BACARES
Bacares has a strong mining history, and is one of the most rustic towns in the whole of the Almeria province. For keen horse riders, Bacares and its surrounding areas have some wonderful routes to explore on horseback. It has around 230 inhabitants.
HISTORY
It is suggested that Bacares may have Phoenician or Tartesso origins, due to the richness of its mines. This is indicated by the remains of opencast smelters, commonly a vestige of the Phoenician culture. In the Muslim and Christian eras, the town stood out for the quality of its iron. It was here that forges produced works for the Cathedral of Almeria and some of the noble houses of the city. More>
THINGS TO SEE
Castillo
The castle has recently been restored, strengthening the ruins, improving access and creating walkways and viewpoints for visitors to enjoy. Many authors catalog its origin as Roman, others as Berber and others as Nasrid. It is documented that in 1506, it was restored by Gutiérrez de Cárdenas. Inside, there is a cistern that is well preserved, as well as a small courtyard around which rooms are preserved along with part of the interior walls. The rock on which it is located is a strategic point from which you can see the two neighborhoods that make up Bacares, as well as the landmarks of the entire town. The castle is located on Calle Peanillas.
Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María
The church was built in 1502 and features Mudejar coffered ceilings of great beauty. The exterior has a simple, whitewashed facade with a bell tower at the foot of the temple. The interior icon of Christ was made in the mid-twentieth century by artisans from Baza, as the original was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, with only the left arm remaining. According to a parchment found in the remnants, it was made by Juan Ladrón Freila between 1622 and 1627. The church is located on Plaza de los Filabres.
Lavadero Público
The Bacares public laundry area has been beautifully preserved. These public facilities are places of great ethnological interest that transport us to another era, in which these facilities had important social functions as spaces where daily chores gave opportunities for conversations and updates about the latest news. The site is located on Calle Medio.
Casa del Peregrino
Since the sixteenth century, the pilgrimage of the Holy Christ has passed through Bacares and been met with hospitality and affection. Not only the inns would receive pilgrims, but locals would also open their doors to anybody who needed a meal and bed. The Casa del Peregrino was an inn specifically for pilgrims. Having been rebuilt and developed, the inn is now run by the Brotherhood of Santo Cristo and still provides accommodation for all those who need it.
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
Bacares has wonderful routes for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. Explore routes such as the Transandalus, La Tetica de Bacares and Sendero La Cuesta Blanca PR-A-14.
GASTRONOMY
There are enough local gastronomic dishes in Bacares to make your own recipe book. Among the most traditional and delicious dishes are the sopa de calabaza (pumpkin soup), sopa de bacalao (cod soup), gurullos con conejo (pasta stew with rabbit), olla de trigo (wheat stew) and choto con ajo (goat stew with garlic), along with a variety of meats. Desserts include carne de membrillo (quince cake) and empanadillas de chocolate (pastry filled with chocolate).
HANDICRAFTS
Traditional crafts still produced in Bacares include straw work and hatchways for boats, some made to order.
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Bacares are the pilgrimage of Fiesta en Honor del Cristo del Bosque, Fiesta del Romero and Romería de la Virgen de Lourdes. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Bacares are Serón, Tíjola and Velefique.
