El Tarajal between Cultural Heritage and Gorge

El Tarajal between Olive Groves and Gorge

El Tarajal showcases a connection between the rural surroundings, geology and regional history. Hacienda El Tarajal lies amid olive groves in the heart of the Las Subbéticas UNESCO Global Geopark. At El Tarajal, the Arroyo Salado passes through a narrow gorge for a short stretch; all the Jurassic and Cretaceous cycles can be observed there.

Torre de Barcas and Settlement History

In the northern part of the municipality of Priego de Córdoba, at the confluence of the Salado and Zagrilla rivers and beside the road to Luque, stands the Torre de Barcas fortification. It consists of a small enclosed area surrounded by walls built of mortared rubble masonry and a square, likewise masonry-built tower with two storeys. Torre de Barcas is listed as a declared Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC). This fortification is located between El Tarajal and the adjacent dispersed settlement.

River Landscape, Name and Local Feature

Las Cabezuelas del Tarajal lies at the confluence of the Salado and Zagrilla rivers. The place also bears a botanical trace in its name: El Tarajal refers to the abundance of tamarisks, a shrub characteristic of the surrounding soils. A traditional washhouse stands out as a local feature in El Tarajal.

Circular Hike along the Río Salado

The “El Tarajal, Río Salado y Torres” circular hiking route runs near El Tarajal. It is 8.66 km long, has 260 m of positive and negative elevation gain respectively, and is classified as easy. The first section passes through the gorge formed by the Río Salado near the hamlet of El Tarajal. The route length, the two elevation figures and the difficulty rating provide a firm framework for planning the stages. At the same time, the route name connects the locality with the river and the towers that shape the historical and cultural character of the surrounding area.

Historic Centre and August Festivities

El Tarajal developed into an urban settlement centre in the 19th century. One of the larger settlements in the municipality of Priego de Córdoba is Las Cabezuelas del Tarajal, which is also known as Cerro del Camino del Tarajal. The fortification there may date from the Late Bronze Age, perhaps the 6th century BC. The El Tarajal festivities are celebrated in August. Thus, over the course of the year, a clearly defined festive period and the fortification’s history reaching far back in time stand alongside the more recent development of the settlement centre.

Accommodation in the Local Context

Hacienda El Tarajal is a rural accommodation located at Carretera de Priego CO-7207, kilometre 1, El Tarajal 4, Priego de Córdoba, 14814.

Further Destinations

Santa María De Trassierra, La Fuente Grande, Silillos, Posadas, El Viso, Santaella, La Celada, Dos Torres

To the higher-level travel overview: Cordoba.