Click
here to request info about property for sale in Genalguacil
Spain.
By
the time the traveller enters the municipality of Genalguacil he will have
realised that the landscape opening up to him, is dominated by large areas
of forest and that the greenery intensifies and the plant cover becomes more
lush the closer he comes to the environs of this village, where dense and
leafy vegetation is the normal state of affairs. For more information about
property for sale in Spain in or
near Genalguacil please contact us.
Because of their location between the River Genal and the Sierra Bermeja range these lands display a complex and varied terrain that greatly enriches a landscape abounding with pine, chestnut, cork oak and gall oak trees. Without a doubt, however, the most prized plant species in this area is the Spanish fir. It was in the Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja fir forest that the Swiss scientist Edmond Boissier discovered this tree for the science of botany in 1837.
Besides the forests, there is an abundance of water in this region that makes possible a large number of orchards. Down below, where the River Genal widens and flows tranquilly, market gardens and orange groves appear. Outside these places that have been tamed by man, however, most of the municipality can be considered one of the best-preserved territories, from an ecological standpoint, in the entire province of Malaga.
The discovery of some hand mills for crushing precious metals proves that Phoenicians and Greeks-for the artefacts are from those cultures-settled for a time in Genalguacil for the purpose of exploiting the gold and silver mines of the area called Reales Chicos. Aside from this fact, little is known about this village until the arrival of Islam. The origin of the village’s name derives from the Arabic “Genna-Alwacir”, which means “gardens of the vizier” or minister. This indicates that some high Muslim official established his residence in this village.
After the conquest by the Catholic Monarchs,
the Muslim population continued to live in Genalguacil, but only until the
mid-sixteenth century. This village joined the Moorish rebellion, as did so
many others and its residents, as a result, were driven out. The lands were
repopulated by Christians from other places and granted as feudal holdings
to the Duke of Arcos, and remained in this status until the law abolished
these privileges.
Fiestas
The Candelaria celebration on 2 February opens the local festive calendar,
which offers the fun of the carnival before the Semana Santa (Holy Week).
The patron saint fiestas honouring San Pedro Mártir (Saint Peter the
Martyr) add a programme that is designed for all ages and tastes.
The fiesta with the heaviest participation at the present time, however, is in fact one of the most modern: the Encuentros de Arte del Valle del Genal, which are held during the first fortnight in August. As well as the actual artistic activities carried out by the creative artists who gather in the village, various supplementary events are held that attract both local residents and a large outside audience that increases each year. The theatrical presentations, music, exhibitions and verbenas (traditional street parties) combine for contagious and pleasant excitement.
The chestnut fiesta in early November is much more traditional but just as popular. As in all Genal valley villages, where chestnuts are collected, it is customary to go out into the country to roast chestnuts, which are eaten accompanied by a good local wine.
Food
This area still follows the custom of adapting the menu to the season of the
year, especially with respect to traditional dishes. In spring wild greens
(golden thistle, fennel, dandelion and asparagus) rule the local cuisine,
while migas (fried bread crumbs), gazpacho caliente (a veggie soup served
hot in this case, although it is usually served cold), potajes de garbanzos
(chickpea stew) and gachas (a soup made with flour and seasonings) are winter
dishes. Sopa de tomate (tomato soup), gazpacho (cold this time) and salmorejo
de carne (a spiced meat dish) are among the more common summer recipes. Pork
products are popular in any season, not to mention the excellent local wine.
How to get there:
Starting from Estepona on the Costa del Sol (AP-7
or N-340 expressways) take the MA-557. Once past Puerto de Peñas Blancas
you have a choice: either continue on the MA-557 through Jubrique
or take the MA-558. Both routes lead to Genalguacil. If you are coming from
Ronda, take the A-369, which connects that city with
Algeciras, and go to Algatocín. Genalguacil
is some 12 kilometres from that village by the MA-536.
Tourist information:
Town Hall, Calle Real, 3 (29492). Telephone: 952 152 003; Fax: 952 152 129.
Error! The codelock file is missing...