Belalcázar: Castle, Monasteries and Dehesas

The Torre del Homenaje of the Castillo de los Sotomayor-Zúñiga is 47 metres high. The castle is a protected BIC monument and was classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2009. From 16 March to 27 December 2026, free guided tours are scheduled there on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; advance booking is required. The historic path from the Fuente del Pilar to the castle was laid out in the 15th century and later adapted to provide more convenient access.

Culture

The Antiguo Convento de San Francisco de los Santos Mártires de Marruecos is listed as a Bien de Catalogación General in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage. Its ruins preserve recognisable architectural remains from the 15th and 16th centuries. The Convento de Santa Clara de la Columna was built in the second half of the 15th century and features Mudéjar coffered ceilings. By prior reservation, it offers guided tours lasting 1.5 hours.

The Parroquia de Santiago el Mayor was built from local granite and originally consisted of a broad nave with attached pillars and side chapels. The first parish church of Gahete was built on 31 March 1272 in honour of Saint James. Parque Sebastián de Belalcázar is located beside the parish church on the site of a former medieval cemetery; the statue of Sebastián de Belalcázar there was inaugurated in 1976.

The Fuente del Pilar was built in 1570 during the reign of Philip II. It served passers-by as a source of drinking water and as a meeting and resting point along the route.

History

The Pósito Municipal originally served as the grain storehouse of the Belalcázar council in the 15th century. Inside, granite columns support its brick vaults, and today the Pósito Municipal is used for cultural events.

The Puente romano de Belalcázar is located near the town on the road to Castuera. Distinctive Roman side piers characterise the bridge, which carries a Roman road. It has been rebuilt several times and today has a medieval appearance.

The Casa de los García de la Barga y Gómez de la Serna, known as Casa Grande, was built in the last decade of the 18th century and is now in ruins. Its main façade was restored in 2005 and fitted again with the families' coats of arms.

On the hill of the Ermita de Ntra. Sra. de Gracia de Alcantarilla are remains indicating Iberian, Roman and Arab settlement, including a section of an Arab wall. The nearby Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Alcantarilla has a rectangular floor plan and three Romanesque naves dating from the 11th to the 12th century.

Trails and Landscape

The Ruta del Condado de Belalcázar includes the Castillo de Los Sotomayor y Zuñiga in its Belalcázar programme. Along the Ruta de los Escudos, the history of Belalcázar's inhabitants over the past centuries can be viewed through heraldic elements; at the same time, the artistic value of these elements is a central focus.

The Ruta Monte Malagón offers a hike with panoramic views of the surrounding area, as well as opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna. The Ruta de las Fuentes y los Pozos de Belalcázar is equipped with more than 40 trail markers, as well as signs and explanatory panels at important points along the route.

The area around Belalcázar is home to extensive dehesas associated with agro-pastoral livestock farming.

Pilgrimages and Festivals

The Romería de San Antón takes place at the end of January and includes outdoor activities, traditional food and the traditional blessing of the animals. The Romería de la Virgen de la Consolación takes place on 8 September and includes a procession from Belalcázar to the chapel, as well as religious and festive activities.

The nearby Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Alcantarilla is the destination of the annual pilgrimage of the town's patron saint, held on the last weekend of April.

More destinations

Find more places for planning your trip at Doña Rama, Almodóvar Del Río, Fuente Palmera, Villaharta, Moriles, Montoro, Hornachuelos and La Fuente Grande.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cordoba.