Iznajar Spain

Iznajar is an Andalucian white village with a population of nearly 6,000.  The town was founded by the Moors in the 8th century.

This medieval hilltop village has the old historic part of town up on the hill and the (new) nuevo part of town down lower.

This patio area full of blue pots is in full bloom in the warmer weather and is frequently photographed.

Across the patio you can see a view of the new part of town below and the hills full of olive trees in the distance.

The Iglesia de Santiago church dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Small plaza beside the church.

The Iznajar library is beautiful.  The old columns and arches were standing from an old grainery, I think?  There was no roof left and they built around the arches and created this lovely library.  I used my Spanish to ask the librarian if I could take a picture.  He was nice and said yes.  As we walked away, Summer laughed and told me that I spoke very broken Spanish.  But then she taught me the proper conjugations.  So now I am prepared for next time.

A view of the old castle ruins.  They do have castle tours, but you need to make arrangements ahead of time.  And we were kinda flying by the seat of our pants.  So, no reservations, no tour.

The reservoir/ lake Iznajar was made in the 1960’s.  Now it virtually surrounds the town.  So,  Iznajar now has a waterfront and increased tourism.

This is the heart of olive country!  As a matter of fact, much of the economy of this area is supported by olives and olive oil.  (Yup, we have been eating lots of both!)

We walked and wandered and found this great overlook that has a view of the castle, church, and hilltop old town of Iznajar.

We love small Andalucian villages and had a great time wandering around.  We loved the beautiful views from the top of the hill.

Then it was time for our steep walk back down.

We walked a slightly different street and found this pretty little plaza.  Brave little Luie saw an old man walking along and ran up to him saying some of the only Spanish he knows, “Buenas dias, como esta?”  The man smiled and replied in rapid Andalucian Spanish, which Luie of course did not understand, so he ran away.

Gotta love that kid:  Bold, friendly, smiley, and no thought to what happens if……;)  He is going to make an amazing entrepreneur someday.

Fun day, lots of up and down hiking, so good exercise.

Also, I just read and found out that the Moorish word for Iznajar means “happy town!”

Awesome!