Algodonales
Algodonales is a municipality and a town in Spain, in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia. It is located at the northern entrance of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, in the extreme north of the province, specifically at the foot of the Sierra de Líjar, between the Guadalete and Guadalporcún rivers. It has a large swamp that borders the municipality of Zahara de la Sierra and El Gastor. It is part of the route of the White Towns. The municipal term borders to the north with those of Villamartín, Puerto Serrano and Morón de la Frontera (Seville); to the south, with El Gastor; to the east, with Olvera; and to the west, with Zahara. In 2018 the municipality had 5,590 registered inhabitants. The superficial extension of the municipal term is 135 km² and has a density of 42.41 inhabitants/km². It is located at an altitude of 370 meters and 118 kilometers from the provincial capital, Cádiz.
The closest towns are Zahara de la Sierra, Olvera and La Muela. Today it lives mainly from agriculture and rural and adventure tourism.
History
Their first human settlements, from the Neolithic period, took place in the natural shelters of Cueva Santa, Chamusquina and Castillejo, to which must be added the later Iberian fortifications of Cerro de la Botinera.
The origin of the population is linked to the policy of repopulating the reconquered lands at the beginning of the 16th century. The distribution of the land proclaimed around 1520 by the ducal family of Arcos, the Ponce de León, marks the origin of the colonization of Algodonales. The fertility of the land and the abundance of water, attracted residents of the Villa de Zahara, to colonize the plain that extends at the foot of the Sierra de Líjar. The construction of the houses on communal lands led the Council of Zahara to start a lawsuit in the middle of the 16th century with the Duke of Arcos, lord of these lands, so that the main town would not be depopulated, demolishing the houses of the settlers. Despite the continuous devastation, in 1566 it became a village and obtained a bull from the Pope to build a church consecrated to Santa Ana. At the end of the 16th century it became an important population center, which came to be called " Puebla de los Algodonales".
During the War of Independence, in 1810, French troops set fire to the town, killing almost a tenth of its population. The current coat of arms of the municipality (a house on fire) reflects the tragedy suffered by its inhabitants in that conflict. Precisely, the heroic behavior of the defenders of Puebla against the Napoleonic army was the argument used to demand their segregation from their parent. In 1817, King Ferdinand VII granted Algodonales the title of town and an area of 23,000 fanegas, achieving its definitive independence from Zahara de la Sierra.
Quotes and descriptions
Rodrigo Caro
ALGODONALES (17th century): It could be that this town (Zahara) was built in better and more peaceful times at the foot of the Sierra de Líxar, where today they call Los Algodonales. There I saw many vestiges of an ancient population that are still standing today. In this place, to the east of the sierra, there is a peaceful and beautiful plain in which there are several abundant sources of excellent water that irrigate many orchards and groves that exist there. And, in addition to the springs, the Guadalete River runs so close that it could also be of great comfort to them, if they did not have a lot of water left over from the springs, which are born there, in the same river, for whose comfort little by little they have many neighbors descended from Zahara; and today it has a population there of more than two hundred residents, although the lords of Arcos have objected to populating this site because the other one, which is half a league from there, a little more, is not depopulated.
