Huéscar: A Village Full of Surprises
Nestled in a lush valley at the foot of the Sierra de la Sagra, the beautiful village of Huéscar sits at an altitude of 953 meters. It's a place where history and charm come alive.
While you're here, be sure to visit the Church of Santa María, a protected national monument that holds a priceless artifact: the "Torrecilla Alta" monstrance. You can also explore the 16th-century Colegiata de la Encarnación and admire the many old houses that showcase the village's rich architectural heritage. Just outside the old town, you’ll find the famous Fuencaliente Thermal Baths, a natural spring that forms a constant 18ºC swimming pool—perfect for a refreshing dip!
But what makes Huéscar truly unique is its quirky past. Back in the 13th century, it was a a village in demand, constantly changing hands between Castilian and Moorish rule until its final reconquest in 1488. Yet, its most surprising historical event took place much more recently. On November 11, 1981, the village made headlines by signing a "Peace Agreement with Denmark."
It turns out that on November 11, 1809, Huéscar declared war on Denmark. Since a war doesn't officially end until a peace treaty is signed, a local historian named D. Vicente González Barberán discovered that Huéscar and Denmark were technically still at war 172 years later! To end this historical oddity, the local authorities reached out to their Danish counterparts, and a peace agreement was finally signed. This event united the two places and led to Huéscar becoming a twin town with the city of Kolding, Denmark.
The Allure of Cave Homes
Cave houses might sound like ancient dwellings, but in many parts of Spain, they’ve been beautifully transformed into modern, comfortable, and unique living spaces. Thousands of people now call these incredible homes, carved directly into the rock, their own.
A Rich History This tradition of cave living has deep roots, with some homes tracing back over 500 years to Arab Spain. Families have passed down their building expertise through generations, becoming masters of cave construction. While they were once simple shelters for Moorish communities and local farmers, today's cave houses are anything but old-fashioned!
Modern Living in a Timeless Setting in places like Huéscar, modern cave homes have been lovingly restored and updated. Many are now available as one-of-a-kind holiday rentals, giving you a chance to experience this unique tradition firsthand. The natural construction keeps them at a stable temperature all year long—warm and cozy in the winter, and wonderfully cool in the summer.
What to Expect Wander through a Barrio de las Cuevas (Cave Neighborhood) and you'll see doors carved into the hillsides. These are not dark, damp spaces; instead, they're surprisingly spacious, light-filled, and equipped with all the modern comforts you'd expect. From rustic charm to modern luxury, each cave house is a unique work of art.
Staying in a cave house is more than just a place to sleep—it’s an enriching journey into a community's ingenuity and its connection to the land. It’s a truly authentic way to immerse yourself in local culture and create unforgettable memories.
