For a long period of its history and especially during the Arab domination, Cabrera held a reasonably sized population. A census conducted in 1495 shows Cabrera and its neighbour, Teresa, each with a population of approximately 700 persons of Arab extraction. It is interest to note that the Arab population of Bedar at the time of the census was less than 250. It is probable that Cabrera had it’s largest population during this period as due to persecution the numbers decreased considerably throughout the next century and by the year 1587 everyone of Arab descent had either been forced to leave or had left through fear of persecution. After the expulsion of the moors, re-settlement was very slow and the number of inhabitants never reached the former levels. Initially, new Christian settlers were deterred by the fear of sea-borne attacks carried out by raiders from North Africa seeking revenge for what they considered the unjust treatment of members of their race by the Spanish authorities. The fear was not unfounded, as records indicate that a number of attacks were carried out on the area by invaders who made their way over our local mountains from the coast.
The last recorded evidence of substantial building around Los Pastores appears to be a local account from 1846 that refers to ruins of between 450 and 500 houses in the vicinity of the church. There is no doubt that the church continued to serve as a place of worship for many years and well into the last century. In fact time to time elderly people still return to Cabrera and recall the times they spent in the church.
However, the most important building in historical terms is the tower or, to use the correct term derived from the Arabic, “el alminar”, which adjoins Los Pastores. It is believed to be one of only two surviving examples in Spain; the other one being located in a village in the province of Malaga. The tower, which has been dated to the eleventh century, is an extremely secure construction. The only room is situated at the height of over 4 meters from ground level and the section of the tower below this point is constructed of solid masonry. If you stand on the North side, in the space between the tower and Los Pastores, you will see the single entrance doorway to the room. At one time, as similar doorway was situated opposite to it, on the upper level of Los Pastores. The partial remains of this opening can still b seen from the patio area of the restaurant.
Although the true purpose of the tower is uncertain, there is little doubt that it could effectively be used as a last place of refuge for people who had been besieged n the church. Once they realised that they could no longer stop their attackers gaining entry, the survivors would have been able to make their way into the tower. In recent times, until the premises fell into total disuse, a plank or similar implement was used as a means of access from one building to the next. However, on closer examination, it is possible to see recesses constructed in the upper stonework of the entrance to the tower. These indicate that a more secure gate, incorporating a simple type of drawbridge, was in operation during the more violent periods of the refuge’s history.
Conversion of the church into Los Pastores started in 1988 and it was not undertaken without the tacit approval of the town hall in Turre. However, like many similar occurrences, the full circumstances are shrouded in mystery. Suffice to say that when the appropriate persons responsible for the preservation of such buildings got to know, work was well advanced and in the end very little could be done to save those parts affected by the restaurant’s conversion. However, in fairness to those responsible for the changes, it does appear that every effort was made to retain as many of the original features as possible.
Because of its ancient pedigree, the tower was a different matter. A certain number of the new alterations had incorporated part of the tower and this was the point were the authorities drew the line. The result was that the premises were refused a licence to operate until the offending additions were demolished. The work to restore the tower to its original sate was duly carried out and subsequently Los Pastores received its first licence.
If you are wondering about the ruined building between Los Pastores and the adjoining hillside, La Pilica, this was constructed in the 19th century by a former Cabrera landowner, Simon Fuentes Caparros. It was obviously a splendid building in its day, which unlike its much older neighbours, has failed to pass the test of time.
Geoff Meeks
Click here to return to "Los Pastores"...
The last recorded evidence of substantial building around Los Pastores appears to be a local account from 1846 that refers to ruins of between 450 and 500 houses in the vicinity of the church. There is no doubt that the church continued to serve as a place of worship for many years and well into the last century. In fact time to time elderly people still return to Cabrera and recall the times they spent in the church.
