Los Corrales

LOS CORRALES

Los Corrales was originally exploited agriculturally by the Duke of Osuna as the first houses were built looking out onto the stream and the others overlooking the pens. It has about 4,000 inhabitants.

HISTORY

Remains in Huerta de la Fuente del Esparto and Cortijo de Repla date to the Roman era, which suggests fortification next to a water spring . According to many archaeologists, the remains of the ruins could belong to Ilipa or Ilipula Minor.

During the Arab domination, the area was totally depopulated as the location acted as the border between the Arab and Christian domains, and the area was considered risky. After the re-conquest and expulsion of the Moors, the area where the town of Los Corrales is located today was subject to continuous controls by the Cabildo de Osuna, and they did not allow animal herding or settlement in the area.

As the population increased, the distribution of new lands became necessary. In 1540, the land was distributed from the neighbouring town of Martín de la Jara. The most popular hypothesis for the town's origin is that cattle ranchers working for the Duke of Osuna were established in the area, cattle pens were set up and livestock fairs were held there. It must be added, however, that this theory is not very probable, because during those dates most of the lands of the area were baldíos, belonging to the Crown and not to the Dukes.

It was in 1570 when the first settlers were allowed to stay and the first houses were built, facing the stream with corrals adapted for livestock; hence the name, Los Corrales.

THINGS TO SEE

Iglesia de Santiago El Mayor
The church and its bell tower date to the eighteenth century. It contains images dating to the seventeenth century and a vessel of red jasper from 1756, granted by the Duke of Osuna. Located in Plaza Diamantino Gª Acosta.

Fuente Mala
The water pillar measuring three metres is made of brick, sand, plaster, iron and cement. It has an elongated shape finished in a semi-circle and rests on a retaining wall from where two water pipes start. Located on Calle Agua.

THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE

Cortijo Gobantes
The farm is located on land used for cereal, with olive cultivation and abundant streams flowing through, providing water for livestock and agriculture. Located on the A-378.

Cortijo de Repl
In this farmhouse Roman remains have been found and a water spring. Some surrounding walls of the farmhouse still remain and can be seen today. Located on Camino de Repla, Km3.

NATURAL AREAS

Los Corrales is relatively rich in water, bearing in mind it is surrounded by streams and rivers, all of which of course provide a great ecosystem for animal and plant species. These include Arroyo de la Cañada Estepilla, Arroyo de la Fuente del Esparto, Arroyo de la Fuente Mala and Arroyo de la Parra. Also worth a vist are Pinares del Alamo, Peñón del Moro, Baño Picamill, Sierra de los Gazpachos and Sierra de los Almadenes.

 

GASTRONOMY

 
When visiting Los Corrales, try the traditional dishes of cocido corraleño (local stew), migas (fried bread), goronía de coles o de habas (cabbage and broad beans), sopa de almejas o de ajo y vinagre (mussel or garlic soup), cachorreñas (typical soup from Málaga), picadillo de naranjas (orange salad), guiso de espárragos o tagarninas o acelgas (asparagus stew), fritás corraleñas de chivo (fried goat), gazpacho de cebolla (onion gazpacho), papas con tomate o con encaje (potatoes in tomato) and sopa de espárragos (asparagus soup). Sweet treats include pestiños (sweet pastries), magdalenas (muffins) and gachas (similar to semola).

 

HANDICRAFTS

Los Corrales is known for its stonework craft -  more specifically, marble.

FESTIVALS

Cabalgata Reyes Magos
Three Kings procession celebrated on the evening of 5 January.

Fiesta de la Candelaria
Celebrated on 2 Febuary.

San Blas
Celebrated on 3 Febuary.

Carnaval
Celebrated in February.

Romería de la Virgen del Buen Suceso
Celebrated the third weekend of March.

Semana Santa
Holy Week.

Fiesta de la Virgen del Buen Suceso
Celebrated the first Sunday of May.

Feria
Celebrated the first weekend of August.

Festival Flamenco
Celebrated the middle of August.

NEIGHBOURING VILLAGES

The nearby villages to Los Corrales are Martín de la Jara, El Saucejo and Osuna.

 


Hover the cursor over Los Corrales to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.

 

Destinations