Castillo de la Duquesa

This 18th century castle (only a few minutes from my place) was built as a barracks for the military of the day. When I first visited it, forty years ago, it housed 13 families. Several families would share a living space, just separated from their neighbours by a simple curtain.

All around the site there was was an important Roman settlement and bath house. The industry was fishing, and making the popular fish paste - Garrum. The jar below is said to be a Garrum jar. The site is in the process of being excavated. In the castle there is a Museum of Archaology to house many of the 'finds'; pottery, glass, jewelery, fishhooks, etc. Now the Castle is used for cultural events; lectures, concerts, and as a wedding venue.

The Castillo also has a Museum of Fencing, which it is defined as swordmanship in general. With this broad definition, it is possible to include the weapons used in cave paintings - and certainly King Arthur's sword Excaliber.

Jimena de la Frontera - the past

Andalucian towns and villages are often built on solid rocky mountains, on which it would be impossible to dig graves, so the cemetaries consist of white walls with niches, like this one at Jimena de la Frontera. They are beautifully cared for, with bright flowers and perhaps a photo. The effect is dazzling; quite different from the gloomy churchyards often found elsewhere.

The castle seen through the gates and in close up on the right can be freely explored. There are a few notices to indicate its Roman origins and Moorish development. There are wonderful views of the village from above, and over the unspoiled forests. Another good place for bird watchers.

If you want to stay for a while there are hostals and small hotels in the town, and an excellent Camp ground just outside it.

Castellar - a village inside a castle!

Castellar de la Frontera is the most southerly castle in Europe, with a village hidden inside it! Drive through mysterious cork forests, and up a very steep mountain road over looking a lake! Below it there is a Venta, a roadside eating place, where you can enjoy the food of the region sitting outside in the shade. Drive a little further in springtime, where electricity posts are decorated with storks nests! All this is about an hour and a half from my place!

Gaucin

Dream of Castles in Spain!
Drive for an hour through beautiful countryside to visit the castle of Gaucin. Take some refreshment in one of the outdoor cafes, then ask you way to the 'Castillo'! Its a steep climb up to it, but the views are worth it!

The village has many resident artists. Every year there are Open Studio weekends. http://www.artgaucin.com/ I love to visit the artists to see their work and the places that inspired them.

This cottage is beside the garage, where you can fill up with petrol. Drive in either direction from there for fabulous mountain and forest views of 'real' Spain!