Hornachuelos is a municipality that forms part of the province of Córdoba, where you’ll be able to enjoy views of the region of Valley Medio del Guadalquivir and the fierce peaks of the Morena mountain range.
It is without a doubt one of the best destinations if you’re looking for some nature and some tranquillity, as it’s a part of a territory that forms part of the Natural Park of the Hornachuelos mountain range, where you’ll find landscapes filled with with enzymes and cork oak you can get lost in.
It is located a little more than 50km from the capital that their 4,400 habitants that live here get to enjoy every day.
Do you already know what the word Hornachuelos means? It comes from the term “furnuyulu” that has an Arabic origin and means city of holes, which goes to show the role mining has had to play in the town all these years.
What is there for you to see? There are a lot of points of interest for you to see in the municipality and that are spread throughout the town from the Arab Era that are very noticeable thanks to the streets which are steep and narrow and adorned with monuments of great significance.
The castle of Hornachuelos is also from the same era and is without a doubt one of the things that draws most attention when visitors come. It’s also a declared cultural interest and is beside the remains of a fortress, creating a fortified enclosure that stands for you to admire.
One of the most beautiful, singular best constructions is the palace, better known as the Versailles of Córdoba. It has a lot of history and was a fortress from the 12th century, although it has since been modified and the precious gardens have been added to. Its beauty is so distinctive the garden has been declared to be of artistic and historical significance.
Also, in the category of monuments of declared cultural interest is the religious architecture, specifically the church of Santa María de las Flores which has a very mudejar style and is beside the castle.
Other buildings that must be highlighted out of the religious architecture is the San Calixto Parish church which is the second most important monument in the area. In terms of non-religious architecture, the town council building must be first on the list.
However, if the area is characterised by anything it would have to be the natural spaces. Do you know of anything there is to see in the Natural parks of Hornachuelos? Located in the valley of Guadalquivir we find ourselves with a spectacular landscape whose map is adorned with numerous species of vegetables which is the natural habitat for animals like the deer and wild boar and birds like the golden eagle. You’ll be able to enjoy all of this on one of the hiking routes.
To enjoy the folklore and culture there’s nothing like experiencing the festival period. The fair of Hornachuelos starts the third week of July and is one of the most important celebrations, although it’s not the only one. The pilgrimage of San Abundio, in the month of April, and the open-air dances are a few other important dates to have in mind when visiting.
If you want to live the party experience, there’s nothing quite like searching for an accommodation on these dates. It will be nice and warm so we would highly recommend you look for a traditional Spanish country home that the Spanish call holiday cottages with a pool that are quite affordable. However, you’ll find even cheaper ones out of peak season when the weather isn’t as warm. If you would rather you also have the option of sleeping in a charming hotel.
Last but not least, the best way of getting there is by car and that way you have the option of exploring some neighbouring towns.
