• Within the heart of Andalucia in the south of Cordoba province, bordering both Malaga and Granada, Iznajar is perched on a spectacular location on the River Genil overlooking 'The Lake of Andalucia'. This whitewashed farming village has much charm and beauty and was founded by the Moors who built an impressive castle, now the ruined Alcazaba dating from the 8th century. The church of Santiago was added to its interior in the 16th Century and from the plaza next to the church there are stunning views over the lake and the medieval streets of the village below.

Sights to See

Club Nautico
• The lake is ideal for fishing and water sports including sailing and windsurfing, or for just taking a dip at the Valdearenas beach. Sailing dinghies, canoes and pedalloes can be hired, along with sailing courses for the more adventurous.

El Castillo
• The castle is a Muslim fortress dating from the mid-eighth century. Standing tall over the town, it has four towers at the corners, the most impressive of which is the Torre del Homenaje, or Castle Keep.

Torre de San Rafael
• A surviving tower from the old walls, with a statue of St Raphael at the top.

Iglesia Parroqauial de Santiago (1550-1640)
• Dating from the sixteenth centure, the parish church of Santiago is Renaissance in its origin. It stands next to the castle, in the area known as La Villa. It has a sail vault and an apse with a caisson ceiling. The high altarpiece dates from the eighteenth century. The church is home to some impressive pieces in precious metals, and is also where the Passion of Christ is acted out during Holy Week.

Casa de las Columnas
• In the eighteenth century, the House of Columns was used as an administrative building by the counts of Albi. The front features the Salazar coats of arms and a central wrought iron grille.

Ermita de la Virgen de la Piedad
• A hermitage dating from the seventeenth century. At the end of the vaulted nave there is a superb Baroque camarin or shrine that is home to the town's patron saint, La Virgen de la Piedad, the oldest and most interesting image in Iznajar, created in earthenware around 1460.

Biblioteca
• A former granary from the time of Charles III, it was refurbished in 1989 as a municipal public library.

Museo de Aperos
• This Museum of Farm Tools, such as pitchforks, rakes, sieves and panniers also exhibits the furnishings of a traditional house, and other tools needed for tilling the land using traditional Andalusian methods. The museum was created as a result of donations from local people.

Festivals and Traditions

• Festival of La Virgen de la Piedad - 8th - 11th September
A large number of people accompany the image of the Virgen on the route through the streets, carrying large candles as a reminder of when religious promises were kept by burning kilos of wax, with some people going so far as to offer their weight in it.

El Chascarra
• A dance recovered by the Asociacion Cultural Amigos del Chascarraa - forms part of the area's traditional folklore.

San Marcos - 25th April
• The Feria Chica or Small Fair - 15th - 17th June

San Isidro - 15th May
Semana Santa or Holy week
• An impressive dramatisation of the Passion of Jesus, staged by the cultural association and performed by the locals in the municipal hall.

Gastronomy

• Many local dishes are basd on local pork products, prepared using traditional methods during November and December and include sausages, chorizo, salchichon and black pudding. Carnival time features 'relleno' a kind of sausage made with egg, breadcrumbs, pieces of ham and turkey breast. Other dishes include orange and cod 'salmorejo' and 'porra'. Desserts include 'huevos volaos' made with eggs, milk, macaroons and cinnamon. Holy Week sees treats such as 'pestinos' and 'huesos de santo' or Saints' fingers.

Surrounding Areas of Interest

• Hotel Finca La Bobadilla
This is one of the most exclusive hotels in Spain and is surrounded by acres of woodland and olive groves. All the facilities of a 5 star hotel are available, from beauty treatments to tennis, golf and horseriding. Guests have included King Juan Carlos and tom Cruise!

Rute (15 minutes from Iznajar)

• North of Iznajar, Rute is famous for its production of Anis - a local eau-de-view made with springwater from the Sierra. Visit the Anis Museum for a tasting of the anis seco at 55 per cent or a less potent sweeter version, anis dulce at 35 percent. Also to be found in Rute is a small museum devoted to the production of jamon, Andalucia's finest pork product as well as a cake and chocolate factory where you can view these delights being made and more importantly try some for yourself! Spain's first donkey sanctuary is also in Rute and has been visited by Queen Sofia. Its dedicated owner has devoted his life to ending cruelty and protecting the now rare breed of pure Spanish burro, the raza cordobes which has existed in Spain since pre-Roman times.

Sierra Nevada (1 hour from Iznajar)

• The Sierra Nevada provides a stunning backdrop to the city of Granada and are snow covered from November through to late May offering skiing in Europe's most southerly ski resort. During the summer, wildlife and flora can be found on the many hiking routes as well as a rich assortment of butterflies including the rare Nevada Blue. Birdwatching is also superb, with the colourful hoopoe a common sight.

• Malaga, Granada, Antequera, Cordoba and Seville are also within easy reach from Iznajar and all offer outstanding architecture, culture and history as well as some of the country's most renowned fiestas and traditions.

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Author - Susan Pring, New Ventures Property, Iznajar - www.newventuresproperty.com Tel: +0034 957 53 44 01