The town of Setenil de las Bodegas is in Southern Spain. The houses are built right into and under the rocks that make up the walls of a gorge above the Rio Trejo.
Living under a rock is an English idiom meaning “being oblivious or ignorant to what happens in the outside world”. It is used to describe a person who doesn’t know something most people would know, usually in relation to some recent events, like someone getting married, or the death of a famous person.
The residents of the Spanish town of Setenil de las Bodegas actually have been living under a rock! This little town, with a population of around 3,000 people, is literally built underneath a giant rock. Located close to the river Rio Trejo, it’s thought that people have lived in this area for several thousand years. It’s possible that early settlers chose to build the town under, into and around the rock because of the shade and the cooler temperatures inside the buildings.
While we were there it was siesta time, and so all the restaurants and shops were packing up and closing, so we didn’t get to see inside any buildings to check out the rock walls or ceilings.
Also, a word of warning if you are not so good on your feet; it’s very hilly in parts and the pavements are not brilliant for all shoes – Rob took a couple of hard falls in this town due to his (new) trainers being smooth soled and the paths being also smooth.
Nevertheless, Setenil de las Bodegas was such an interesting town to visit! I would definitely put it on your list if you are near Malaga or Ronda.
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