Lucena: Jewish History, Historic Architecture and Nature

The Jewish Necropolis in Lucena is a medieval Andalusian cemetery that was discovered in 2006 during the construction of a bypass and comprised around 346 graves. The human remains date approximately from between 1000 and 1050 and provide insights into the lifestyle and burial rituals of the Jewish community of this period. Visits are only possible as part of tours arranged in advance and led by a guide.

History and Architecture

The Palacio de los Condes de Santa Ana houses Lucena's municipal tourist information office and the town interpretation centre. It includes two courtyards, one of them with an arcaded gallery, as well as a staircase crowned by a vault. The Palacio is considered one of the finest examples of 18th-century civil architecture in Lucena; its construction was promoted by the Mora-Saavedra family between 1730 and 1750.

The cultural route “Lucena al paso: de agrociudad a ciudad media” traces the development of the historic town through its diverse cultural heritage. The Casa de los Mora is located in a former Dominican monastery founded in 1575 by the Bishop of Córdoba. The Casa de los Mora houses the permanent exhibitions “Nuestra Escuela” and “El Bronce en Lucena”; “Nuestra Escuela” occupies two rooms and shows what school was like in the 20th century.

The Church of San Mateo is a Gothic-Renaissance church dating from the 15th and 16th centuries; its Baroque tabernacle is considered one of the finest in Andalusia.

Nature and Geology

The Cueva del Ángel is currently closed to physical visits; however, a virtual 3D tour enables visitors to explore it digitally. The Complejo Geoarqueológico de la Cueva del Ángel is considered a site of outstanding heritage, cultural and geological importance in the southwest of the Sierra de Araceli.

The Laguna Amarga Nature Reserve lies within the municipality of Lucena. The Paraje Natural del Embalse de Malpasillo natural area is also located within the municipality. The Aula de la Naturaleza comprises a space designed for welcoming visitors and interpreting Lucena's natural environment.

Trails and Cycling Infrastructure

The Vía Verde del Aceite runs through Lucena. Near the former railway station, there is a functioning bicycle hangar, as well as repair, electric charging and bicycle washing stations. The Camino Mozárabe leads from Benamejí via public paths along the Anzur River into the municipality of Lucena, connects with the Vía Verde near the town centre and continues along it to Cabra.

Local Products

The tourist information shop in the Castillo del Moral offers local ceramics and handicraft products. Olive oils with the Denominación de Origen Lucena designation of origin are also available at the tourist information office in the Castillo del Moral.

Discover more destinations here: Zambra, La Carlota, Monturque, Nueva Carteya, Doña Mencía, Dos Torres and Castro Del Río.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cordoba.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Lucena: Baroque, History and Olive-Growing Country in Córdoba.