Historical village located in Alpujarra Alta – under the peak Mulhacén and above the sharp valley of river Trevélez. Geographically Busquístar is the heart of Alpujarra Alta being in the center of region.
Population: 319 hab (2023)
Altitude: 1.159 m.a.s.
Area: 18 KM 2 (MAP)
Busquístar belongs to the architectural treasure of La Alpujarra preserving majority of regional constructive elements like …
- Tinaos (SeeHere)
- Terrao – Flat roof made of pieces of slate and beams, covered by launa
- Launa – upper part of roof composed by magnesian clay who turn to be impermeable while in contact with water
- Water Scheme for drinking water and irrigation
- Narrow streets maintaining stable temperature
- Construction system while houses are connected by tinaos to support stability and create required shade
Built on the southern slopes of peak Mulhacén, the village has enough light and sun during the whole year required due to higher altitude. At the same time the climate is excellent the whole year.
History of Busquístar was related with pastures and cultivation on terraced fields around the village. Until now ruins of water mill next to the river where the seasonal production of grain was treated are visible. During the Muslim domination the village was part of Taha de Ferreyra.
During the 19th century re-started the interest in exploitation of iron around the hill “Cerro El Conjuro” place being exploited already in Moorish times. In 1895 banker Adofo Bayo placed research of possible mining in the area. In 1899 mine was sold to Schneider et Cie Company. The splendor time of mining was between 1954 – 1973 but during the whole times the biggest difficulty was transport of iron to the port of Motril.
Entertainment
In the village, as used around Spain is couple of lovely events called fiestas dedicated to different thing which have high importance in the common life.
- Fiesta de San Phillip and Jacob (Mayo)
- Cultural Week (June)
- Jazz & Blues Festival (August)
- Fiesta del Caballo (September)
Restaurants
Actually there is one Bar-Restaurant called Bar Café Paco, lovely place with local and even national wines. Local dishes, large tapas as we have always loved. Located in upper part of village, mostly closed on TUE.
Accomodation
Only one lovely establishment with views over the range of the mountains in village is called Casa Sonia . At least 200 years old house was recently refurbished to give a pleasure to all lovers of nature, mountains and architecture.
Other possibilities are hotels a step from Busquístar
TRAVELLING SPAIN 