Cártama, municipality of Spain
Cártama is a town in Málaga Province made up of two main parts: the old town Cártama Pueblo with historic buildings and narrow streets, and the newer Estación de Cártama with bars and restaurants. It sits about 19 kilometers from the city of Málaga and has a population of around 26,000 people spread across nearly 105 square kilometers.
Cártama was shaped by Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and Visigoths, with the name stemming from the Phoenician 'Cartha' meaning a hidden place. The Church of San Pedro was built in 1502 to replace an old mosque, and the castle dating to the 10th century reflects the town's strategic position on a hilltop.
The people of Cártama, called Cartameño or Cartameña, keep their traditions alive through local festivals and gatherings in small plazas. The town is known for its traditional foods like Salchichón de Cártama, a cured sausage made for centuries, and the sweet Torta Cartameña cake that has been produced since 1948.
There is a large parking area at the entrance of the town, making it easy for visitors to arrive and leave. You can reach the hilltop hermitage by either a traditional difficult path or a newer, easier road.
The film 'Yo quiero ser torero' featuring the duo Sacapuntas was shot in Cártama, capturing glimpses of life in the town. The Roman Cruz del Humilladero from the 2nd century is a fascinating relic that connects the ancient past of the region to its present.
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