Wonderful town in a rock: Setenil de Las Bodegas

Spanish town of Setenil de Las Bodegas is perhaps one of the most amazing parts of Andalusia. Its main attraction is hanging over the streets and houses, threatening massive arches of the rocks. The first thought that occurs when you look at the original building: "what if it collapses?"

But the history of Setenil de Las Bodegas soothing basalt rocks stood firmly for several million years, and the town itself is hiding in the rock more than eight centuries (although, according to some, people live here for the past 25 000 years).

Setenil de Las Bodegas (Setenil de las Bodegas) is one of the most renowned "white villages" of southern Spain. This small, typically Andalusian town with a population of 2967 inhabitants (census of 2010), covering an area of 82 sq km.

Setenil de Las Bodegas is famous for its unique geographical position: most of the houses are literally embedded in the rock, built by expanding the natural caves. The city is so artfully arranged between the rocks that seems invented by some visionary intricate sculpture.

Historical data indicate that Setenil de Las Bodegas — an ancient settlement. Its inhabitants became famous because of military courage, they bravely protected the city from numerous attacks of the Roman soldiers who in the first century ad was able to enter the city only after 15-day siege.

Scientists believe that the etymology of the name "the Setenil" is associated with military events: the word is derived from septem nihil, which literally means "seven times without result." Such was the number of unsuccessful attacks of the Romans, in which the inhabitants of the city managed to survive.

The second part of the name, "de Las Bodegas" appeared later, due to the extensive production of valuable wines, which is still famous in this country. It is noteworthy that the first vineyards were planted in this area is Christian in addition to growing olive and almond groves.

Over the centuries, Setenil also famous for its meat products, especially sausages chorizo and cerdo, which are made from pork. The pigs in huge numbers grazing on the surrounding city hills. In addition to meat, the town is also known for its pastries, especially cookies.

9. The rock defended the locals in ancient times, and today it protects: in winter from chilling winds, and in summer from the scorching heat. On the streets of Setenil de Las Bodegas is always a comfortable temperature. So the conditioning clearly enjoy demand here.