CASARABONELA

Casarabonela rises at 494 metres altitude and has 2.570 inhabitants. The town stands over the foothills of the Sierra Prieta, showing an impressive panorama from the eastern side.

Its origins go back to prehistory. The most notable testimonies of old to site an exact base about its history, is in the Roman era. They gave it the name of Castra Vinaria or Castle of wine. Under Muslim power it is transformed into Casr Bonaira, for having been seat of the Alcázar de Bonela. The castle of Casr Bonaira was one of the best forts of the kingdom and the last chapters of the reconquest. D. Sancho de Rojas, in the name of the catholic kings, took the city on the 2nd of June 1485. In 1574, Felipe II granted it the title of villa, according to the Carta Puebla which is conserved in the file of the Villa’s town hall.

The church of Santiago, old mosque, was built at the beginning of the 16th century. It has a baroque side chapel and an image of the Virgen del Rosario, patron saint of the town, which seems to be from the Salcillo school. The exterior structure of the chapel of Veracruz is also conserved, in which there is a steeple tower and an Almudejar arch.

The culinary specialities are based on the land’s products. The basic dishes of the Moor gastronomy are "pipeo", boiled soups, the exquisite broth and rabbit in garlic, among others. Also, it is a must in Casarobonela to try the varied "tapeo" snacks. The cakes made with the delicious natural oil are among the confectionery.

Casarabonela celebrates its festivities in the last weekend of July, in honour of Santiago Apostle, title of the church. The procession of the Virgen de los Rondeles (12th of December), The Passion (Palm Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday), The May Crosses (first day of the month) and the Moor days are also traditional events in this town.

Casarabonela basic information

Sierra de las
Nieves