The precipitous narrow streets become almost vertical towards the highest part of the town where the castle and church vie for attention like squabbling siblings. The town provides a convenient hub for access to the surrounding countryside where little visited spectacular walks through the serenity and tranquillity of the natural park can be experienced.
The history of Alcalá de los Gazules stretches back into antiquity. A familiar pattern based on the foundations of rising dynasties and fading civilisations. Archaeological excavations have unearthed the rare remains of Neoplithic settlements, including impressive examples of early cave art. The most significant findings, however, are those left by the Romans. Of particular note is the Lascuta Bronze, a bronze plaque dating from 189 A.D. that was discovered in 1867 and on which an edict granting freedom to slaves from the nearby city of Hasta is engraved. It can now be seen in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
With the fall of the Roman Empire the Visigoths invaded and settled the whole of Iberian Peninsula and in Alcalá remains of their brief period of glory are clearly evident. The invasion of the Moors in the 7th century marked a radical change for the whole of the Iberian Peninsula and it was during this time that the town was named Al-Qalá, meaning “castle” or “fortress”. The supreme ruler of this time, based in Granada, ceded the town to the Gazula people, of Berber origin, from whom its name is derived.
After 500 years of Arabic rule, the town was captured by Ferdinand III in 1248 who bestowed its present name. Later, during the time of its control under the Dukes of Medinaceli, the magnificent church and stylish convent were constructed.
The town was officially declared to be of Historical and Artistic importance in 1984.
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