Santa Cruz between Ategua and Campiña Culture

Archaeological Traces in the Campiña

In Córdoba’s Campiña, the archaeological site of Ategua is located in the district of Santa Cruz. It preserves an archaeological stratigraphy more than 3,000 years old and is situated as an ancient site in the surroundings of Santa Cruz. This means that the historical perspective at this location extends far beyond a single era.

Ategua had an amphitheatre for around 6,000 people, built in the 1st century. The site was declared a National Monument in 1982 and a Bien de Interés Cultural as an archaeological zone in 2004. Its construction date, size and two protection classifications offer different perspectives for anyone interested in the history of the Campiña.

Hiking between Santa Cruz and Córdoba

One stage of the route to Córdoba also begins in Santa Cruz: the Santa Cruz–Córdoba stage leaves Santa Cruz at the cemetery, reaches the CP-113 road and joins the Vereda de Granada after five kilometres. The specific distance provides a clear measure for planning the stage without losing sight of the area’s historical connection.

The GR 43 Cordel de la Campiña, officially recognised as a long-distance hiking trail, connects Córdoba via Castro del Río with Albendín and is 62 km long in total. Its route passes through extensive cereal-growing areas interspersed with olive groves and several cortijos across hilly terrain. This route therefore combines agriculturally shaped landscapes, olive groves and scattered cortijos with Santa Cruz’s archaeological themes.

There is also a Roman bridge hidden among the reeds at the Arroyo de Trinidades.

Museums and Gardens in the Wider Region

The wider regional surroundings of Santa Cruz are home to several museums with different names and profiles: the Museo Garnelo is a museum, as are the Museo Histórico de Montilla and the Museo Alfonso Ariza. Anyone wishing to combine Ategua’s archaeological perspective with additional museum destinations will find three independent cultural attractions in the wider regional surroundings of Santa Cruz.

Other destinations in this area include the Parque Zoológico Municipal, a zoo, and the IMGEMA Jardín Botánico de Córdoba, a botanical garden. The Escritora Elena Fortún Garden is located there as a garden, while Sotos de Albolafia is a park in the wider regional surroundings of Santa Cruz. These different types of destinations offer varying focuses on animals, plants, gardens and landscapes.

Feria de Santa Cruz

The Feria de Santa Cruz is held in honour of the Apostle Santiago in the Campiña along the route to Granada. It is visited every year by visitors from outside the area and residents of the surrounding region. The Feria lasts three or four days and features live music, dancing and fireworks.

Further destinations on this Andalusia page: Almedinilla, Hornachuelos, Doña Rama, Añora, Fuente del Conde, Iznajar, Aguilar De La Frontera, La Jara.

For the main travel overview: Cordoba.