History
Around 2000 BC, in the oldest terraces of the Cerezuelo de Cazorla River, the first stable towns were established. Near there, on a hill known as Loma del Bellotón, was a small town from the Bronze Age (1500 BC). The Iberian culture developed significantly in these lands.
During the time of the Roman Empire, Romans settled in this region, known as ‘Saltus Tugiensis’. The Roman named the mountains ‘Mons Argentarius’ to reflect the richness of silver and salt found here. The Roman presence was extensive in the region and some important historical remains have been found in this area of Cazorla. During the Muslim period, both Cazorla and the neighbouring towns were fortified, as indicated by the archaeological remains found.
The Señorío de Cazorla (estate) was a border enclave of great importance during the Middle Ages. Testament to this is the dense network of castles and fortresses that encircled the Adelantamiento de Cazorla (a collection of lands and villages gathered for political or historical reasons) created in 1231, with the donation of the town of Quesada and its villages by Fernando III ‘El Santo’ to the Archbishop of Toledo.
In 1518, Cardinal de Croy handed over the estate to Charles de Lannoy, who in turn resold it to his former Lord, García de Villarroel, in exchange for 1,500 ducats (gold coins). In August 1520, the fief population revolted against Villarroel, who had to take refuge in the town’s fortress. Finally, the Marquis de Móndejar restored calm, although it was not the last challenge that the Villarroel had to face. On January 10th 1521, the rebellious Santa Junta Comunera decided to suspend him from his functions, although as a legal government did not issue the order, no one took it into account.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, lawsuits arose between the Crown and the Mitra over issues of jurisdiction, privileges, and income that impoverished the Lordship. In 1811, the Cortes of Cádiz abolished the civil jurisdiction of the Toledo Mitra over these lands, although the same would not happen with the ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Cazorla and the other towns and villages of the Adelantamiento would continue to depend on the Archbishopric of Toledo until 1954.
During the Spanish War of Independence, the residents of this region distinguished themselves by their patriotism, fighting heroically against the invaders. Remains of the fighting include the ruins of the Iglesia de Santa María, which was destroyed and never finished due to the invasion. As a reward for such services, the General Courts of Cádiz granted the Villa de Cazorla the title of City on April 1st 1813. Later, Alfonso XII rewarded Cazorla’s fidelity to the Crown, during the Carlist Wars (a series of civil wars), granting his Town Hall the category of Excellency.