Iznájar: Castle, Reservoir and Landscape

Iznájar is situated on a hill and surrounded by the waters of the reservoir named after the town. The town forms a peninsula connected to the mainland by the two bridges Agromán and Fernández.

Culture and History

The Castillo de Iznájar Hisn-Ashar was built from around the middle of the 8th century and altered through successive reconstructions and extensions until the 15th century.

The La Villa district in Iznájar is designated a site of cultural interest. The Renaissance church of Santiago Apóstol was built between 1547 and 1638 within the medieval town fortifications.

The Patio de las Comedias is decorated with blue flowerpots and includes, among other features, the Rincón del Beso and the Torre de San Rafael. The patio got its name because theatrical performances took place there in the Middle Ages.

Since 2010, the Sala-Museo Antonio Quintana has displayed examples from the extensive body of work of the artist from Iznájar. Antonio Quintana was born in Iznájar in 1943.

Iznájar’s Semana Santa has its roots in the early 17th century. During its processions, residents dress up as Jews, Pilate, apostles or Romans.

Views and Landscape

The Mirador de la Villa in the historic town centre offers views of the Sierra de las Ventanas and the Arroyo de Priego. When the reservoir’s water level is low, the Puente Molinillo, the old road, a factory chimney and remains of the former Iznájar flooded by the waters can be visible from there.

The Mirador Cruz de San Pedro offers panoramic views of the reservoir and the historic town centre.

Trails and Nature

The Centro de Interpretación del Embalse de Iznájar has a signposted, 2 km educational trail with five information panels. They provide information about the birds of the reservoir and the Tajo de Valdearenas, reptiles, fish and amphibians, as well as the Río Genil and the Embalse de Iznájar.

The SL-A 341 Sendero Fuente del Conde, also known as the Camino de Magán, is a circular route approximately 5.5 km long. The Sendero Fuente del Conde is approved by the Federación Andaluza de Montañismo and begins in the village of Fuente del Conde, which belongs to the municipality of Iznájar.

The trail leads through olive-growing landscapes and the typical vegetation of the Mediterranean forest up to the Sierra de Campo Agro at an altitude of 929 m. From the Sendero Fuente del Conde, the Embalse de Iznájar, also known as Lago de Andalucía, and the Pico de la Tiñosa can be seen.

The Centro de Interpretación del Embalse de Iznájar presents the natural and cultural values surrounding the Río Genil and the Embalse de Iznájar.

Water and Activities

The Valdearenas area is suitable for fishing and birdwatching, as well as water sports and hiking.

At Lago de Andalucía near Iznájar, activities offered include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boating and Big SUP.

Olive Oil and Local Culture

At the Espacio Cultural Moltura, you can book olive oil tastings that can be reserved in advance, where you learn how to taste olive oil.

Other Destinations

Other destinations: Villanueva Del Duque, Carcabuey, Venta del Charco, Doña Mencía, Fuente Obejuna, El Carpio, Torrecampo, Dos Torres

To the higher-level travel overview: Cordoba.