Casabermeja is a Spanish municipality in the province of Malaga, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is located in the Montes de Malaga, dominating the historic Campo de Camara, a cereal countryside. The Guadalmedina and Cauche rivers flow through its term.
Casabermeja is a town with a rich history and culture on the north slope of a mountain, with steep slopes on its narrow and organic streets. From its old town, its parish church stands out with its Bermeja tower that dominates the entire valley.
With a Malaga car hire, you will be able to visit Casabermeja and other nearby destinations at your own convenience. This will allow you to make the most of your vacation and discover all that this beautiful region has to offer. Let’s get to know it little by little, from its origin and history to the main places you should visit in the area, so that you can make the most of your visit.
History of Casabermeja
The origins of Casabermeja date back to prehistory, specifically to the Copper Age, when the lands of the Campo de Cámara, in the current Peñas de Cabrera, were already inhabited. This fact is evidenced by the schematic paintings that are preserved in the numerous shelters of this natural site. However, the first settlement on the current urban nucleus dates back to Roman times, where there was a villa as evidenced by the remains of the castellum that supplied it with water.
During Muslim domination, Casabermeja was established as a town and its current configuration as an Andalusian white village is due to the 17th and 18th centuries. It is built on the north slope of a mountain, with steep slopes on its narrow and organic streets. From its old town, its parish church stands out with its Bermeja tower that dominates the entire valley.
The name of Casabermeja seems to derive from the Arabic term “Qsar Bermeja” or “Alcázar Bermejo”. This term could be translated as “Red Castle”. However, there are also legends that suggest that the town was named by Queen Isabel La Católica when she saw it.
Throughout history, Casabermeja has evolved into a vibrant town with a rich culture and history. Its location in the Montes de Malaga and its proximity to the Guadalmedina and Cauche rivers have made it an important agricultural center. Today, Casabermeja is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the history and culture of Andalusia.
Places to visit
Visitors to Casabermeja will find plenty to see and do, from exploring its historic old town to visiting its museums and monuments.
Some top places to visit in Casabermeja include Molino Del Hortelano and Monumental Cemetery of San Sebastian. It was declared an artistic-historical monument in 1980 for its unique architectural value. Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Socorro and Museo de la Miel de Malaga are also worth visiting.
In addition to these attractions, Casabermeja is also located near several natural areas that are worth exploring. The Montes de Malaga Natural Park is a mountain and national park near the town, while the Centro de Visitantes Torcal Alto is a visitor center near Casabermeja. Although El Torcal, an important natural monument, is located nearby, you can visit our page on Antequera to learn more about it.
Molino Del Hortelano
Molino Del Hortelano is an oil mill located in the Montes de Malaga, 7 km from Casabermeja. The Cabello-Montiel family, fourth generation of master millers, cultivates their own olive grove and produces and markets Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Visitors to the Molino Del Hortelano can learn about the fascinating world of olive oil through a unique experience, where they can discover and taste all the varieties of extra virgin olive oil produced by the mill. The modern oil mill is open for visitors to see how the olives are processed from the moment they arrive until the oil is bottled.
In addition to the modern oil mill, visitors can also see the restored 18th-century stone mill, which was previously a wine press. The exceptional cellar has been recovered and it houses one of the few beam and quintal presses that exist in the province of Malaga. In this space, visitors can learn how our ancestors made olive oil.
Location: Camino Real, 29160, Casabermeja (Map)
Monumental Cemetery of Casabermeja
People often compare the cemetery to a small town for the deceased, with narrow streets and well-kept facades. You can see the cemetery from the road. Due to the higher tombs standing out, a false myth arose that in Casabermeja people buried the dead standing up. The origin of the cemetery arose when the niches under the church became small and for health reasons. As the town grew, and therefore its deaths, people needed a new place for burials.
This Cemetery is one of the most famous and peculiar cemeteries in all of Andalusia. It is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a unique experience.
Location: C. San Sebastián, 53, 29160 Casabermeja (Map)
Website: https://www.casabermeja.es/11141/cementerio
Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Socorro
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Socorro is a beautiful church located in Casabermeja. It is situated on a hill, which makes it stand out in the urban landscape with its large size and tall bell tower. The church has a Latin cross plan, with three naves and a dome covering the crossing. The central nave is higher than the side ones, and the dome rises above all of them. A bell tower covered by a four-sided roof stands at the head of the church. The dome of the crossing is just like it. A weather vane in the shape of a Greek cross with a circular openwork crosspiece and trident-shaped ends sits on top of the dome.
