After the unique rocks of Setenil de las Bodegas, we headed towards the town of Ubrique, which is known as the world-famous center of the Spanish leather industry in the area. Along the way, we stopped several times to take photos of the wonderful landscape spread between the Grazalema mountain ranges, where the view of white villages and green valleys held a new surprise at every turn. Arriving in Ubrique, we immediately immersed ourselves in the offer of local artisan shops, as this is the perfect place to buy high-quality leather products for ourselves and our friends, we also got unique gifts here.
The history of Ubrique is deeply rooted in the past, as the Romans were already present in the area, as evidenced by the ruins of the ancient city of Ocuri nearby. However, the town’s current image and name were determined by the Muslim era, when the Moorish population took advantage of the protection provided by the surrounding mountains and the abundant water resources. The Christian armies recaptured the city at the end of the 15th century, which then developed into a ducal estate and became one of the most important industrial centers in the region.
The city is world-famous for its leather craftsmanship, a tradition that dates back more than five hundred years in this region. Local craftsmen have passed down the secrets of tanning and processing from generation to generation, making Ubrique the number one partner for luxury brands. Few people know that the world’s most famous fashion houses still have their bags and accessories made here, as the local expertise and the precision of the handmade products are unmatched on the international market.
Nothing shows the importance of the leather industry better than the city’s Leather Museum, housed in an old Capuchin monastery. Here, visitors can learn about the process of technological development, from ancient tools to modern design processes. The industry is not only a part of the past for the town, as even today the majority of the population lives directly or indirectly from leather processing, which ensures the economic stability and continuous development of the town.
However, Ubrique is not only famous for its factories and shops, but also for its picturesque location, as it is located at the junction of three mountain ranges. The white houses at the foot of steep cliffs and the narrow Andalusian streets create a special contrast with the lively industrial activity. During a visit to the town, tourists can simultaneously enjoy the proximity of nature, historical monuments and the special artisan culture that has forever inscribed the name of Ubrique on the world map of quality leather goods.
