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Castellar
is
basically
two
villages,
the
old
and
the
new.
The
new is
at the
foot
of the
hill
and
has
its
own
places
of
interest.
The
Plaza
Andalucia
is at
the
heart
of the
village
and
has
play
areas,
gardens
and a
wonderful
monument
marking
the
25th
anniversary
of the
village.
From
here
take
the
A369
signposted
for
the
castle.
You
will
be
driving
through
the
Alcornocales
Park,
an
area
of
outstanding
beauty
and
rich
in
wildlife
and
fauna.
The
first
turn
off
the
main
road
is to
the
former
convent
of la
Almoraima,
now a
hotel.
The
convent
was
founded
in
1603
and is
dedicated
to Our
Lady
of the
Kings.
The
wonderful
tower
remains.
The
hotel
is
tastefully
furnished
and
rooms
are
based
around
a
quiet
courtyard.
The
hotel
is
surrounded
by
gardens.
Telephone
(0034)
956
693
002.
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From
the
convent,
follow
the
A369
to the
turn
off to
the
castle.
The
approach
road
up the
hill
is
very
winding
and
narrow
so
exercise
caution.
On
your
right
you
will
see
the
massive
artificial
lake,
created
to
feed
fresh
water
to the
villages
on the
Campo
of
Gibraltar.
The
castle
looms
in the
distance
on the
peak
of the
hill.
The
old
village
is
located
within
the
walls
of a
13th
century
Moorish
castle
and is
totally
unique.
The
place
is
currently
occupied
by
many
squatting
hippies.
The
road
to the
castle
can
sometimes
be
lined
with
their
vans
and
trailers,
in
which
some
of
them
live.
The
castle
itself
has
many
features
that
remain
original,
although
plans
to
restore
it
have
been
shelved
because
of the
problem
with
the
inhabitants.
The
castle
also
has a
very
informative
information
centre,
located
at the
top of
the
hill
where
you
will
park
your
vehicle. |
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As you
walk
through
the
main
arch
to the
castle
you
are
confronted
with a
maze
of
tiny
alleys
and
streets,
lined
with
white
painted
houses,
decorated
with
plants
and
local
ceramics.
Orange
blossom
and
jasmine
fills
the
air
with
an
overpowering
scent.
The
13th
century
castle
is of
irregular
shape
and
the
Royal
Palace
is
located
over
the
main
entrance.
The
views
over
the
valley
from
the
battlements
is
stunning
and on
a
clear
day
Gibraltar
and
Africa
are
clearly
visible.
There
are
very
few
tourists
that
actually
make
it to
Castellar
castle
and as
a
result
it is
very
easy
to get
to and
easy
to
walk
round.
Inside
the
castle,
among
the
tiny
dwellings
is a
hotel
consisting
of
Casa
Rurals
(tiny
houses
used
as
hotel
rooms),
several
bars
and a
few
shops
selling
local
crafts. |
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On a
quiet
day
you
will
almost
certainly
see
vultures
and
eagles
flying
overhead.
From
here
its
easy
to
explore
the
village
of
Jimena
or
head
towards
Algeciras.
Local
cuisine
Most
local
dishes
in
Castellar
are
based
on
game,
especially
venison,
rabbit
and
partridge.
Rabbit
with
tomato
is a
particular
speciality,
as is
goat
stew.
Fiestas
The
most
important
day of
the
year
is the
first
Sunday
in May
which
is
Castellar's
Holy
Day.
Celebrations
include
parades,
folk
dances
and
sports
competitions.
6th
August
is the
Castle
Eve
when
flamenco
is
popular
to
celebrate
San
Salvador.
In the
middle
of
February
is the
local
carnival
with
splendid
and
impressive
costumes
and
parades. |
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