CAZALILLA
by Saskia Mier
Cazalilla is situated in the heart of the Jaén province, near the Guadalquivir River. Its lands, used exclusively for agriculture, comprise an unmistakable landscape of olive groves, cereal crops and orchards. It has about 800 inhabitants.
HISTORY
There is documented proof of human presence in Cazalilla dating as far back as the Copper Age (third millennium BC), indicated through both the ceramics of this period collected in its urban area and by the settlement of the Cerro de la Coronilla in the fortified farmhouse of La Atalaya, located on a hill with extensive surrounding views. Around the second millennium, this settlement was abandoned. It was reoccupied at the end of the sixth century BC, in the oldest stage of Iberian culture. More>
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena
In the centre of Cazalilla is the town’s most significant building, the parish church, which stands out both for its volume and height as well as for the quality of its construction materials and its artistic beauty. Particularly striking is the elegance of its tower, set on a stone base, with a square plan, with stylized bell hollows and a semicircular arch. This is closed with a pyramidal spire, and its construction was probably undertaken at the end of the seventeenth century. It is composed of an elongated body topped with an ear molding opening and episcopal shield. A cornice separates it from the bell tower. Located in Plaza Constitución.(Location)
Torre de Calígula
This important and solid semicircular stone wall is a reworking of a cylindrical tower of great proportions. During the Andalusian era, Cazalilla belonged to the Cora de Jaén, with the name Qastalla. It was at this time that the castle acquired real importance when it received a military use, as it would have been of great strategic importance in monitoring the south of the Guadalquivir River and Espelúy. The Calígula tower was classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1985. Located in Plaza Constitución.(Location)
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Torre de María Martín
Also known as “El Torreón”, this tower is in the vicinity of the Cortijada de la Torre María Martín. The archaeological site is topped by the elevated circular medieval tower, about 7 meters in diameter, which rests on another construction with a square plan. This is likely to correspond to an Iberian turris. Located south of Cazalilla.(Location)
NATURAL AREAS
Parque Pilar de la Dehesa
The park offers a tranquil environment with shaded areas, barbecues, water fountains and picnic tables. Located 1.4Km from the town.
HANDICRAFTS
The Centro de Adultos (Adult Centre) has offered craft courses for a few years, including: wood decoration, glass, plaster and fabric painting. These activities are carried out in the afternoon for anyone wishing to partake.
GASTRONOMY
The typical gastronomy of Cazalilla is characterized, as in the rest of Andalusia, by dishes influenced by the various cultures that have passed through its territory, and from the gastronomy of nearby municipalities. Dishes to try when visiting Cazalilla include pescada en salsa (hake and prawn in sauce), tortilla de patatas rellena (potato omelette stuffed with tuna, prawns and olives), tortilla de patatas con caldo de gallina (potato omelette stewed in chicken stock), pipirrana (tomato, pepper and onion salad) and patatas en ajillo (garlic potatoes). For something sweet and indulgent, try their roscos fritos (doughnuts), bienmesabe (custard and biscuit pudding), bizcocho de chocolate (chocolate cake), galletas borrachas (custard filled biscuits dipped in aniseed syrup), leche frita (fried custard), mousse de naranja (orange mousse) and pan de calatrava (similar to bread and butter pudding).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Cazalilla are Festividad de San Blas, Virgen de la Cruz, Semana Santa and Fiestas de Agosto. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Cazalilla are Villanueva de la Reina and Mengíbar.