However, the most important building in historical terms is the tower or, to use the correct term derived from the Arabic, “el alminar”, which adjoins Los Pastores. It is believed to be one of only two surviving examples in Spain; the other one being located in a village in the province of Malaga. The tower, which has been dated to the eleventh century, is an extremely secure construction. The only room is situated at the height of over 4 meters from ground level and the section of the tower below this point is constructed of solid masonry. If you stand on the North side, in the space between the tower and Los Pastores, you will see the single entrance doorway to the room. At one time, as similar doorway was situated opposite to it, on the upper level of Los Pastores. The partial remains of this opening can still b seen from the patio area of the restaurant.
Although the true purpose of the tower is uncertain, there is little doubt that it could effectively be used as a last place of refuge for people who had been besieged n the church. Once they realised that they could no longer stop their attackers gaining entry, the survivors would have been able to make their way into the tower. In recent times, until the premises fell into total disuse, a plank or similar implement was used as a means of access from one building to the next. However, on closer examination, it is possible to see recesses constructed in the upper stonework of the entrance to the tower. These indicate that a more secure gate, incorporating a simple type of drawbridge, was in operation during the more violent periods of the refuge’s history.
Conversion of the church into Los Pastores started in 1988 and it was not undertaken without the tacit approval of the town hall in Turre. However, like many similar occurrences, the full circumstances are shrouded in mystery. Suffice to say that when the appropriate persons responsible for the preservation of such buildings got to know, work was well advanced and in the end very little could be done to save those parts affected by the restaurant’s conversion. However, in fairness to those responsible for the changes, it does appear that every effort was made to retain as many of the original features as possible.
Because of its ancient pedigree, the tower was a different matter. A certain number of the new alterations had incorporated part of the tower and this was the point were the authorities drew the line. The result was that the premises were refused a licence to operate until the offending additions were demolished. The work to restore the tower to its original sate was duly carried out and subsequently Los Pastores received its first licence.
If you are wondering about the ruined building between Los Pastores and the adjoining hillside, La Pilica, this was constructed in the 19th century by a former Cabrera landowner, Simon Fuentes Caparros. It was obviously a splendid building in its day, which unlike its much older neighbours, has failed to pass the test of time.
Geoff Meeks
Click here to return to "Los Pastores"...
It is obvious that the bar-restaurant, named, “Los Pastores” occupies a much older building. Much older, in fact, than many people wouls suspect. Although a number of changes have been made over the centuries, it is believed that the majority of the outer structure of the building was built around 500 years ago as a church (iglesia). The Christian settlers that re-occupied Cabrera after the Moors were expelled at the end of the fifteenth century constructed it. Although more archaeological research would be need to confirm the facts, it is suspected that the church occupies the site of a much earlier mezquita (mosque) erected during the Moorish occupation and located near to where the main fortified entrance to Cabrera used to exist. It is possible that part of the original building acted as quarters for the guard detail responsible for security at that entrance.
Very little is known of the early history of the church but like many religious constructions of that era, it was well fortified. You only have to note the thickness of the walls and absence of window openings to become aware of this. Only three of the original walls are still standing as the principal wall was demolished at the beginning of the 1900’s; this was to allow the construction of accommodation for local inhabitants who at that time were working on the lands belonging to the Cabrera estate.
Very little is known of the early history of the church but like many religious constructions of that era, it was well fortified. You only have to note the thickness of the walls and absence of window openings to become aware of this. Only three of the original walls are still standing as the principal wall was demolished at the beginning of the 1900’s; this was to allow the construction of accommodation for local inhabitants who at that time were working on the lands belonging to the Cabrera estate.
| • | Los Pastores |
| • | Riad Cabrera |
| • | Bar El Arco |
| • | Finca Listonero |
| • | La Almanzara |
| • | Los Limoneros |
| • | Nightlife |
Casa Esquina is situated in the beautiful mountains of Cortijo Cabrera. An immaculately presented family property...
Was 450,000 € now reduced to 299,999 €
Was 450,000 € now reduced to 299,999 €
3 Beds
Private Pool
299,999 €
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Tel.: +34 647 901 478 - Email: enquiries@santiburi-properties.com
