What to expect on our walking Tour.
Email us today for info, tours start 1/2/2023 - casaresholidayhome@houtlook.com
STROLL THE PLAZA DE ESPAÑA
The main square in Casares is an excellent place to begin your exploration of the village.
Here you will find the statue of Blas Infante, the Andalucia nationalist leader. He was executed by Franco’s forces at the start of the Spanish Civil War.
Also admire the neoclassical Fountain of Carlos III in the center of the square: it has served as the source for fresh water for Casares since the late 18th century.
CHECK OUT THE BIRTHPLACE OF BLAS INFANTE
Just a short walk from the main plaza, you will find the birthplace of Blas Infante on Calle Carrera.
The Casa Natal is now a little museum worth a browse. It showcases events in the life of the Andalusian political leader, and his works.
Blas Infante Pérez de Vargas, to give him his full name, was also a writer, historian, and music scholar.
VISIT THE ERMITA DE SAN SEBASTIAN
The Ermita de San Sebastian, located by the main square, dates from the 17th century.
It is also known as La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario del Campo. She is the patron saint of Casares.
It’s a charming little church, with a single nave, and a bell tower.
Admire the facade, then step inside if it’s open, to view the serene interior and savor the silence.
WALK TO THE RUINS OF THE OLD CASTLE
The ruins of the old castle at the top of the hill are a must-visit.
If you keep walking up Calle Villa from the main square, and you’ll come to an arched passageway (The Villa Arch) that you can walk through to the ruins.
Or you can take Calle Arrebal through the picturesque old Arrebal Arch to the castle.
Not much remains of the old castle, but you can still see some parts of the old fortifications, including a part of the walls.
The old Moorish Castle had two entrances, and one is through the picturesque Arco del Arrabal, a stone archway that still survives.
The arch comes up on the route to the castle, so it’s a quick stop to admire the work and snap a few photos.
ADMIRE THE ERMITA DE LA VERA CRUZ
Also in the complex at the hilltop is the small hermitage of Vera Cruz, built from the ruins of the Moorish castle.
Originally built in the early 19th century, the hermitage, with its beautiful arched entrance and small white dome, has been restored.
You can’t go inside, but you can view the interior from beyond the railings.
TAKE IN THE MAGNIFICENT VIEWS FROM THE CASTLE GROUNDS.
While the ruins and the church are interesting, the main reason for the trek to the top is to take in the jaw-dropping views. Taking in these awe-inspiring views are one of the best things to do in Casares!
From the viewpoint at the back of the church, called the Mirador del Tajo de la Planá, you get expansive views of the surrounding countryside., you’ll also find the former Iglesia de la Encarnación.
The church was built in the very early 16th century, over the mosque that stood at the site. Its bell tower used to be the minaret of the mosque.
Damaged during the Spanish Civil War, the structure now houses the Centro Cultural Blas Infante, a small museum.
LOOK FOR BIRDS
The top of the hill in Casares is a great place for birdwatching, so bring your binoculars if you enjoy birding.
Look for birds of prey: peregrine falcons, kestrels, and Griffon vultures are spotted here.
The magnificent Griffon vultures make a splendid sight as they glide in the air above the village.
WANDER THE NARROW STREETS AND ALLEYS OF CASARES
On your way back down from the hilltop, take the time to wander the pretty alleyways of Casares.
The streets are narrow and some of them are steep, but it’s a picturesque wander, with the white facades and colorful flower pots.
