CABRA DEL SANTO CRISTO
by Saskia Mier
The artistic and historical heritage of Cabra del Santo Cristo is best represented by two important buildings: the Parish Church, which is categorized as an Historical Monument and which is well known for housing the famous canvas of Christ of Burgos; and the Casa Grande, an eighteenth-century inn that was built to welcome the many pilgrims who came to Cabra del Santo Cristo to venerate the Holy Christ of Burgos. The town has about 1,700 inhabitants.
HISTORY
Human presence in this area dates back to the Bronze Age, evident from a series of remains discovered in the Sierra de Cabra. During the Iberian era, the region formed part of a commercial route linking Granada with the Guadalquivir Valley. In the Hispano-Muslim period, a citadel was erected on the Cerro de San Juan. Some historians suggest it could be the Bagtawira fortress, belonging to a significant family that rebelled against the Umayyads at the close of the ninth and the beginning of the tenth century. More>
THINGS TO SEE
Casa Grande
The Casa Grande is an important residential building located in the town centre. The building is divided into three stories with an elegant turret-lookout facing eastwards. Its architectural style is reminiscent of buildings found in Granada, especially in the neighborhoods of San Jerónimo, San Matías and La Magdalena. Dating back to the late seventeenth or early eighteenth century, the Casa Grande's construction has spurred various hypotheses regarding its patrons. However, from some documents, it seems to be deduced that it was built by the heirs and patrons of the foundation created by Mother Marta de Jesús, who intended to use it as an inn to house travellers and carriages. By leasing it in this way, substantial profits were obtained annually that helped to cover the expenses of the Hospital de la Misericordia. Located in La Plaza de Abajo.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Expectación
The church, constructed between 1608 and 1643, underwent further additions between 1664 and 1674 when its tower and choir were completed. It has a Latin cross plan, with a single nave and small chapels with niches finished in a semicircular point on the sides. Positioned at the feet is the choir, on a carpanel arch. The main entrance was designed by Juan Aranda Salazar, who also directed the construction of the first two sections. The third body and the southern portal were designed and overseen by Eufrasio López de Rojas. Juan Bolorin designed the head of the main chapel, Martín López Alcaraz built the central nave and its roof, and Alonso Galán concluded the roofing. Designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1982, the church is situated on Plaza de la Constitución.
Castillo
The castle and old town of Cabra del Santo Cristo are situated on the plateau-covered hill of San Juan, between the Agua and Las Cuevas rivers. Written Christian sources mention this castle as early as 1245, when it was conquered by the Castilians, having been the last stronghold maintained by the Muslims on the left bank of the Jandulilla. Today, only fragments remain, according to a detailed description by Tomás Quesada. The building has a polygonal plan of which three towers remain, and a stretch of wall of about 20m that joins two of them. The northeast tower is the best preserved, with a rectangular plan measuring 4.60x4m. It is assumed that the fortification was intended solely as a refuge for the population in case of danger. Located at the end of Calle Padilla.
Palacete de los Olmedo
The palace was built between 1926 and 1929 for local hero Don Bernardo Olmedo Rodríguez, by builders Maestro Juan, a native of Almería, and Domingo Sánchez Velasco from Alcalá. Despite lacking theoretical training in their field, both men achieved excellence through their extensive experience, more than compensating for any academic shortcomings. Exhibiting a palatial structure, the building incorporates innovative materials such as concrete and iron, a novelty in the town's architecture at the time. It is built around an elegant columned courtyard from which a magnificent imperial staircase leads to the second-floor galleries. Adorning the central panel of the staircase is a relatively recent copy of the Santo Cristo de Burgos and the walls in all the rooms are decorated with ceramic plinths from Triana, boasting an array of decorative motifs including vegetables, geometric patterns and birds. Fortunately, the palace stands today with almost no alterations from its original construction, allowing visitors to enjoy it as intended. Located on Calle Real.
Casa de Cerdá y Rico
Embodying various historicist characteristics, the Casa de Cerdá y Rico was the first of its kind in Cabra, pioneering a transformation in the domestic style of buildings that today characterises the town. Arturo Cerdá y Rico played a crucial role in this change. With a strong classicist influence, the house was inspired by a Sevillian house belonging to the Mensaque family from the well-known Triana neighborhood. Inside, the rooms are organised around a closed patio with a glass top and mezzanine, allowing natural light to reach the ground floor. The house once held a large sample of Sevillian ceramics from the Ramos Rejano house, whose diverse designs served as a backdrop for numerous still life compositions. This house was the first in Cabra to have running water installed, which is why there were two fountains, one on each floor. It has an elegant staircase, and it was also the first house in Cabra to use steel in its construction. Since its restoration, it has become a dynamic museum that houses a permanent exhibition of cameras, as well as information panels to illustrate the artistic legacy of the pioneering photographer who once inhabited it. Located on Calle de la Palma.
Opening Times:
Saturday and Sunday, 11:00-13:00hrs.
Tel: 953 39 70 02
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE TOWN
Puente de Arroyo Salado
One of Spain’s most remarkable rail viaducts, the Puente de Arroyo Salado is part of the Linares-Guadix railway line, which is still in operation today. Built in 1899, the bridge is a great testament to Spanish engineering prowess; with a length of 318m and an unusual technical complexity for the time, it aroused great international interest. Its three sections span 105m, and it once held the height record in Spain for bridges, with a 110m drop over the deepest part of the ravine. It was built by the Compañía de los Caminos de Hierro del Sur de España, under the direction of engineers belonging to the Gustave Eiffel School and inaugurated on March 14, 1899. Located northeast of the town.
NATURAL AREAS
Paraje del Nacimiento
As suggested by its name, this recreation area is home to a natural spring. Local women would once have washed clothes here, but today it is equipped with picnic areas and barbecues, making it an ideal place for a relaxed day out.
BUS SERVICE
There is a bus service from Cabra del Santo Cristo to Jaén, Jódar and Úbeda. More>
GASTRONOMY
When visiting Cabra del Santo Cristo, try local dishes such as migas de harina (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo), andrajos (pasta stew with seafood or wild hare), arroz con conejo (rice with rabbit), perdiz con habichuelas (partridge with broad beans) and lomo de orza (roasted pork loin). Sweet treats include roscos de sarten (doughnuts), roscos de vino (aniseed biscuits), tortas de aceite (olive oil cakes) and hornachuelos (sweet pastries soaked in honey).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Cabra de Santo Cristo are Lumbres de San Antón, Día de San Sebastián, Fiestas Patronales, Fiesta Catorce and Romería de la Estación. More>
WEATHER FOARECAST
The weather forecast for the next few days for Cabra del Santo Cristo. More>
TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office of Cabra del Santo Cristo is located in the Town Hall. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Cabra del Santo Cristo are Huelma and Bélmez de la Moraleda.