PLACES OF INTEREST IN CASTELLAR
On previous occasions, we have written about the biggest attraction in Castellar de la Frontera, The medieval Fortress which remains in a perfect state of conservation. But this village has other places well worth a visit.
SAN MIGUEL DE LA ALMORAIMA CONVENT
Just one kilometre from the new village of Castellar on the way to the castle, there is another important and beautiful building, the Convent of San Miguel de la Almoraima”.
This building was built in 1603. The Countess of Castellar, Doña Beatriz Ramírez de Mendoza, ordered its construction in order to give shelter to the Friars of the Barefoot Mercedarios Order. These Friars lived in this convent from it's foundation until the middle of the XIX century. At this date, the Duke of Medicanceli took possession of the building and made it into a hunting and leisure area. In 1972, the Duke sold the property and some years later it passed into the government’s possession.
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San Miguel de la Almoraima Convent is built on an old Hermitage, which was dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Reyes worship. It has got elements of great artistic and historic value, such as the Cloisters, Tower and the Church. Inside the Church, visitors can see numerous works of art belonging to the baroque and neo-gothic styles.
The old Convent of San Miguel de la Almoraima was developed into a country house that provides all kinds of services-it has a restaurant, tennis courts, swimming-pool, conference rooms, and accommodation. It is located in the heart of “Los Alcornocales” nature Reserve and visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it.
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Befitting the house’s surroundings, all rooms are furnished in a rustic style and have bathroom, fireplace, central heating, air conditioning, telephone and TV.
The country hall includes beautiful living rooms and the restaurant which specialises in game dishes.
SALVADOR CHURCH
This is located within the castle walls, very close to the palace. It was built in the XVII century, although there have been renovations and extensions added since then. The church was built on the site of an old Muslim Mosque, but there is no evidence of this today.
During its history, this church has also been used as a cemetery. This was because the people could not leave the fortress when it was being besieged, and secondly, because there was no other cemetery developed until the XIX century.
The church is located only a few metres from where the Lords of Castellar used to live. In the XVII century, an alley was built that connected the palace and the church so that the Lords could attend their religious services without leaving the mansion.
ALMORAIMA TOWER
This building is a Watchtower built by the Muslims. It was built both to defend and to communicate in the event of a possible invasion. The tower is located very near to the convent.