El Gastor: White Streets, Mountains and Andalusian Culture

Culture

The Iglesia de San José is a neoclassical church from the 18th century, dating back to 1747. Its structure was reconstructed after it was looted during the Spanish Civil War. The Museo de Usos y Costumbres José María El Tempranillo is housed in a building from the late 18th century that preserves its original structure and walls.

The Dolmen del Charcón, also known as Tumba del Gigante, is a megalithic burial site from the Bronze Age on the slope of Tajo Algarín, at an altitude of 830 metres. The Dolmen del Charcón is the largest dolmen in the province of Cádiz. El Molino is a building owned by the municipality that was built in 1932 and renovated in 2000; it is currently used as a meeting and exhibition space.

The gaita gastoreña is a wind instrument made from the horn of a bull or cow. At its end is a piece of oleander or walnut wood with a small reed. Pleitas are woven items made from palm leaves or esparto grass, using between three and seventeen strands; they are used to make espadrilles, mats and bottle holders, among other things.

Landscape

Tajo Algarín reaches an altitude of 1,060 metres, while Las Grajas stands at 1,040 metres. The typical streets of El Gastor are narrow and steep; white façades are decorated with hundreds of colourful flowerpots.

Trails and Activities

The Ruta del Dolmen del Gigante is one of the hiking trails in the Algarín and Las Grajas natural area near El Gastor. The Sendero Zahara-El Gastor hiking trail begins outside El Gastor, near the junction of Calle de los Corrales and Calle del Portezuelo. At this point, the CA-9114 road to Ronda begins.

The proximity of El Gastor-Zahara Reservoir makes water sports such as kayaking and canoeing possible. Caving can be practised in Susto Cave.

Festivals

Corpus Christi in El Gastor is recognised in Andalusia as a Festival of Tourist Interest. During the Corpus Christi celebrations, the Certamen de gaita gastoreña takes place, where participants demonstrate their skill in playing this instrument. Corpus Christi brings residents and visitors together; streets, altars and decorative elements accompany the procession and emphasise the solemn character of the festival.

The Certamen flamenco takes place in El Gastor in October. This event pays tribute to a great master of the flamenco guitar; at the same time, prominent representatives of contemporary flamenco take part.

Cuisine

Guisote gastoreño is a local dish made with asparagus and garlic. The traditional Guisote competition brings residents and visitors together in Plaza de Andalucía to taste this dish from gastoreño cuisine.

Discover more places: Algar, Algeciras, Villaluenga Del Rosario, San Martín del Tesorillo, Poblado Sancti Petri, El Santiscal, La Línea De La Concepción, Ubrique

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