Bedrock

I recently stumbled upon a website with some information on Galera in Andalucia – but the translation into English left something to be desired… so here is my attempt at a better job!

CASAS CUEVAS GALERA is a large area, perhaps l00 kilometres long, where the Granada province forms a passageway between the mountains that mark the boundary with other provinces including Jaen, Almeria, Murcia and Albacete… and is one of the world’s most captivating and exceptional natural regions.

GALERA is small and ancient; rich in natural, historic, cultural and impressive human heritage. Much of the area comprises hard and dried-out land broken up by the grooves made by the rivers, of dug-out caves full of life. The origins of Galera disappear in the dawn of humanity, with remnants of old civilizations that make this region an authentic open-air museum. Despite being a small town, Galera has plenty to attract naturally, culturally, historically.

Geographically located in the middle of the Natural Parks of Cazorla, Castril, Maria Los Velez, and Baza – Galera has all kinds of open-air activities as well as excursions to the neighbouring villages. Nearby archaeological sites reveal the first human presence in Europe and represent practically all cultures (historic as well as prehistoric) of mediterranean origin.

Thanks to the initiative of a group of local entrepreneurs, Galera completes its tourist offering with an interesting type of accommodation – cave houses which are unique and outstanding in every way. Carved out of the rocks, they are a magnificent example of man’s integration with the landscape and nature. In the Altiplano (high plateau) they have always been a common dwelling and now, after being reformed, are something that everyone including visitors can enjoy.

The population of Galera is eminently rural, the majority of people working in cattle farming and agriculture. For example,  there are vineyards which produce "Vino del Pais de Galera" which is a general-consumption wine.

You can have a getting more detail if you’re interested but be warned it’s not easy reading…

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