Iznajar and surrounding area
Iznajar village was originally a prehistoric Iberian settlement, but flourished in the eighth century when
is was settled by Arabs. In 711AD Tariq ibn Zayid built a castle called it 'Hins Ashar' which has given the town its
modern name. In 1431, in the reign of Catholic monarch Juan II, it was taken back by the Christian rulers, some
sixty years before Granada was to fall in 1492. Iznajar gained brief notoriety in 1861 when the town supported an uprising
against the monarchy, led by Rafael Perez del Alamo, with grimly predictable consequences.
The ruined Moorish castle can still be seen, as can parts of the old fortified town wall and the 15th century
church of Santiago.
The village of Iznajar is situated on top of a huge rocky outcropping overlooking the Embalse de Iznájar,
the largest lake in the whole of Andalucía, which is frequented throughout the warm season as a beach.
The principal economic
activity of the area is the cultivation of olives although tourism is increasingly becoming an economic factor.
Iznájar
is a classic "pueblo blanco", or white village and is surrounded by its "Aldeas" - sub villages including La Celada, El Higueral,
Solerche to name but three.
The whole of the area of Iznájar has a vibrant social life with many fiestas celebrated throughout the year
- most notably Semana Santa (Easter), Los Reyes (Three Kings or Twelfth Night) and the Fiesta de la Virgen.
A
visit to the Alhambra ( c13th Century) at Granada is well worth the trip, it is really a palatial city surrounded by
a network of fortified walls and towers. The world famous Alhambra is largely due to the great Moor King Mohammed V, who commissioned
the design and construction of this superb example of Moorish architecture.
Or a little further on is the Sierra Nevada
with its superb views and skiing (winter only)
Take the drive to Cordoba and visit the Mesquite (Mosque) it is now the Cathedral. Cordoba is well worth
the trip and as with Granada the city surrounding the mosque is a fascinating place to spend the afternoon.
All within easy reach by car.
A view of the beach and Lake Iznajar looking towards the Dam at sunset from Media Luna Restaurant ("The
Beach Bar" ) to the locals.
In September we have our local Fiesta that runs for the whole of the second week. There are many things
to do from just "taking in the sights" as people "Parade" up and down. Why not join in the fun and listen to the bands, watch
the traditional dancing or for the children take a ride on the fun fair. There are also many places to eat where it is possible
to enjoy "Spit Roast" Chicken and a glass or two of Sangria...or what ever your "tipple" may be. It really is not to be missed.
There
are several villages within very easy reach that all have their own distinctive personality, Villanueva De Tapia (on the road
to the motorway), Salinas were there is a fantastic restaurant which is actually the railway station. Fuente Del Conde and
Ventorros De Balerma. Slightly more further afield there is the wonderful little town of Priego De Cordoba.
From
your apartment you will have a superb view of Lake Iznajar and the surrounding olive groves covering the hills around. All
the nearby towns and villages have their own market days. These markets offer a tantalising range of local Fruit & Veg
as well as lots of clothing, footwear and accessories, all at bargain prices. Iznajar has a busy little market on every Tuesday.
Another is Loja, brimming with Andalucian charm and only about 20 minutes away by car It has a superb market every Monday
