Alcaucin
Even today, this small town in the administrative
district of La Axarquía, with a population
of 1.500 inhabitants, still has a strong Muslim stamp.
Its´ urban fabric, outlined against a hard elevation,
is one of winding streets with abundant masonry houses
and traditional gratings.
Alcaucín, whose etymology is derived from the
Arabic word alqausin, meaning "arches",
seems to have risen from a farmhouse situated between
the castle of Alcázar and the fortification
of Zalía, dating from the Phoenician era and
about which there are numerous hypothesis: while some
investigators relate it to the Phoenician city of
Tágara, others believe that it is the place
in which the mythical Odysca had Ulises, King of ítaca,
locked up for various years. The castle later passed
thorough various changes during the Muslim era until
it was turned into a bishopric prison for the rebellious
Muslims in 1485. Other monuments worthy of note are
the Church "del Rosario" and the Shrine
of "Jesús del Calvario", both hailing
from the Eighteenth Century and the house of Los Condes
de Alcaucín.
During the earthquake of 1884 which destroyed La Axarquía,
Alcaucín, like other neighbouring towns, was
devasted.
The festivity in honour of the town´s Patron
Saint falls on the 20th of February. The Corpus, "La
Feria Chica" in honour of "La Virgen del
Rosario" and the flamenco festival on the second
week of August, complete the festive calendar.
Its´ gastronomy has in the cod pancakes with
honey, its´ star dish. Sardines on calabash,
"el acemite", "la sopa carroñera
con bacalao", and "las morcillas de cebolla",
complete its´ varied offer. And, to drink, nothing
better than the town´s water, acclaimed in the
whole area for its mildness and lightness.
Antequera Villages
Costa del Sol Villages
Valle del Guadalhorce Villages
Ronda Villages
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