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Situated in the north
of the Granada Province, is the town of Baza, the capital
of the overall area of the same name.
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Tthe exceptionally
beautiful village of Benamaurel sits at a height of 723 metres
above sea level and covers an overall area of some 130 Km2.
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At 766
metres above sea level, the stunning little village of Castillejar
is one of the six Andalusian hamlets that make up the region
of Huescar.
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This idyllic
countryside hamlet is situated on the edge of the Province
of Jaen.
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Of all the villages that make up the Huescar and Baza regions of the Altiplano area in the Granada Province, Cortes de Baza is arguably the most unspoiled of all.
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The village of Galera is a natural beauty spot, which is steeped in the history of many cultures going back some 4,000 year.
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The small town of Huescar is known as "Cuidad de la Paz" (City of Peace).
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Puebla de Don Fadrique has been described as the most beautiful village in the whole of Andalusia.
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The Andalusian village of Orce may be small, but is nevertheless of remarkable importance in the search of the first traces mankind in Iberia.
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In the northeast of Granada province is the sparsely populated 53,649ha Sierra de Baza Natural Park.
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This rugged and spectacular limestone mountainous region is exceptional for its geological features.
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By Dee McMath
High Plateau/Flatlands
In the northern part of the Province of Granada
is a vast plateau of flatlands surrounded by the highest peaks of
the Bética Mountain Range reaching as high
as the Sierra de la Sagre at a height of 2,381
meters. The overall plateau region is known as 'El Altiplano de
Granada' and is a land of contrasts. Areas of the most arid plains
are to be found just a few kilometres away from some of the lushest
forests in the Mediterranean. Because of its rich natural environment,
the Altiplano is a protected area encompassing the Natural Parks
of the Sierra de Baza and the Sierra de
Castril. Water being an important issue to these parts,
the three reservoirs of El Portillo, el San Clemente and el Negratín
play a major role in assisting nature's balance and keeping local
land fertile for crops and grazing livestock. Water from these three
lakes feeds into the river Guadalquivir, via its estuary, the Gaudiana
Menor.
Outdoor sports, such as walking, trekking, climbing,
horse riding, fishing are all available in the area. The unspoiled
natural surroundings and abundance of wild life also attracts professional
and amateur photographers to capture some incredible images.
One of the most interesting historical and current
features of this area is the structure and style of the traditional
houses in form of cave dwellings or cave houses.
Excavated from the rock face, these beautifully formed oval shaped
homes have attracted many artists from all over the world to spend
vacation time or even to settle there. Although previously considered
humble abodes, they are now sought after for restoration by people
searching for an idyllic hide-away - a popular retreat for rural
tourists and nature lovers as well as those in search of creative
inspiration. Combining the number of cave houses in El Altiplano
and its neighbouring region of Guadix, there are at least 5,000
now in existence.
El Altiplano - Brief History
It is estimated that for around five million years,
this valley was submerged under water due to an inlet pouring into
it from the sea. Then many thousand of years ago, when the inflow
of water reduced and became redirected into the River Gaualquivir
and the Guadiana Menor, the area began to dry up. The resulting
dry flatlands area is now a surprisingly wild, semi desert area,
of tremendous value to the environment in that this area is such
a rare commodity in Europe. One of the resulting vestiges of the
change in water flow is the existing Negratín reservoir,
which is of great importance to the area.
Because of the numerous archaeological remains found
in this area, we know that this forgotten corner of Andalusia has
been inhabited since time immemorial by a multitude of cultures.
There is evidence of Palaeolithic settlers in Orce,
the ferocious Iberian warriors in Baza and even Berber
tribes of the middle ages in Benamaurel. Traces of all these peoples
are imprinted in el Altiplano of the Granada Province, making it
natural and historical treasure trove.
Traditions & Fiestas
Many ancient traditions and fiestas are celebrated
each year in the villages scattered over the El Altiplano area.
The organizing of religious and local events usually involves everyone
in the village and visitors are made welcome. One of the most popular
festivals is the 'Fiesta del Cascamorras' which
takes place around the 6 - 8th September in the streets of the village
of Baza. (it is also celebrated in the nearby town of Guadix). The
celebrations are apparently based around the discovery of the 'Virgen
de la Piedad' when excavations were going on back in 1490
to restore the church of La Merced. Villagers taking part in this
fiesta have painted faces and chase one villager who is dressed
in a brightly coloured of Harlequin outfit. The throwing of water
seems to have become incorporated in the fun, which - while it helps
to cool everyone down in the heat of early September, it also adds
to the hilarity when all the painted faces start to run.
Easter celebrations in all the villages are taken
seriously and are well worth seeing. In the heat of August, many
of the villages celebrate a summer fair, when visitors can sample
local wines and typical dishes, while watching or joining in the
local dancing.
El Altiplano - Economy
The rural economy in the Altiplano area is mainly
based on the growing of cereal and sunflower crops, fruits and vegetables.
There is also a predominance of olive and almond groves, tended
and harvested by small holding local farmers. Livestock is another
important part of life in this area, with the many flocks of sheep
and goats on the landscape forming a valuable income for the farming
community of the region.
Of increasing importance to this rural economy are
both the textile industry and the production of olive oil and meat
products. All of this is enhanced with a strong tradition of hand
made traditional products, which is helpful to attract the discerning
tourist to this delightful area.
The Altiplano de Granada covers the two main of
regions, Huéscar and Baza, each of which is divided up into
numerous small Andalusian villages.
Huéscar
This little known area, made up of six different
villages ( Castillejar, Castril, Galera, Huéscar, Puebla
de D. Fadrique ,Orce) and has an overall population of around 20,000
people. It is one of the few places left in Spain which is a living
testimony to its substantial prehistoric past, showing traces of
man's evolution through many age old cultures. For those who love
the countryside, the abundance of indigenous flora and fauna found
here is a rarity anywhere in Europe today. This together with its
many interesting historic monuments and singular architecture makes
it a delightful discovery for anyone who wants to delve deep into
real Andalusia.
Baza
The other area of El Altiplano is Baza, which is
made up of eight municipalities ( Baza, Benamaurel, Caniles, Cortes
de Baza, Cuevas del Campo, Cúllar, Freila y Zújar)
and has an overall population of around 45,000 people. Also in this
northern high flatland plain of the Granada Province, Baza borders
onto the provinces of Almeria and Jaén. It is a land of contrasts
between the fertile crops dispersed near river banks and the dramatic
dry desert-like areas. Like Huéscar, it is full of historical
importance and retains its Andalusian charm and tradition.
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