Montizón
by Saskia Mier
Montizón is situated a short distance from the border between Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha, and therefore benefits from the rich cultural and recreational offerings of both regions, particularly the surrounding Pantano del Dañador. It has about 1,700 inhabitants.
History
Given its strategic position as a passageway between Levante or La Mancha and the Guadalquivir Valley, Montizón has been settled since ancient times. Its earliest settlers are attested to by numerous remains including flint-tipped arrows, axes and carved stones, collected in Torre-Alber, and ceramics found in Cabeza Chica. More>
Things to See
Ayuntamiento
In 1808, Montizón requested to have its own Town Hall, which was granted until 1888, when it became dependent on Castellar. However, the town regained its independence in 1906. The original eighteenth-century building that housed the town hall had previously served as a jail and barracks for the Migueletes. Its deterioration necessitated its demolition and reconstruction in 1986. Located on Calle Real.
Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción
The church dates from the eighteenth century, built at the time of colonization. It has a simple doorway with a narrow, semicircular archway entrance and is topped with a bell tower that closes on the gable. Located in Plaza Doctor Rey Martinez.
Casa Grande
The house of the Orozco Family, which was originally the pósito (grain store) and later the headquarters of the Migueletes, the former rural police. Located on Calle Real.
Things to See outside the village
Ermita de San Isidro
This small chapel has a portico in antis and its doorway is flanked with two semicircular arched windows. Located northeast of the town in the recreational area of Pantano Dañador.
Vía Romana de Aníbal
The Roman road dates from the third century BC and was one of the routes followed by the Carthaginian troops led by Hannibal (247-143) during their war against Rome. This Vía was an absolute cornerstone of communication in the region, linking Cádiz with Rome, entering the county of El Condado from Cástula (Linares) through Llugo (Santisteban del Puerto) and stretching to Aldeahermosa, Montizón and Venta de los Santos, where Ad Sotaria was located. It was also used by the Muslims after the Battle of Guadalete in 711 to aid their advance towards the interior of the peninsula. Located off the JV-6022.
BUS SERVICE
There are various bus services from Montizón. More>
GASTRONOMY
When visiting Montizón, try local dishes such as galianos (meat stew), ajorriera (a seasoning made with potato, garlic and egg that is used in meat and fish dishes), sopas turreñas (paprika soup) and migas (fried breadcrumbs served with pork). Sweet treats include mantecados (lard cakes), roscos de anís (aniseed doughnuts) and brazos de gitano (similar to a Swiss roll).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Montizón are Romería de San Isidro de Labrador, Verbena de Santiago Apóstol, San Antón and San Juan. More>
WEATHER FOARECAST
The weather forecast for the next few days for Montizón. More>
TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office of Montizón is located in the Town Hall. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Montizón are Santisteban del Puerto, Chiclana de Segura and Venta de los Santos.