ABOUT ALCAUCIN
The municipality of Alcaucín extends into the northern part of the Axarquía, between the Sierra de Tejeda and the flatter Periana area, between the spectacular Boquete de Zafarraya cliffs and the Axarquía mountains. The most direct road to the town is by the main road to Vélez.
From this road we turn off onto the la Viñuela road and continue on until we reach Puente Don Manuel, an important cross-roads in the Axarquía, where we find the road that brings us directly to Alcaucín. As soon as we enter the town we can see the clear Morisco influence, with low houses, whitewashed facades and above all, the narrow, winding streets.
Everything centres on the town square, the former Plaza de San Sebastian that has now been re-named the Plaza de la Constitución, where the church and the Town Hall building stands. Most of the old buildings and houses of the town date from the 17th and 18th centuries, when the palatial mansions on calle Arcos and calle Nueva were built, each with its coat of arms.
The town's name is Arab in origin, deriving from Al Cautin, meaning The Arches. Some historians have suggested the reason for this being the existence of an aqueduct in the area, while others believe the name refers to the abundance of yew trees, the wood of which was used to make bows (arco translates as either arch or bow) for warfare and hunting.
What is certain is that the area has been populated since pre-historic times, as is evident in the remains found in the Boquete de Zafarraya.
It is also believed that the fortress of Zalia was built by the Phoenicians and later occupied by the Moors, falling the the Christians in 1485 when the castle was used as a prison for rebel Moriscos.
It was besieged during the Napoleonic invasion in a later period.
But the worst disaster that ever befell Alcaucín was the earthquake of the late 19th century that destroyed houses and changed the course of underground streams.
Sites to see in Alcaucin
Church of El Rosario and Hermitage of El Calvario
The church was built in the early part of the 18th century and inaugurated in April, 1732. Its basic shape is two naves supported by three semicircular arches, with a circular side chapel decorated in plaster in the rococo style. The hermitage in the cemetery, known as the Calvario, was founded in the 18th century and is square in shape with a semicircular arch doorway. Archeological remains
Among the more important items found is the jaw of a Neanderthal man, dating from 30,000 years ago. The Cueva de los Guaicos and the Abrigo Espino date from the Neolithic period, and the Cerro de la Negreta finds date from the Bronze Age. Sierra de Alcázar
The Sierra del Alcázar Nature Park is about five kilometres from the town centre, in the heart of the Sierra de Tejeda. The Environment Agency has developed the area for camping, with all relevant services. The surrounding landscape is dominated by the Alcázar stream, the vegetation on the banks being lush with lots of black poplars, oleander and heather. There is a pathway that leads upwards to the Tajo Fuerte, where one can observe how the vegetation changes, giving way to junipers, sanamundas and other higher-ground trees.
The Majadas baths The Majadas Baths, fed by sulphur waters and with excellent healing properties (especially for skin disorders), were used in Moorish times, and up to the beginning of the last century were still used in the months of July and August. They can be found at about five kilometres from the town. |  One of the great properties for sale in Alacaucin Ref: 351 199,000€
This charming development of ten luxury apartments has been built to the highest standards and with lovely Andalucian features. They are finished with high quality tiling, solid wood doors, built in wardrobes, hot and cold climate control systems, a telephone entry system and quality kitchens. There are satelite TV and telphone points throughout.
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Features 2 Parking Places, 5-10 minutes to shops, Air Conditioning Hot/Cold, Balcony, Barbecue, Built to High Standards, Close to all Amenities, Community Garden, Community Pool, Dining Area, Electric Entry Phone, Excellent Condition, Exclusive Development, Fitted Kitchen, Fitted Wardrobes, Garage, Garden and Pool View, Garden Apartment, Gated Complex, Good Rental Potential, Good Road Access, Immaculate Condition, Landscaped Gardens, Many Special Features, Mountain View, Near amenities, Near Transport, Newly Built, Parking, Popular Urbanisation, Private Terrace, Satellite TV, Spacious Accommodation, Storeroom, Top Quality, Underground parking, Very Good Access, Well maintained community Apartment
Alcaucín
 199,000€ 3 2 0m² 115m² 0m² Communal Pool Private and Community Ample Garage Gateway to Andalucia
Graham Ducker No. 12 Camino de Colmenar Casabermeja 29160 Malaga, Spain (0034) 952 75 85 15 Email: info@gatewaytoandalucia.com http://www.gatewaytoandalucia.com Back to our main page follow this link |