Andalucía is a place that never fails to surprise its visitors, and where history and nature are, without question, one of the main tourist attractions of this region.
Within the Autonomous Community of Andalucía, in the province of Huelva more specifically, you will encounter the town of Aracena, one of the most popular destinations in Huelva thanks to its great location, heritage, and tourist offer.
If you finally decide to come and discover this place, you should know that there are historical records from the prehistoric times, concretely from the Iron Age, that mention this place and some of its most important historical sites that nowadays can be visited, such as Cueva de la Mora, located in Umbría, a small village near this town.
Apart from this, you will also find in its historical center a great variety of sites of historical heritage that lead to Aracena being recognised in 1991 as a Bien de Interés Cultural, which means it's a town whose heritage is considered of high cultural and historical value in Spain.
The reason for its high cultural and historical importance comes from the main places of interest that can be found in this area, amongst which are the church of Nuestra Señora del Mayor Dolor, from the Gothic period, and which was built where the Arab castle of Aracena was, many centuries ago.
Another important religious building that you will find in Aracena is the church of Santa María de la Asunción, a Renaissance temple dating from 1522 and located at the lower part of Aracena, which back in the day made possible for those who lived in this part of the town, to go to church without needing to walk up to the one in the highest part of town.
Cabildo Viejo, the town hall, the bullring and Plaza de Abastos are, without question, also relevant examples of the non-religious heritage of this area.
Amongst its natural heritage, we recommend you visit Gruta de las Maravillas, one of the main sources of Aracena's economic activity. It was discovered in the 19th century, but it wasn't granted public access until 1914, thus becoming the first cave open to tourists in Spain.
It consists in a cave complex with three different levels where each gallery is completely covered by rock formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, offering some spectacular views of the subterranean part of Aracena.
For the most adventurous ones, hiking around this area is an incredible experience. There are several hill walking and hiking tracks that will give you a different, and much more complete view of the surroundings of Aracena.
We are talking about the Natural Park of Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche, and its abundant flora and fauna, amongst which you will encounter autochthonous species such as the “castaño” bird and a black variety of stork.
And, after such expeditions in Aracena's Natural Park, what better reward than also taking part in its gastronomic tradition, and gather your strength than trying some of the traditional recipes of this region
Amongst them, you will see those coming from the Iberian pig are the most popular ones. As for the more elaborate recipes, “migas” and “pisto” are a true delicacy. And, for dessert, nothing like trying some traditional sweets like “pestiños”, “piñonates”, and “natillas”. We can assure you will enjoy every delicious bite of it.