Pascual Madoz
ALGODONALES (18th century): Villa with the town hall of the province of Cádiz (20 leagues), judicial district of Olvera(3), income administration of Jerez(12), Territorial Court, captaincy general and diocese of Seville (13). It is found on a plain at the foot of the Sierra de Lijar that frees it from the sun in the summer season from 4 and 1/2 in the afternoon. It is fought by the winds from the S, SW, W, and sometimes the one from the east. The climate is very temperate, benign and healthy, and the population is sheltered from the northerly air by the indicated mountain range, covered all with shrubs, holm oaks and grasses, from which 12 perennial sources of fresh water are born, called La Higuera, Algarrobo, Alta, Higuereta, Cabera Chorrito, San José, Dornajo, Cristóbal Gómez, Zapatera, Muela, Vivoras and many other small ones.- the first 5 give impetus to several flour mills and supply the neighborhood as some are within the v. The Sierra de Lijar is joined by a hill also quite high, covered with vineyards and olive trees, and both form a graceful valley with a quadrilong shape, with a slight slope towards the hill of land called Dehesa Vieja: the soil is so picturesque, that the most complete description would not be enough to explain the whole. Of beauties that nature offers in that place. It has 1,020 houses, including the town hall, in fair condition, a narrow and insecure prison, a primary school for children (14 and under) endowed with 2,200 reales per year from its own funds. Another of girls (40) with 1,000 r s.; sumptuous church Parr. From 2nd ascent dedicated to Santa Ana; a hermitage (Ntra Sra. De la Concepción) within the town, built at the expense of the faithful; and another located at the entrance of the SW. Under the invocation of Jesus Nazareno; in the 3 jgi. The divine offices are celebrated', and they have for their service, a priest, a lieutenant, 6 priests, a sochanter, a sacristan appointed by him, a transept and 2 acolytes. Estramuros there is a conv. Called del Juncal", founded in icol; It belonged to the order of shoed Carmelites, and it is destined for the target. The houses and other aforementioned buildings are distributed in streets interpolated with orchards productive of rich and abundant fruits of all kinds, irrigated with large ditches - from healthy to quays, which make it necessary in some streets to place Sarillas in front of each house for their entrance. In spite of the magnitude of said ditches for the movement of the mills, risking so much land and other consumption, a third part of the water is left over and has no destination whatsoever; Touching the advantage that this humidity does not produce diseases of any kind, since those that occur are common in any country. It is worth noting in this regard that although the epidemics that currently have caused many victims in all the neighboring towns, in Algodonales not a single case has occurred, while his frequent communication with them exposed him to suffering time the terrible ravages of epidemic disease. Borders by NE. With Olvera; E. with the Gastor; S. with Zahara, and NO. With Villamarlin Puerto-Serrano and Morón (the latter from the province of Seville): in it is the ald. De la Muela with 70 neighborhood, corresponding to this v. in the civil and in the ecclesiastical. To Zahara's; the sale of the Eras-Viejas, and other cases. Little uotable: it comprises 22,214 3/4 fan, of regularly fertile land, of which 432 that are irrigated, are planted with different fruit trees, 1,500 of olive groves, 150 of vineyards, 4, ooo of work, 1-2,132 3/ 4 of pastures and mountains and 4,000 of useless saw. Cross the terro, the r. Guadalete forming a semicircle towards the population at dist. Less than t/4 leagues; its margins covered with irrigated orchards contrast gracefully with the olive groves on the side of the v. and with the high and low mountains on the opposite side, and its waters are very useful for cattle. They join this r. after joining a large stream called the Batan, the excess water from the ditch déla v. and two other smaller streams: so that these streams, alternating with the heights, and with the hollows that the terrain offers-, form a pleasant and majestic perspective. This abundance of water means that there are also ferruginous ones, on purpose for the cure of certain diseases; and there are also two sulfuric springs that, if they were taken care of, could form baths capable of containing many people: the one is located En ladeh. De Serrillary, the other in de la Nava, both owned by the house of Arcos. These waters have been analyzed by some curious physicians, and all have been of the opinion that their physical properties make them generally give as good results in their application as those of Árdales (V.), and even superior for certain diseases. It is, therefore, by all titles very advantageous the one located in this v., which occupies the dividing point of the mountains and the countryside, and the center of many populations,,and in it, due to the goodness of its climate, due to the many waters, due to the ease of acquiring raw materials, and