The revival of a forgotten village
The Local Area
El Campico de Honor is situated in an almost flat agricultural area, surrounded by the beautiful Sierra Cabrera mountains and the Parque Natural Cabo de Gata. Only 2 kilometres away from the motorway, and only half an hour away from Almería airport. (See the map to the right, click on the image to open up a larger version in a new window).
To the east, within 20 minutes drive, are the Carboneras beaches, marina and fishing harbour. Sorbas, the administrative centre of the area is 30 minutes to the west. Sorbas town is a flourishing and lively town built on the side of a deep canyon with delightful views.
To the north east within 30 minutes is the ancient Moorish hilltop town of Mojácar, with its beaches, night life and restaurants. The beautifu village of Bédar, also within 30 minutes, is nestled within the mountains enjoying spectacular views across the playa.
Golf courses such as Cortijo Grande, Mojácar Playa, Vera and Cuevas de Almanzora are all within a 30 kilometre radius.
A history of contrasts
The village of Campico acquired 'de Honor' in earlier centuries. In the 16th century Isabel and Fernando the catholic queen and king, whilst travelling to Granada and visiting their re-conquered lands, stopped in Campico to rest and to refresh their provisions. These royal stops were reason to add 'de honor' 'in honour' to the village name. A track between Campico and the neighbouring village of Gafarillos, which is called 'camino real' (royal footpath), still exists.
Since then, Campico passed the centuries as a normal village, based on agriculture, having its ups and downs depending on the vagaries of nature. In the 1960´s, only some 40 years ago, Campico and the neighbouring villages enjoyed a pretty vivid life with about 1600 inhabitants, with school buildings and shops a few kilometres away. But at that time the climatic changes, leading to low rainfall, started to affect this rural area in a drastic way. More and more people saw themselves forced to leave the region and they emigrated to the north of Spain, mostly Barcelona and Valencia, or to Germany, South America and Cuba. The houses and land were seen as worthless were abandoned. As the decades past many of the empty houses fell apart and ended up as ruins. Abandoned belongings have been found covered in thick dust just where they were left by the departing residents - scattered over the floors.
Entering such a house or ruin, we have found many interesting items witnesses of the past- illuminating moments of the history of their owners. A Title Deed from 1882 (click on the image on the right) is one such example. Or coins from Cuba and a Cuban immigration document of somebody who came back only to leave for ever.
Campico would have ended up as a ghost village if it were not for a few families visiting at weekends or for summer vacations, to stay in their old houses, which they have since restored as their holiday homes.
Interest from most of the former inhabitants, in having property far away from their everyday lives in a village with memories of poverty and pain, simply faded away. The plots, most with a house, a ruin or only agricultural land ended up for sale.
We 'discovered' Campico in this condition and were lucky to buy around 5.500 m2, which we are now developing and reviving into a 'new' Campico, respecting as far as possible its historical background and structure.
The bottom image on the right shows the proposed village outline after our purchase. This plan was presented, and accepted along with our ideas in Sorbas town hall. The urban area has now increased considerably to include both sides of the road. Now on both sides and in equal widths, the increased areas have been changed from agricultural ground to land for urban use. Sorbas town hall has shown with this decision its interest in the revival of Campico and has given the green light to go ahead with our plans.
The image across the top of this page shows an artistic impression of how the main facade will look when completed. Further details of the development, and the plans can be viewed on the next page - the future plans. |
