Grazalema, Spain

Grazalema is a village located in the northeastern part of the province of Cadiz, in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. Lying at the foot of the Sierra del Pinar, Grazalema is the most popular base for visitors to the Sierra de Gracalema Natural Park.
The Roman Villa Lasidulia, located in a property near today's village, is traditionally considered the predecessor of Grazalema. With the invasion of a Muslim in the eighth century, these lands were inhabited by people of Berber descent and they gave the area the name Raisa Lami Sulli, “the city of Banu al-Salem.” During this period, Grazalema's economy was centered around forestry and agriculture, as well as the textile industry.
After the Christian conquest in 1485, Zagrasalema, as Grazalema was then called, became part of the lands of Ponce de Leon. Grassalema again strengthened its economic position and importance in the 17th century with a branch of its textile industry, which produced famous scarves and capes of Grasalema. But the first years of the 19th century were disastrous for her, because it was then that the village underwent attacks and sieges by Napoleon's troops, which partially destroyed it.
Today, the village is experiencing a slow but steady rise and increase in population thanks to the countless visitors who have flocked to the National Park. Its steep, cobbled streets are impeccably maintained and lined with white houses with windows covered in wrought iron and decorated with flower pots overflowing with colorful flowers. Grassalema is very popularly described in 1950 in the work "People from the Sierra" by the British Pete Rivers.
Although a small village and popular mostly for its connection to the National Park, Grassalema still has something to show. Its central square, dotted with restaurants and cafes, is home to the 18th-century church of La Aurora. Grazalema has another historical heritage, such as the parish church of the incarnation, an 18th-century Baroque museum, a cape factory and more.
The village of Grassalema also has its holidays. The first festival is on the last Sunday in May in honor of the arrival of summer. Next is June 13 and Benamahoma, when residents pay tribute to their patron San Antonio. In the third week of July, Carmen's fiesta is celebrated with flamenco music, fireworks and a procession, culminating in Bull Monday. And August is a time for holidays and they are not late. The first Sunday in August is celebrated as a holiday for Moors and Christians, and the third week of August is dedicated to the most important agricultural festivals. September 8 was chosen as the day of the Virgin of Angeles - the patroness of Grazalema.
Grazalema may be the size of a large city or the sleek appearance of a capital, but the dazzling picture of whitewashed houses, tiled roofs and church towers nestled between the El Pinar and El Endrinal mountains, as well as the eucalyptus and pine forests dotted with getting to the village are enough reason to visit it.