|
By Dee McMath
Castril is one of the six villages which make up
the Huescar region in the Province of Granada and is about 150 kilometres
from Granada City. The village is set at an altitude of 890 metres
and has a population of 2,656. This idyllic countryside hamlet is
situated on the edge of the Province of Jaen, bordering on the stunning
natural park of Cazorla. Since 2001, Castril has been officially
recognised as a place of historic interest. The steep, narrow cobbled
streets, with the typical whitewashed houses are all part of the
authentic Andalusian village life. Of particular interest in the
general structure and decoration of the houses, is the use of Arabic
tiles and wood. There are a few cafes, bars and restaurants, where
you can sample the local wine and cooking at very reasonable prices.
 The surrounding countryside is perfect for walking
and cycling in the good company off fragrant almond trees and olive
groves, to say nothing of the crazing goat herds and passing donkeys.
There is a village market every Friday, when the place comes alive
with visitors from all around. Unlike the busier coastal areas,
very few people here speak English, making the experience more truly
Andalusian. However, visitors are made welcome and there is a tourist
centre with interesting information on the village, including
a museum, a short video on Castril. There is also interesting information
available on birds (such as vultures and eagles) and wildlife in
the area. In summer the centre opens every day, but in winter it
is only open from 12:00 - 14:00, from Thursday to Sunday.
Castril has very hot summers and cold nights in
winter, especially when snow fall caps the mountains. The Sierra
de Castril is very popular in summer for outdoor sports such as
canoeing, etc on the Bolera and San Clemente
reservoirs. There is also caving, rock climbing, horse riding and
mountain biking all within close proximity to the village.
History
It is thought that the name Castril comes form the
word 'castro' encampment - from the Roman times when they set up
military camp there. Then when the Muslims took over, Castril it
turned into a fortification. With the conquest of the Catholic Kings
at the end of the 15th Century, it became a model example of a place
where the three cultures; Muslim, Christian and Jewish peoples lived
side by side. Later when the Moors were ousted, Hernando de Zafra
took over the running of the village and was known as the Señor
de Castril. In the 19th century there were important battle scenes
there during the Napoleonic invasion. Many of the trees of its great
forests were lost during the reign of Felipe II and up to the first
half of the 20th century.
Mirador (Viewpoint) Peña del Sagrado
Corazón
There is a wonderful viewpoint, the Peña
del Sagrado Corazón, right in the heart of the village. The
views from this and another point known as El Cantón are
absolutely stunning of the breathtaking surrounding natural countryside.
The Glass Factory Building
The old glass factory is a memory of times gone
by, dating back to the times of the Catholic Kings. This was sadly
shut down at the beginning of the 20th century, but some of the
products made there are kept on display at the Reception Centre
of the Natural Park of the Sierra de Castril
The Church of Santa Maria
The Church of Santa Maria is one of the most interesting
buildings in Castril. It was built around the middle of the 16th
century as is clear by the presence of the Coat of Arms of the Cardenal
Tavera of Toledo. The historic connections with Toledo and Salamanca
are evident the structure of the building facade. Some damage was
suffered by the church during the War of Independence. However there
are still remains of ramparts and towers from Arabic times, as well
as part of a roman bridge which was built some two thousand years
ago.
Fiestas
Although the feria (fair) of Castril is held during
the hot month of August, it is the October festival that is best
known and enjoyed by villagers and visitors alike. There is a week
of celebrations, including the running of the bulls. Another festival
worth seeing is the Romeria on the last Sunday
of April, held in honour of the Virgen de la Cabeza.
Gastronomy in Castril
The people of this white Andalusian village enjoy
simple, wholesome home cooking, which you can sample in one of the
little bars or restaurants. You will find fresh fish dishes available,
as well as many recipes with lamb and goat. There is also a good
tradition of cooked meats and also delicious wild mushrooms. Olive
oil, garlic and almonds are often included in the many natural ingredients
in stews, salads and sweets.
For further information, contact the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento)
of Castril:
Ayuntamiento de Castril
Plaza Hernando de Zafra, 1
Tel: 958 720 001
Fax: 958 720 073
top of page
|
