Moorish culture in Andalusia; the Bobastro
Moorish culture is still common in Andalusia. A great example is the Bobastro. Located near the famous Caminito del Rey in El Chorro. Unknown to many, this rock-hewn church from Moorish times is unique and worth seeing.
Some background information on Moorish culture in Andalusia; the Bobastro
The history of this village, now in ruins, dates back to the ninth and 10th centuries. The time when the Moors ruled Andalusia.
In this inaccessible area, also known as Las Mesas de Villaverde, with gorges and ravines, the rebel Omar Ben Hafsún settled. Together with Mozarabs and other Islamic groups, this was his headquarters for half a century to prepare uprisings against the Cordovan caliphate. This was even before the Islamic State was imposed with arms.
Omar Ben Hafsún had been born in the mountains of Málaga. While serving in the Cordoba army, a riot occurred and he had to flee to his uncle in North Africa. A few years later, he returned to Málaga with the idea of becoming king, as a holy man had prophesied to him. Omar received a lot of support from the mountain people, who were very dissatisfied with the Cordoba empire because of high taxes. Omar and his men also held the forts of Álora and Ardales. However, this was not enough as in 883 AD, Omar was captured and returned to the Cordoba army.
Moorish culture in Andalusia; the Bobastro
On the grounds of the Bobastro, several major structures can be seen, such as the ruins of a castle, several rock-hewn houses, a necropolis/cemetery and most importantly, a Mozarabic rock church, which is unique.
The walls around the town were built with the help of refugees and inhabitants of the Bobastro. The refugee population of this town rose to 1,500. To survive, the inhabitants had to fetch water from the lower-lying rivers and streams. The water was fetched in jugs and later poured over into basins carved into the ground.
Several remains have been found at this site, proving that there is still much to discover about Moorish culture in Andalusia from the 9th and 10th centuries.
The church, probably built by Omar Ben Hafsun when he converted to Christianity, is the only one of Mozarabic origin known in which was the land of Al-Andalus. The church has a basilica plan and faces east. The nine-by-10-metre floor is divided into three naves with horseshoe arches, some of which are still preserved.
Opening hours
The uniqueness of this place is that there is still so much underground that has not been excavated and you can walk freely through this beautiful piece of nature with rich history. Although it is a super unique place archaeologically, few people know the way to this site.
There is a very small house where you can buy an entrance ticket, but nothing more than that. There is no toilet or restaurant next door.
There is a very small house where you can buy an entrance ticket, but nothing more than that. There is no toilet or restaurant next door.
Activiteiten in de buurt
In de omgeving zijn nog tal van andere leuke activiteiten, zoals;
De meren van Ardales, hier kun je heerlijk zwemmen of lekker luieren
De grotten van Ardales met de oudste rotstekeningen ter wereld.
Caminito del Rey, een spectaculair pad langs de steile kliffen van een kloof.
Casa Sofia
Romantic tiny house in former hay shed with spectacular views.
Casa Carmen
Spacious holiday home with a log burner and beautiful views.
Casa Josefa
Cosy holiday home with terrace and balcony.
Casa Maria
Spacious apartment with a separate bedroom on the ground floor.
Casa Maria Arriba
First-floor apartment with amazing views.
Check availability and prices
from 2 nights