Amid a near-lunar surreal landscape of yellow and red sandstone, which surrounds the interesting historical town of Guadix, lives a large community of cave dwellers (troglodytes). Whilst cave districts feature in or near other Andalucian towns, having over 2000 of them inhabited, makes this region unique in Europe.
Although the idea sounds prehistoric, the large development of cave houses in this area began in the 16th century, driven by the instability that followed the Christian conquest of the last vestige of Moorish power in Europe. Many people escaped into the mountains, and groups began to build houses in the rock face of the hills. Although marginalized for some time, these cave dwellers were gradually assimilated into mainstream society.
Several years ago, cave-living began to be shunned by the rest of the town dwellers, and they could be bought for just a couple of hundred pounds. Nowadays, however, caves are sought-after, not only by the Spanish, but also by the increasing number of English, French and German people looking to move to a traditional town in inland Spain. They are refurbishing them and making them into spectacular accommodation.
One of the reasons that these charming caves are becoming such desirable dwellings is that they enjoy a constant year-round temperature of around 20°C - ideal for those wanting to save money on heating bills in winter and stay cool in summer. The solid rock walls also provide good noise insulation, so if you want to practice your trombone or hold a really wild noisy party, you can do so with the knowledge that no-one is likely to hear and complain about the noise! Likewise, caves are very peaceful, quiet places to be, so you can always sleep soundly whatever noises your neighbours are making.
Inside the caves are curved walls, normally treated with white lime to maximize insulation and cooling. Outside, on the 'tops' of the caves, are whitewashed chimneys (necessary for ventilation of cooking fumes), which adds to the bizarre appearance of the cave district (barrios trogloditicos).. Also, in front of many caves, smart conventional extensions have been built, sometimes making it impossible to tell if there is actually a cave behind.
Another stimulus to the growing popularity of caves has been provided by the advent of 'cave tourism.' In other words, tourists often come to Guadix for the sole purpose of seeing the amazing caves district and visiting a 'typical' cave. In the last few years, several 'cave hotels' have been developed, allowing people to sample the romance and delight of 'underground' living. Impressed by these quaint dwellings in the laid back town of Guadix, many free-spirited people have returned: either to buy a cave as a holiday home or to become a fully fledged ex-pat troglodyte.
