Piconcillo: Sierra Morena Landscape, History and Starry Sky

Between the Sierra Morena and the Dehesas

Piconcillo is located in the Sierra Morena; the Cerro del Castillo rises nearby. The two dehesas, Segoviana and Molinillo, lie around the village and are covered with scrubland and holm oaks. Those who explore Piconcillo and its surroundings encounter a landscape of mountain ridge, dehesas, scrubland and holm oaks. These named natural features give a visit to the village a clear connection to its landscape.

Piconcillo itself is divided into an older, higher-lying area and a more modern residential area on Calle Cervantes. Between them run channeled waterways known as the “Zamarrona.” They originate from nearby wells and deposits. The two areas and the Zamarrona provide distinct points of reference when the village is perceived not merely as a single street space but in its different sections.

Church, Procession and August Festival

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rocío represents a small church in Piconcillo’s townscape. The village’s traditions also include a procession in honor of Saint Joseph to the Segoviana estate. This is followed by a Mass and a day in the surrounding countryside. The church, procession and estate thus connect religious customs with time spent outside the village center.

The Feria and Fiestas of Piconcillo, held in honor of the Virgin of El Rocío, take place on August 15. The celebration includes folk dances and sporting competitions, with many emigrants taking part. The specific date makes August 15 a fixed cultural reference point, while the various program elements place the festival day between tradition, activity and a communal reunion.

Traces of Chalcolithic Mining

In Piconcillo Norte, hammers with lateral indentations bear witness to very ancient Chalcolithic mining. The tools thus stand as a visible trace of early mining activity alongside the more recent residential areas and traditional festivals. For visitors interested in cultural history, this offers a view of Piconcillo that does not end with the church and procession but also includes material evidence from a distant era.

The track to Piconcillo Norte branches eastward at the entrance to the village from the direction of Fuente Obejuna.

Sky Observation and Astronomy

The JDCassini Observatory offers groups guided sky observations with explanations of constellations, a tour of the sky visible to the naked eye, observation of selected objects and a visit to the observatory through the large telescope. Beginners receive an introduction to the basics of astronomy, star charts and information about planets. This is complemented by an introduction to operating equatorial telescopes, as well as the use of various instruments and associated software.

Amateur observers will also find a specific instrument available: the JDCassini Observatory provides them with a 20-inch telescope with an f/6.8 aperture in a four-meter dome. The range of observation therefore extends from clearly explained constellations and information about planets to technically oriented work with telescopes, instruments and software.

Discover More Destinations

More destinations: Cañada Del Gamo, Los Morenos, Posadilla, Los Pánchez.

To the higher-level travel overview: Fuente Obejuna.