Grazalema
Written by Geoff Forster
Grazalema: We first visited Grazalema in July 2004 we have since revisited this lovely pueblo a number of times.
We either drive across the Guadiaro valley to Cortes de la Frontera (A373) or past Jimera de Libar (MA508). Then on to Montejaque (MA561 - 505) we then take the Seville road for a short distance (A376) and then take the (A372) road to Grazalema. The entire journey is through some delightful countryside and the roads are pretty good.
This is the pueblo of Grazalema taken from across the valley on the A372 road. 
The Grazalema Parque Natural is one of the most important wildlife habitats in Spain. It is home to many rare and endangered species.
The mountains are very popular with walkers and nature lovers. 
There is a large free car park that is quite easy to find. It does get busy we usually manage to find a space (often the last one!).
These are views from a mirador at the bottom of the cobbled car park/plaza. 
A short walk and you find yourself in the main plaza.
The church in the plaza has a dirty stone facade, the tree lined plaza has seats and is a pleasant place to sit. 
This was taken in April 2005 as you can see the trees have been severely pruned, they were recovering! Lets hope it's very speedy. 
At the opposite end of the plaza is this example of a Pinsapo (Spanish Pine Tree). It is very rare and nearly became extinct. However recent environmental protection and a planting scheme means it's numbers are recovering. 
This is part of the town hall.
Grazalema is usually popular with tourists. As a result there are numerous gift shops as well as a number of leather goods shops, street Cafés and restaurants. 
The churches and houses are typical of Andalucian mountain villages. 
Our friends Colin and Jenny find the fountain amusing! 
The streets are wonderful. 
This house was especially pretty. 
This dam had been built high above the town. I'm not sure it ever worked. Another larger dam near Montejaque was built in the 1920's and failed because the water found another course underground. 
We often sit in the street Café nearest the plaza.
They do an excellent self service tapas at lunchtime which is good value.
Above the town on the hillside is this building. We were told it was the site of old mosque? 
did you know that there are seven churches in that town? The last photo you have up of the so called mosque is one of the seven.
Yes there are quite a number of churches for the size of the place.