of exports, after giving them a new shape, they could establish fáb. With almost certain success, if they were capital from outside to take advantage of these advantages that nature offers, and that the inhabitants cannot use, poor peasants, without funds for this kind of speculation. Field work is done with four teams of mule cattle and 200 cattle. POST ROADS.' Both the road that from Malaga, through Ronda and Eslav., leads to Seville and Cádiz, as well as those that facilitate communication with the immediate towns, are in a very bad state. Mail is received from Pionda's box, by balijero, on Tuesdays and Fridays, and is dispatched on Mondays and Thursdays of each week. He produces wheat, barley and all kinds of seeds; oil came to you, many fruits, vegetables and legumes; livestock of all kinds, especially bovine, goat and sheep; rabbit hunting and abundant fishing partridges. The harvest of oil, so highly prized in the markets of the ports and which usually pays a peseta more in a., for exceeding in good quality everything that is taken in Spain, could be considerably increased if they give it. From Burrows belonging to the house of Arcos, it was ceded by this to the enfiteutic census to the veciudad, for revenues, even if they were greater than the rent that they satisfy today. Situation This right. Very close to the population, and containing more than 3,000 fans. a la cuerda, the most appropriate for olive trees and vineyards now yields scarce prod., which would multiply extraordinarily if the inhabitants of Algodonales saw their desires satisfied in the part that we have indicated. Agriculture is the main occupation: there are, however, 9 flour mills7 of them with 3 stops, powered by water from the springs; eight of oil; four factory Of soft soap; some linen looms and a lot of esparto grass manufacturing: TRADE is reduced to large extractions of fruit and oil, and imports of clothing for the population. 903 times 3,338 inhabitants.: CAP. TROD.: 5,524,840 reais: BU?.: 281,067 reais 20 ¿rs CONTR: 90,452 reais 3 m reais. The municipal budget amounts to 40,000 reales and is covered with the prod. from the common fund. This population was built at the end of the 16th century, being a town of the v. from Zahara. In it." On May 18, I know, it was attacked by a French division commanded by General Maranci, composed of 7,000 men, which included regiments numbers 3, 13, and 43. The inhabitants opposed their entry, and without counting on more than their Their own forces and heroism put up a tenacious resistance until the morning of the 2nd. The French general's division had already suffered 1,500 casualties without having been able to take possession of any point of defense: encouraged by feelings of humanity, and respecting such courage, this general tried to avoid resorting to burning, proposing an honorable capitulation: it was already almost generally signed in the different blocks of houses that had been fortified, when one of the most esteemed chiefs of his troops received a fatal shot and instantly the fire slit the throat and he. Sack spilled everywhere. In prize of the courage and civility that the town proved in this' time, and recognition of his misfortune, he was granted, in 1817, the title of villazgo, and term of 23,000 fan. Of land to the rope, including the Sierra de Lijar and jurisd. About the same term; and in the place called Reyerta where it is exercised jointly by the v. of Grazalema Villaluenga, Benaocaz, Ubrique Zahara before Matriz de Algodonales, and the new one of Gastor whose seven towns also enjoy together their pastures.
Sebastian Miñano
ALGODONALES (19th century): Secular place in Spain, province and archbishopric of Seville, Marchena district. Ordinary mayor, 950 neighbors, 3,470 inhabitants, 1 parish, 1 convent in Estramuros. Located on the slopes of the Sierra called Bíjar (sic), where the perennial and abundant springs are born even in the driest years, with which 300 to 400 bushels of land are irrigated and cultivated, planted with fruit trees of all kinds. It is protected by its situation from the north winds, and enjoys a constantly warm temperature, without having suffered any of the epidemics that have infested Andalusia, despite having had communication with its neighbors with those of the infested towns. It produces oil, fruits and wine, livestock of all kinds, a medium harvest of wheat, barley or seeds, but not enough for the consumption of the inhabitants. Industries: 2 flour mills and 8 oil mills, esparto grass factory and canvases of the country's product. At a distance of 1 league is the farmhouse of La Muela. It is 14 leagues from the Capital. Contribute with Zahara.
Demographics
According to the 2018 municipal register of inhabitants, the municipality had 5,590 inhabitants who were divided into the following population entities:
- Algodonales (villa, municipal capital): 5006 inhabitants;
- Arenal (case): 171 inhabitants;
- Field-Huerta: 60 inhabitants;
- The Juncales (case): 10 inhabitants;
- Madrigueras (caserío): 113 inhabitants;
- The Muela (aldea): 196 inhabitants; and
- La Nava and Lapa (caseri): 34 inhabitants.
