Hornachuelos: Nature, Hiking Trails and History

Nature

The Sierra de Hornachuelos Nature Park consists of several mountain ranges alternating with gorges and elevated plateaus. In the province of Córdoba, the Sierra de Hornachuelos has the highest level of vegetation preservation; the holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia) is particularly characteristic.

The Huerta del Rey Visitor Centre is located about 1.3 kilometres from Hornachuelos, in the direction of San Calixto. Using audiovisual media, the centre provides information about the fauna, flora and relief of the nature park. Its permanent exhibitions focus on big-game hunting, beekeeping and cork harvesting. In this way, they address not only the natural habitats but also the uses and activities associated with the landscape.

Hiking

The Sendero del Cambuco is a 2.3-kilometre linear route of low difficulty that runs along the riverbed of the Guadalvacarejo; the route takes approximately 30 minutes. The Sendero El Águila is a 12-kilometre linear route of medium difficulty through Mediterranean forests, irrigated farmland and streams, and takes approximately five hours. Among other species, golden eagles, Bonelli’s eagles, peregrine falcons and kestrels can be observed along this route.

The Bembézar Trail is a 13-kilometre linear route of low difficulty; its duration is estimated at four hours. It runs along the left bank of the Bembézar River and ends at the Bembézar Reservoir, where golden eagles can be observed.

The route sections described therefore run along the Guadalvacarejo, through Mediterranean forests, beside irrigated farmland and streams, and along the left bank of the Bembézar. The nature park reveals itself along the trails both in wooded areas and beside rivers and the reservoir.

Culture and History

The Iglesia de Santa María de las Flores in Hornachuelos is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category. It stands within the former walled district of Hornachuelos at the highest point of the town, near the castle; its existence as a parish dates back to the conquest of the town by Fernando III in 1240.

The surviving building of the Iglesia de Santa María de las Flores was constructed in the early years of the 16th century as a single-nave church with sections separated by broad pointed arches; older Roman and Muslim elements were reused during its construction.

The Fortress of Hornachuelos consists of two parts: the walled district and the castle. Its historical development began during the 10th-century caliphate period.

The Monasterio de Santa María de las Escalonias is a Cistercian monastery on the right bank of the Guadalora, in the area of the former Marquisate of Escalonias. It accommodates visitors in its cells and offers spiritual retreats during which guests can participate in the monks’ prayers.

The directly associated locality Bembézar Del Caudillo also appears.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cordoba.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Huertas Bajas de Cabra, Torrecampo, Fuente Palmera, Fernán-Núñez, Baena, Puente Genil, El Cerezo.