Friday 25 May 2012

Iznájar

 We drove this morning to the village of Iznájar, a "pueblo blanco" in a beautiful location overlooking the largest reservoir in Andalucia. After a drive of about 90 minutes (route here), we arrived and parked quite easily at the bottom of the village.


 We walked a short distance and came upon this beautifully decorated plaza.

 Continuing onwards and upwards, we passed by the Ayuntamiento. 

The 18th century "Casa de las Columnas".
We had unknowingly arrived during the "Festival of the Balconies" which was presumably the reason why so many houses and businesses were so beautifully decorated with flowers.
 Every turn we took delighted us with yet another display. 


 After stopping off at the tourist office for a town guide, we continued to the top of town, the location of the old Moorish castle and the 16th century Parish Church of Santiago.


 Wow. Just around the corner from the Church is the Patio de las Comedias and what a fantastic feast for the eyes. Pot upon pot, all blue, of beautiful blooms so no apologies for the number of pictures. 


  The patio is formerly the area where plays, dramas and comedies were enacted in past times, hence the name but apparently, despite the floral festival taking place, it always looks like this and is cared for by the residents.
Just stunning.

Steps lead from the patio to a pleasant seating area with views over the village.



There are various viewpoints throughout the village but a guide is useful for finding them.
 The Plaza Nueva is one such place.

  In a pleasant 30°C, we headed back to the car enjoying more surprises along the way. 

 Definitely a surprise....a street with barely a flower in sight!.


 What a fabulous village. Even without the floral festival, Iznájar is a beautiful pueblo with a lot to see and it's location on a hill overlooking the reservoir is fantastic.

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