This mountain village refuses to let go of its historical origins. This is perhaps why it is simply one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
After driving along almost the entire length of the area known as Garbía, or the western Costa del Sol, having passed Estepona, you take a beautiful, winding mountain road. And suddenly there it is: Casares. It is probably not true that it was founded by Julius Caesar, but it can be said that the eagle that represented his empire could not find a better place to nest. In any case, even if the father of the Roman Empire did not have anything to do with the village, it was the birthplace of the father of Andalucía, Blas Infante.
It is best to park on the outskirts of the village in the area known as Peñón Rodao. Then head towards the Plaza de España with its recently restored 18th century fountain. Start to climb up the steep Calle La Villa, not forgetting to look at the ornate Callejón de Rey (where they say that some kinglet from the castle was once murdered), and continue on as far as the entrance to the 13th century fortress. At the gate there are some informative panels which explain the history of the area alongside the folk museum, with its display of traditional crafts, photographs and historical information. Once at the top, cast your eye over towards the horizon. It was well worth the climb.
Mudejar bell tower
Alongside the fortress stands the 16th century church of La Encarnación with its mudejar bell tower built on the remains of a mosque after the reconquest, at the foot of the cemetery.
Walk down Calle Arabal as far as the crossroads with Calle Pepelargo and pass through the archway which is one of gates to the fortress. The roof tiles that start at ground level and the windows which open alongside the rock on the house just before the arch are surprising. Geraniums, whitewash and stone; the image takes you back in time along streets that have not changed in 700 years. Back in the Plaza de España you can visit the 18th century Encarnación convent at the end of Calle Fuente near the public water fountain which gives the street its name. Before you leave to visit the museum in the birthplace of Blas Infante in Calle Carrera.
Leaving the village you can carry on down towards Manilva, and before joining the A-377, which links Gaucín with the coast, if you are lucky we will spot a griffon vulture gracefully soaring over the peaks of the Sierra Crestellina like a hang glider, or even an Egyptian vulture or a falcon. When you reach the Gaucín crossroads, continue straight on along the track ahead and you will come to the Lacipo ruins, an ancient Iberian settlement on the Alechipe hill which was later converted by the Romans into a walled town. Before you get to Manilva will come across a quarry and a turning that takes us towards the Hedionda healing waters. Here, according to legend, Julius Caesar came to bathe.
Courtesy of Sur in English
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