Why is a large part of Guadix underground? There are cave houses that are still inhabited today! Their white chimneys add an extraordinary charm to the cityscape. Such an attraction is not to be missed. Come and visit Guadix – the only town of its kind in Europe!
LAS CASAS CUEVA, or cave houses
This is an exceptionally magical place! Imagine the city against a rugged mountain landscape, with the cathedral tower dominating it, the rocks growing between the buildings like mole mounds and the small white towers visible from a distance. These are the chimneys of completely unique – cave houses. There are more than 2,000 inhabited underground houses in Guadix: fully equipped, quiet and comfortable in terms of temperature: between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. The caves extend in an arc around the town, a path leads to each house, and the natural terrain is used. It is truly a beautiful, unearthly sight! The cave-builders, known as los picadores, are quarrying into the rock in much the same way as they did centuries ago. There is one entrance to the ‘cave’, from which other rooms branch off. There are no doors between them, only curtains – to provide ventilation.
Caves to visit
From La Magdalena, or the viewpoint, there is a beautiful view of Guadix and the surrounding hills. The area was already inhabited by Neanderthals. The numerous old caves around the town are an invaluable source of knowledge about the history of the area. Some of the caves can be visited, the Ermita Nueva is particularly popular, with its famous la cueva del padre Poveda. The Carmelite saint Pedro Poveda Castroverde, founder of the Teresian Institute, used to stay there. At the Centro de Interpretación Cuevas de Guadix (Cave-Museum of Popular Customs in Guadix), we will see an exhibition about life in the caves, ancient furnishings and crafts.
A very long history of the city
Some of the oldest traces of settlement in Spain have been found in Guadix. The area, like the whole region, was influenced by Carthage and the Phoenicians in ancient times. Later, an important Roman colony was established here: the Julia Gemella Acci. When Andalusia was taken over by the Moors they were amazed that, although there was no river running through the town, there was access to water. And it was provided by an excellent irrigation system. Walking through the town, one can still see traces of Arab construction. Guadix is interesting not only because of what lies underground. Above ground, you can visit the monumental cathedral and the Moorish castle with its characteristic blanketed walls.
Luxury real estate by the sea
Guadix is located about 2 hours from Marbella, near the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range. Its proximity to many attractions in Andalusia attracts tourists and investors from all over the world. There is no shortage of luxury properties on offer, overlooking the sea, the African coast, located in the vicinity of golf courses, tennis courts or the marina in Puerto Banús. These are some of the most beautiful houses and flats for sale in Spain. Looking for a new place to work, a mild climate, want to slow down the pace of life? Choose Spain, a modern villa with terraces and pools or a flat decorated by top designers.
