Cala

Location: It is perched on a hill close to the population.

Timeline: 12th and 14th Century.

Style: Gothic Almohade and military.

Visiting hours : Outside visit at any time. Check town hall.

Visits

- Up to Fortaleza - Church of Santa Mara de la Magdalena. - Minas de Cala.

Shopping:

- Food: sausage and wine, here called Mosto de Cañamón.. - Handicrafts: embroidery, wood, leather and bone work.

Itineraries 1,7 and 8

Condition:

It has been renovated several times, thanks to the protection of the general declaration of the Decree of 22 April 1949, and Law 16/1985 on Spanish Historical Heritage, by which it receives the status of monument. Besides that, in 1993 the Junta de Andalusia specially recognized the castles of the autonomous community of Andalusia.

Actual use:

Its use is purely contemplative, although the high and isolated situation provides an air of stubborn pride that gives it a romantic and decadent beauty .

Architectural sheet:

It is one of the most important strengths, included in the Banda Gallega for the defense of the Kingdom of Castile against the countless raids from Portugal. The floor plan is rectangular, like the Castle of Cumbres de San Bartolomé. Belonging to the same culture causes that the types and styles are similar. Also, Cala Castle, originally, had all the qualities of an Arab fortress. Classified as part of the third line of defense, after its conquest it retook its military use against the Portuguese incursions.

Its current state is ruinous and needs urgent rehabilitation, although it is worth highlighting its sally, a clear Gothic element, being defined by a pointed arch.

Historical sheet :

Due to its bad conservation, we must turn to documents to determine its origin, although these are very rare, as the Christians, after the reconquest, destroyed most of them. It is thought that in the beginning it belonged to the Muslims and laterAlfonso X rebuilt it during the thirteenth century.

Nevertheless the first settlements are dating back to 3000 years BC, in particular the Bronze Age of Phoenician origin. However, the most valid theory is that the occupation is of a Roman origin. According to various sources, it was the Romans who built this settlement. The village became famous in the era of Roman domination by the unique bricks that were manufactured there, as well as excellent glass works.

On a tablet found in the shrine of Our Lady of Cala a name is found, 'Seguida Restituta Luli' Seguida' is Celtic, which would indicate the existence of a pre-Roman settlement that once romanized, was renamed 'Restituta Lulia'.

The etymology of the word Cala comes from Callentum. It is of Greco-Roman origin and means beautiful, perhaps because of the beauty of this mountain site. This settlement was then occupied by Visigoths and Arabs.

They built up during the 12th century the current strength at the top of a strategic hill slope, next to a large countryhouse. It was conquered by Fernando III between the years 1246 and 1248, with troops commanded by Pelay Pérez Correa.

A few years later, under the reign of Alfonso X, this territory was awarded the title Realengo (Free domain), belonging to the Kingdom of Seville, with similar exemptions and privileges for their inhabitants. Since then a major restocking of immigrants from the lands León was started.

Arts and Culture:

Church of Santa Maria Magdalena

Chronology: 15th-16th Century, Style: Gothic, Mudejar, Baroque Neogothic and Almohade. Use: Religious Center. Details: Entry, Octogonal Dome, Altarpiece, furniture, carvings and imagery.

Hermitage of Our Lady of Cala

Chronology: 1st Century, Style: Roman Mudéjar. Use: Religious Center, Details: Built on Roman ruins.

Cultural Events:

Handicrafts have survived thanks to good use of local customs. Referring to the celebrations the first event is the Carnival at the end of February. Then continues with the Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses) Festival and the pilgrimage of San Roque. During the summer the town has an intensive program of cultural activities, followed by the Fair on September 7. In October there is a concentration of cyclists with more than 300 participants from all over Spain and on the 12th that month, the Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Pilar.