Setenil de las Bodegas: a village of houses under a rock in the Sierra de Cádiz

1. La huella del río Guadalporcún y el origen del pueblo
2. Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra
3. La fortaleza y la Historia medieval de Setenil
4. La vida en Setenil

Setenil de las Bodegas, one of the most amazing and unique towns in Spain, is located in the province of Cádiz. Distinguished by its unique architecture, where the houses are literally covered with rock, Setenil has turned its geography into an emblem of its identity. In this fascinating area, the river Guadalporcún and the rock formations have given shape to a unique urban landscape where the houses and roads seem to be a natural extension of the rocks that surround them.

La huella del río Guadalporcún y el origen del pueblo

The main architect of Setenil de las Bodegas was the Guadalporcún River. Over the centuries, river erosion in the Sierra de Cádiz limestone created natural structures that now support local houses, creating a landscape that unites nature with man. In ancient times, the river, which was the central axis of life in Setenil, became a meeting place where residents bathed and washed their clothes. Despite the reduced volume of the river, its presence continues to define the town's design, with the banks used as residential areas where houses appear to be built from the same stone.

Setenil's strategic location played a key role in its historical trajectory. Since the Middle Ages, when it formed the border of the Kingdom of Granada, Setenil, taking advantage of the natural protection of its cliffs, turned itself into protective walls for the population. In fact, the term “Seventeen” comes from the Latin “septem nihil”, which translates as “seven times nothing”, referring to the seven conflicts that the Catholic Kings faced in the fifteenth century to conquer the fortress.

Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra

Two of Setenil's most famous streets, Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra, are impressive examples of how the area was able to harmonize its architecture with its natural environment. En la calle Cuevas del Sol, the houses are built distinctly from the cliff, sheltered under a rock that acts as a natural roof. Best of all, la luz del sol inunda la calle y los turistas pueden deleitarse con terrazas de bars y restaurantes abiertos, protegidos por la piedra.

Contraposición, la calle Cuevas de la Sombra brings a completely different experience. In this place, the dome is completely hidden under the stone, creating a cool and almost mysterious environment. These two roads symbolize the ideal balance between architecture and the natural environment, making every route through Setenil an unparalleled visual experience.

La fortaleza y la Historia medieval de Setenil

También Setenil retains a valuable medieval heritage, which is felt in its castle and the old structure of its streets. La torre del Homenaje, located at the top of Calle Villa, is a 12th-century construction of Almohad origin, used by the Nazarites as a last line of defense. From the tower you can enjoy a panorama of Setenil and its white houses clustered under the stones, an environment reminiscent of centuries of history and resistance.

In addition to the tower, the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación is housed in a Gothic-Renaissance building that adds a monumental nuance to the panorama of its location. Fortaleza junto a la iglesia commemorates Setenil's Islamic and Christian past and its cultural and strategic meeting place for the population for centuries.

La vida en Setenil

Today, Setenil de las Bodegas has managed to retain its authenticity and charm, attracting visitors looking for a different experience. La vida en la localidad se rige por el ritmo sereno de sus calles, donde los residents se congregan en bars y plazas, y la cocina local aquiere relevance. Alimentos como el chorizo ​​​​en manteca, los aceites de oliva virgin extra y los embutidos autoctonos constitutive un componente fundamental de la culture de Setenil, y proof la vinculación de sus rezidents con las customrums Andaluzas.

In particular, tourism has been the engine of revitalization for the population. Now Setenil is a frequent destination for tourists who want to explore the route of the White Villages and get to know the unique environment of the stone houses. However, the area has managed to balance tourism with the preservation of its identity, making it easy for tourists to enjoy the authenticity and unique character of its streets and its inhabitants.