Location: C. Fuente de Abajo, 1, 29160 Casabermeja, Málaga (Map)
Other places to visit
- Hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Socorro: The Hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Socorro is near the urban center of Casabermeja. It was built in 1989 with the effort of many of the town’s neighbors. It is on rustic land, under an environment of olive and almond trees and excellent views of the Sierra. (Map)
- Archaeological Remains: Archaeological remains are scattered throughout the municipality of Casabermeja, determining the presence of man since Prehistory, including a 5000 years old necropolis. You may find interesting spots while walking on the area (Map)
- Las Peñas de Cabrera: Las Peñas de Cabrera are in the municipality of Casabermeja. The set consists of an important series of shelters with rock manifestations, both paintings and engravings. (Map)
- Zambra Tower: This construction corresponds to the smallest architectural element of the Muslim defensive and military apparatus: that is, a watchtower; or, in Christian times, a warning tower. (Map)
Activities and Fairs
Casabermeja is a town with a rich cultural heritage and many festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals in Casabermeja include:
- San Sebastián: This festival is held in honor of San Sebastián, the patron saint of Casabermeja. A procession goes from Iglesia Nuestra Senora del Socorro to San Sebastian Cemetery. The Junta de Andalucia declared it an artistic-historical monument.
- San Marcos: During this festival, the residents of Casabermeja go out to the countryside to eat. The festival includes traditional foods such as hornazos (figures made from bread dough) and roscas de pan de garbanzos (chickpea bread rings).
- Semana Santa: Holy Week in Casabermeja has experienced a great resurgence in recent years. The processions are characterized by the use of correón and horquilla to carry the thrones, an ancient custom of the Antequera and Malaga area.
- Corpus Christi: Thursday to Sunday, people celebrate this festival in Casabermeja for its religious and festive aspects. On Corpus Christi Day, flower carpets, bedspreads hanging from balcony to balcony, and pots on sidewalks and house facades decorate the town.
- Goat Festival: The Malaga Goat Festival is a gastronomic festival that takes place in Casabermeja in September. The festival revolves around goat’s cheese and features live music, a craft market, cheese tasting, and much more1. It is a great opportunity to learn about the local culture and cuisine, and to sample some delicious goat’s cheese.
- Casabermeja Fair: The Feria de Casabermeja is traditionally celebrated on the first weekend of August.
Gastronomy
In its gastronomy, it is possible to distinguish between winter and summer dishes. “Las migas” stand out exceedingly in winter. “El gazpacho” and “la olla de era” are summer dishes.. Dishes to savour all year round are rabbit basted in garlic or “el plato de los Montes”. Lastly, from its confectionery, “los borrachuelos”, “el pan de bizcocho”, “los roscos de vino” and “las tortas de aceite” are very popular.
There are several restaurants in Casabermeja where you can taste these traditional dishes. Asador Restaurante Puerta de Malaga specializes in Castilian meats. They cook with a wood-fired oven and grill. They offer typical regional products and dishes.
How to get
There are several ways to get from Malaga airport to Casabermeja. The drive from Malaga airport to Casabermeja takes about 23 minutes via the MA-20 and A-45.
- Head northeast on Av. del Comandante García Morato.
- Take the ramp to N-348/Av. de Velázquez.
- Merge onto Av. del Comandante García Morato.
- Continue onto N-348/Av. de Velázquez.
- Take the ramp to E-15/A-7/Benalmádena/Algeciras.
- Merge onto MA-20.
- Take exit 7 to merge onto A-45 toward Córdoba/Granada/Sevilla.
- Take exit 124 toward Casabermeja.
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A-356.
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on A-356.
- Turn right onto Calle Real.
Another option is to take public transportation. You can take a bus from Malaga airport to Malaga bus station, then transfer to another bus that goes to Casabermeja. The total journey time is around 1 hour and 21 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train from Malaga airport to Malaga train station, then transfer to a bus that goes to Casabermeja. The total journey time is around 1 hour and 22 minutes.