Jimera de Líbar is
typical of the small Andalusian towns whose origins go back to Moorish
times: narrow, winding streets and low, whitewashed houses. |
There are, in fact, two separate urban areas here,
one being the town centre in the higher part, surrounded by olive groves and
oaks trees, and the other being on the banks of the river two kilometres to
the east, called La Barriada de la Estación. The surrounding countryside is
among the most beautiful in all the Ronda Mountain region, being part of the
Guadiaro Valley and the Nature Park of the Sierra de Grazalema.
The name of the town derives from the Arabic Inz Almaraz or Ximera, which
means The Castle of the Woman. Little is known about its actual origins,
apart from evidence found in the Pileta Cave in Benaoján that would suggest
settlements here from Neolithic times. There were also Phoenician burial
remains discovered in the Finca El Tesoro, 4 kilometres from the town
centre, consisting of ceramic pieces and jewellery and household items used
for funeral purposes. The Romans were here too in their time, and left
behind a roadway that used to link Gibraltar with the town of Acinipo. From
Moorish times little is left except the name, although the Moorish cemetery
found beneath the present church would suggest at one time the presence of a
fortress in the area, as in other similar towns in the area. The town passed
into Christian hands in 1485 after the conquest of Ronda, becoming part of
the administrative area of the city under the Lugar (the Place) de Ximera de
Líbar.
The area is especially suitable for rural tourism at any time of the year.
Jimera has adapted itself perfectly to changing times without losing its
ancient customs and traditions, and there are a large number of rural inns,
hotels and houses, along with camping facilities and cabins in which people
can rest, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Here too one can
taste the traditional cuisine of the area, admire or purchase some of the
excellent craftwork done here, or have a drink of one of the delicious local
liqueurs produced in the area.
Places
to be visited
 |
The
town
Jimera de Líbar is typical of the small Andalusian towns whose
origins go back to Moorish times: narrow, winding streets and low,
whitewashed houses that seem to adapt themselves perfectly to
their environment. Most of the houses are of two storeys with
interior patios and balconies in front with wrought iron both
protecting and decorating the windows. The most important building
in the town itself is the Town Hall, which has a curious portico
of semicircular arches, crowned on top with a clock. The Hermitage
of the Virgen de la Salud, the patron saint of the town, is in the
La Estación area.
Trekking routes
The area surrounding Jimera de Líbar is well suited to trekking,
with many ancient lanes and pathways formerly used by shepherds.
Many of these routes are still useable, and one can come across
the occasional old olive oil or flour mill along the way. One of
the best of these routes runs by the Cañada Real parallel to the
river Guadiaro, where there is also the old Roman road that used
to link Gibraltar with Acinipo.
The routes listed below are the best for trekking, and being
circular, can be started from any point along the way.
Route 1: We begin this route
from Jimera de Líbar, heading down by the Cañada del Olivar to
the Venta del Rey. The route continues by the Cañada Real del
Campo de Gibraltar to the meadow, to rise later and cross the
Arroyo Atajate, from where one can take a lane that brings one
back to the town.
Route 2: This route begins at
the Barriada de la Estación and follows the river by the Cañada
Real del Campo de Gibraltar in the direction of the hermitage. We
can head up the Huerta Nueva lane to arrive at Jimera de Líbar,
passing by the Cabreriza. One can then go down by the Cañada del
Olivar to reach the Venta el Rey and return by the Cañada Real to
where one began.
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| Where
to eat |
Restaurante
Quercus. Mediterranean cuisine. Estación Jimera de
Líbar. Tel: 952 180 041.
One can also eat and have tapas at the following bars: El
Mandarino, La Cooperativa
and Los Pastores.
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| Where
to sleep |
Molino
La Flor. An old water mill built onto a Roman bridge in
beautiful countryside. Ideal for groups of up to 20 people. Tel:
954 42 33 10. Internet
Camping-cabins Jimera de Líbar.
Close to the station and the river Guadiaro. Swimming pool.
Beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities. Ctra.
Jimera-Cortes, Km. 1. Tel: 952 180 102. Internet
Casa rural Madreselva.
Situated in beautiful countryside. Arroyo de Atajate, s/n. Tel:
952 180 118.
Casa rural La Albahaca. For
groups of between 8 to 10 people. Swimming pool, barbecue and
fireplace. At the entrance to Jimera, facing the valley. Avda. de
las Fuerzas Armadas, s/n. Tel: 952 259 518. Internet
Casa rural Cecilio. A rustic
house in the town, recently refurbished and with all modern
facilities. C/Mártires Igeriben, 16. Tel: 952 180 004.
Molino El Inglés. A water
mill reached by a long bridge suspended over the rapids. For
groups of up to 25 people. Tel: 954 42 33 10.
Rural
Accommodation in the province of Malaga
(in
Spanish)
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Façade of the parish
church |
FIESTAS
Jimera celebrates its festival in honour of its patron saint, La Virgen de
la Salud, in the month of August. Apart from the music, dancing,
competitions and general fun, the most important part of the event is the
bringing of the Virgin from the Capilla de la Estación to the town and
then bringing it in procession through the streets. The next festival in
the town takes place in November, and this is All Saints Day, when the
chestnuts are toasted in the town square. The annual Candelaria festival
takes place on Christmas Eve, with candles burning in the streets and
windows of the houses. At the end of February is the "brujas,"
festival, the festival of the witches, which forms part of the carnival
celebrations. The Romerías of the Virgin de la Salud, the Barriada de la
Estación and the Cruces (the Crosses) take place in May and June, in the
Cruz Ventura area.
GASTRONOMY
The cuisine of Jimera is steeped in
tradition, the most popular dishes being stews and meat dishes. Fried
bread crumbs, soups and asparagus omelettes are also part of the local
culinary offer.
The pastries made here are especially delicious,
these including the rosemary honey in flake pastry, the wine doughnuts,
the sponge tarts and other home-made pastries, all accompanied by a glass
of locally produced zarzaparrilla.
CRAFTWORK
Jimera is a town that
has recuperated many of its ancient art and craft traditions, and this is
an attraction that draws many visitors to the place. Much
of the craftwork is made from grape twig, wickerwork, cane and straw, to
produce a beautiful range of items like baskets and brushes. The
craftsmen of Jimera also make alpargatas, those very comfortable sandals
worn in the past by most workers in the countryside and now on sale only
in some mountain villages. Many other household items are made in Jimera,
like wooden spoons and pots, and the production of liqueurs and pastries
is a tradition that goes back many years in this town.
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