunday.
Enjoy our history, archaeology, nature, gastronomy and fairs, visit Zagra and you will never forget it!
José Antonio Lobato Delgado, 4ºC.