| Graphic of demographic evolution of Algodonales between 1900 and 2006 |
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Source: Spanish National Statistical Institute - Graphical development by Wikipedia |
Economy
Evolution of outstanding municipal debt
| Graphic of evolution of Living Debt of the City of Algodonales between 2008 and 2019 |
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Living debt of the City of Algodonales in thousands of Euros according to data from the Ministry of Finance and Ad. Public. |
Heritage
- Santa Ana Church: Baroque style, founded on November 6, 1784, the parish church of Santa Ana presides over the center of the Villa de Algodonales. Built on the site of the primitive parish, its plant is of living room, with three longitudinal naves, cruise and flat testero, was the work of the architect José Álvarez. The main cover and the side are the work of the exceptional architect Antonio de Figueroa and Ruiz. From the architectural complex stands out its splendid tower, of considerable height, composed of a square rod, decorated in its main face by rounded edges and vains framed with rich mixed profile decoration, and on the side faces and back by pilasters with geometric motifs. In its interior we offer a beautiful repertoire of altarpieces, among which we highlight that of the main chapel, of neoclassical invoice. Dignified of mention is his choir, located at the foot of the temple, with rich sillery and facistol.
- Hermitage of the Virgin: Located on the outskirts, it is dedicated to the advocation of the Virgin of the Dolores. From his existence we have news in the mid-19th century in Madoz's work. The aesthetics of its architecture participates in a great eclecticism, with a mixture of neoclassical and neo-gothic motifs with typical elements of the popular architecture. She goes to the village in Rome on the last Sunday of May.
- Cerro de la Botinera Archaeological Site: El Yacimiento is located in a small hill near the eastern side of the Sierra de Líjar, in the place called "Cerro de la Botinera", located about 4 km from Algodonales in the direction of Olvera. This site belongs to a settlement of the Iberian-Roman era (Second II a. C.-II d.C.) dating at least on these dates by archaeological materials, mainly fragments of Iberian and Roman ceramics, as well as the remains of structures scattered on its slopes and summits.
The hand mills used to grind wheat are also indicative of exploitation of the land, with a foot of an oil dam appearing nearby, reflecting the predominance of cereal crops and the complementary nature of the olive tree.
The two main constructions whose remains emerge are Roman-era water cisterns, which would store rainwater. Remains of opus incertum and opus signinum walls remain, which would form part of the vaulted roof. A house from the beginning of the 20th century reused the wall of one of them, a structure that we can see in front of the Era.
- Public fountains and washbasins: They were made in the S.XIX and are distributed in different parts of the urban center; in the center of the village, in the street Fuente is the "Source of the Algarrobo and the Lavaderos". On Avenida "Fuente Alta" is the source of the same denomination. Water is a very abundant resource in the town. The Dictionary of Madoz, a work of the nineteenth century, referred to the 12 sources of fresh and perennial water where the liquid emerges from the underground courses of the mountain range: La Higuera, Algarrobo, Alta, Higuereta, Cabeza, Chorrito, San José, Dornajo, Cristóbal Gómez, Zapata, Muela and Víboras.
Parties
- Carnival (coincide always with the first weekend of the carnival of Cadiz).Start on Friday with the horseback ride where music floats go etc and the contest of coplas of the local chirigotas, the day fort is the Saturday where the whole town dresses.
- Historical recreation of May 2, 1810. For a few days the confrontation that the Algodonaleños had with the invasion of the French people during the War of Independence was recreated. The people’s neighbors and associations themselves are responsible for giving life to the characters and in turn organizing the different places of food and crafts that can be visited during these holidays. This celebration has been held since 2005 representing daily scenes of the time and the battle itself against the French army.
- Romeria. Pilgrimage celebrated last Sunday of May or first weekend of June depending on how the Corpus Christi falls.
- Corpus Christi
- Feria y Fiestas de Santiago y Santa Ana. End of July.
- Las Cabezas Fair.
Gastronomy
- Gañotes
- Boronías
- Allied potatoes
- Olive oil
- Tagarnins
Notable personalities
Among others, the following stand out:
- Valeriano Bernal, classical and flamenco guitar craftsman. Artists like Alejandro Sanz, Paco de Lucía or Paco Cepero use their works.
- Javier (Jota) Linares Moreno, cineasta.
Nature
The town has various nature tourism routes, taking advantage of the Guadalete River.