Adarve: Muslim and jewish quarters

Finally, before returning to the homage tower, we can see two of the oldest neighborhoods in Arenas.
Ancient Muslim Quarter:
The Mozarabic communities gained some importance in our town of Arenas. The Arab or Muslim quarter was located in what are now the neighborhoods of La Nava and El Canchal.
Many of these people were engaged in various occupations such as construction, pottery, craftsmanship, muleteers, or tanners, which is why they settled near the river to make use of its waters.
There are not many traces left in the city of Arenas of the presence of these Arabs and Moors, apart from the influence of Mudéjar-style windows on the second floor of the Homage Tower of the castle, some structures of old houses, or the names of certain streets that reference this Muslim neighborhood (such as Calle de la Media Luna, Calle de Solomando, or Calle y Travesía de los Hornos, which remind us of the old Moorish kilns).
The La Nava neighborhood is characterized by being one of the oldest neighborhoods in Arenas. 'Nava' means flat land without trees - a depression. Its name perfectly describes its location in the town, on the outskirts and along the river.
This picturesque neighborhood stands out for its fountain, among other things. La Nava has been a source of inspiration for many artists and folk songs.
The Canchal neighborhood, as its name suggests, is a slope covered with large rocks or stones. It preserves its exceptional traditional architecture of stone and lime houses, wooden balconies, and beams.
It is one of the most portrayed and photographed neighborhoods in the city of Arenas and is possibly where part of the old Moorish suburb was located.
Ancient Jewish Quarter:
In the town of Arenas, there was a Jewish community with the status of aljama, which means it had all the necessary facilities to lead a fully Jewish life: synagogue, rabbi, cemetery, butcher shop, Talmudic school, etc.
The granting of the charter of villazgo in 1393 led to the relocation of new settlers, including the Jewish community. It was not until 1474 that it reached the status of aljama.
This community was involved in trade, collection of taxes, usurious money lending, and activities related to the Mesta (a powerful association of sheep farmers). They also engaged in humble professions such as shopkeepers, blacksmiths, or fishermen.
The Jewish community was responsible for collecting the montazgo (a type of tax) in Ramacastañas, and it is even known that Abraham Senior, the chief rabbi of the aljamas of Castile, came to that town to collect the aforementioned tax.
The Jewish quarter was located in the northernmost part of the town, in a well-placed neighborhood. One of the streets bears the significant name of "Calle de la Sinagoga," which indicates the location of the Hebrew temple.

Adarve: Muslim and Jewish quarters