Gaucin Malaga - Gaucin monuments and fiestas information - Malaga white villages
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Malaga Villages Information: GAUCIN |
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| Gaucin is set in an area of breathtaking beauty,
a veritable explosion of plants lapped by the waters of the River
Genal which, coupled with an excellent climate, make it a veritable
paradise. It is home to a wealth of forests of chestnuts, cork oaks,
pine trees, holm oaks and Mediterranean scrub, teeming with rockrose
and heather and inhabited by a wide variety of animal species, such
as vultures, bats, eagles, great horned owls and foxes, to name but
a few. Its architecture includes monuments such as the forrress known as Castillo del Aguila or the Eagle's Castle, which stands close to the spot where Alfonso Perez de Guzman, known as "Guzman the Good", was killed in 1309. This historic figure fought against the Muslim invaders and was Lord of Niebla, Nebrija and San Lucar de Barrameda. Gaudn is characterised by its steep, narrow, clean streets lined with whitewashed, tiled facades with wrought iron grilles. All of these combine to give Gaucin its special charm. THE EAGLE'S CASTLE This Castle played a key role in the wars between the Arabs and the Christians. Though its strategic value declined fo)llowing the reconquest, it regained its earlier significance during the struggle against the French troops and in the Carlist wars, serving as a refuge for the local people and their canle alike. Nowadays, it is one of Gaucin's main architecrural treasures. Builr by the Romans as a fonress in the 10th cenrury, it srands acop a 688-metre-high hillock co the west of the Sierra Bermeja, from which splendid views of the Genal Valley, Gibraltar, North Africa, the distans lands of Jerez and the rich vegetation of El Duque mountain can be enjoyed. Opening Hours: Wednesday co Sunday and Bank Holidays. October to May: 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 18:00. June to September: 10:00 to13:30 and 16:00 to 19:00. EL NIÑO HERMITAGE Located inside the Eagle's Castle, this was built in the 17th cenrury. It features delightful plasterwork, adorned with stucco rosenes in the dome and one of its side chapels. Inside, the visitor can admire the polychrome carving of San Juan de Dios and the image of the Holy Child. SAN SEBASTIAN CHURCH Built in the baroque style in 1505, it has three naves separated by half point arcades. It was renovated in the 17th century and is one of the oldest churches in the province of Malaga. CARMELITE CONVENT This rectangular building, which dates back co 1704, boasts rhree naves and half-point arches. Its ruins were convened inco Gaucin's Cultural Centre. LOS SEIS CAÑOS FOUNTAIN Siruated in the Plaza de Jose Antonio square, it dates back to 1628 and is an example of Andalusian baroque. This sandstone structure features a fronton, at the centre of which is a coat of arms dedicated to Juan Alfonso IV by Guzman the Good in recognition of his services. It also boasts two pilasters which enhance the height of the fountain. Its most striking fearures are the six different faces with jets of water emerging from their mouths, the larger size of the tWo heads at either end breaking up the monorony of the ensemble. THE ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM Located in the Avenida Ana Toval, in the same building as the Tourist Information Office, this museum takes us back in rime ro discover a bygone way of life. On display here are household goods, utensils and rools that not so very long ago were used in kitchens, farming tasks and daily life in general. FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS The Holy Child (Santo Niño) Held in honour of the Holy Child, patron saint of Gaucin, and San Juan de Dios. This celebration begins on the last Sunday in August with the romeria or pilgrimage of La Adelfilla, which commemorates The apparition of the Baby Jesus to San Juan de Dios on his way to Gibraltar in 1536. The highlight of this festival are the solemn processions and festivities that take place on 7th and 8th September. Easter The inhabitants of Gaueln reli, rhe Passion and tradition of Ho! Week rh rough their procession; parades. Toro de Cuerda This trad itional celebrarion is rr festivity that is most deeply roote in popular merriment. Th solemnity of Holy Week come to an end on Easter Sunday with one of Gaucin's oldest custom The Toro de Cuerda or "Bull of a Rope" is a unique celebration in the province of Malaga, the origins of which can be trace back many years. A fighting bull with a rope around its neck charges through the streets, filling the locals with a mixture of fear, joy and, in the case of the younger inhabitants, daring. The fesstival lasts the whole day and attracts a large number of curious onlookers and visitors. August Fair In honour of the patron saint, the Virgen de las Nieves, this multitUdinous event takes place in the second week of August. Carnival Gauein humour manifests itself in a variety of amusing ways. Romeria de San Juan This pilgrimage, held on 24th June. features a traditional, tamily atmosphere in a natural setting. CRAFTS Nowadays, production lines manufacture goods that were once hand-crafted in the village with immense care and dedication. Brooms and fans were made fi'om palm. while esparto was used to fashion canvas shoes and baskets... Today's craftsmen now make these goods with the tourist, rather than covering bare necessities. in mind. |
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