Many thanks to El Aguila and SideIron for this cache, in such a wonderful place.
It was Don Bartolomé Togores, a nobleman closely linked to King Jaime I, who became Lord of Jacarilla in the latter part of the fifteenth century, that we have to thank for putting this agricultural settlement on the map. But in the early nineteenth century succession fell to the Marqués de Fontalba.
In the 1920s The Marqués de Cubas was Francisco de Cubas y Fontalba, who married Encarnación de Urquijo. The Marqués commissioned a grandioso palacio, a stately home with 28 bedrooms surrounded by over 20,000 m2 of exotic gardens with palm trees, hibiscus and other shrubs, together with the beautiful lilac Jacaranda trees. As with many stately homes, there is a grotto made of sea rocks dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena.
The Fontabla family were noble land owners who owned most of the land in the village for centuries. After his death in the 1930’s his daughter married and moved away. In 1947 the land was divided up and sold to the workers, bringing prosperity to the village. The main source of income has always been agriculture, especially citrus fruits, oranges and lemons.
The gardens contain Neoclassical style statues, with elements of Arabic and Renaissance styles also. Recent storm damage toppled some of the palm trees which, unfortunately, also damaged some of the ceramic ornamentation.
Alongside the house lies the magnificent church constructed in the neo-gothic style and dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Belén/ Our Lady of Bethlehem.
Within the church is a theatre style box for the exclusive use of the Marquesses which flanks the main altar.
There are fountains and small arbors to enjoy with several tiled seats and other objects and many footpaths to stroll around to enjoy the old palace, church and other buildings including some newly refurbished bird and animal houses built in classical styles, which are empty at present.
The magnificent country palace, is now in need of renovation, this, however, does not detract from its grandeur, as you can still admire the beautiful, ornate ceramic tiles around the window, doors and pillars. Indeed the palace is still used as a venue for local Spanish weddings. It is hoped that one day that the palace and gardens and other buildings will be fully restored to their former splendid glory as befits a place of such grandeur.
It is well worth stopping to enjoy and spend a few hours admiring the old gardens, palace, church and other buildings. The gardens are generally open to the public at all times and there is a wooded area with a play area for children, toilets, picnic tables and a cafe to enjoy a coffee or ice cream.
NOTE - I have also Waymarked the large fountain and sundial.
The container is a micro attached to a nylon cord - please do not undo it but unscrew the base to sign the log then replace it. There is a pencil but no room for any swaps or such. Please make sure it is well hidden again.
Remember - leave nothing but footprints - take nothing but memories and photo's.
One other nearby cache you can do.
GC1FKG5 - Campo de Tiro