Cartama

A small guide to Cartama

Cártama is a municipality in the province of Málaga, situated in the autonomous community of Andalucía in Southern Spain. It is one of the most extensive towns in the province, covering 105 km². Situated in the heart of the beautiful Guadalhorce valley, at the foot of two small sierras, and surrounded by thousands of orange and lemon trees, its territory forms part of the Hoya de Málaga, just 20 km from the heart of the capital. It stretches across both banks of the river, giving it an unsurpassed position in terms of commerce, history, archaeology and tourism.

From its main vantage point, the Hill of the Virgin, can be seen the different communities which make up the town: Cártama Pueblo, the ancient town with a 3000-year history and streets laid out in Moorish style; Estación de Cartama, which has its origin in the 1865 railway station; El Sexmo, Doñana, Aljaima and the Sierra de Gibralgalia, with its wonderful views of the whole valley as far as Coín, Álora, Casarabonela and Málaga itself.

The original town, Cártama Pueblo, stretches across the side of the Hill of the Virgin, which although not high at 240 m, is very steep. Its buildings and roads follow the contours of the hill, and reflect the varied topography of the area. The architecture and layout emphasise the history and rich heritage of this town.

One of the town's most well-known features is the iron bridge (the "green bridge" or puente verde) over the Guadalhorce river, and which provided access between Estación and the pueblo before its replacement by a more modern road bridge. This area has been restored as a recreational area, and an extensive riverside leisure area is now planned.

Cártama is famous for its festivals and ferias. The carnivals occur during February, but the main festival of the year takes place in April to honour the town's patron saint, La Virgen de los Remedios. The statue of the virgin is carried down the mountain from its chapel in the Ermíta to its temporary home, the church of Saint Peter the Apostle. On 23 April the Virgin is paraded through the town, and pilgrims come from many miles around, and even from abroad, to witness the procession and make offerings. The fiesta is followed by a cattle fair. This fiesta has recently been designated a "Fiesta of National Touristic Interest" by the Tourist Board of Andalucia.

Where is Cartama?

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