CAZORLA was well known for its function as the outpost during the Andalucian Re-Conquest battles. It still has two ancient castles of Moorish origin standing to attest the battles, but they were redesigned and restored during the Christian Re-Conquest. Today, Cazorla is the base for many visits around this area of beautiful river gorges and refreshing forests.

Set-up

Cazorla is located in the province of Jaen and has three major squares. The main square connects to the second one, which is egg-shaped. The heart of the city’s administration is located in the splendid Moorish-design palace at the end of Plaza de la Corredera. Its third square, Plaza Santa Maria, is the most festive one along the labyrinth of narrow streets. Cazorla is a busy commercial base for tourists who wish to visit this region, taking in beautiful natural landscapes as well as the surrounding ancient sites. There is a privately operated tourist center which offers tourist information, as well as 4-wheeled drives around the region and horse-riding in the park.

Historical Attractions

An ancient cathedral, the Santa Maria Cathedral, was damaged by floods before being burnt by Napoleonic soldiers. Its preserved ruins and open square have been turned into an amphitheatre that is currently used as a meeting site or to hold concerts and other local happenings.

There is the La Yedra, which is a somber castle tower that has been reconstructed to house the town museum displaying ancient local utensils and home furniture.

Accommodation

Places to stay are plentiful here for one’s choosing. Hotels as old as 30 years, like the Hotel Guadalquivir, are popular with their traditional style and design located strategically near interesting places to visit in Cazorla. Hotel Guadalquivir offers an impressive landscape with the national park surrounding it. It also offers tasty local cuisine for one’s appetite.

Most hotels in Cazorla offer a beautiful scenic view with modern amenities, such as Wi-Fi. The hotels here are also peaceful and eco-friendly. An interesting one - the Hotel Sierra de Cazorla - is renowned for initiating the use of olive seed bio-fuel in its spa for heating its warm water. Olive oil is generously used in the hotel’s massages and spa treatments as it is said to have refreshing properties.

Gastronomy

There are many tapas bars that offer local fares for one’s taste buds. These can be found near Plaza Santa María where the local specialty is authentic local cuisine prepared on a wood fire using the rabbit. Other places further away serve platos combinados, as well as a decently priced menu, or you may opt for the up-market selection at La Sarga, which serves regional dishes.

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