Charilla: History, Nature and Hiking Trails

Charilla is home to archaeological sites dating from the Iberian, Roman and Islamic periods.

Culture and History

The Tesorillo de Charilla is a Hispano-Arabic treasure hoard from the 10th century and is housed in the Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes. Based on the numismatic material, the Charilla hoard is dated to the caliphate period. It is one of the few Andalusian goldsmithing complexes from this era. The church dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Rosario dates from the 16th century and was extensively remodeled. The Ermita de la Virgen de Fátima in the Hoya de Charilla is one of Charilla’s religious landmarks. During Islamic rule, Charilla belonged to the Ruta de las Atalayas.

Springs and Fountains

The Fuente de la Plaza de la Iglesia is located on the Plaza de la Iglesia. The Fuente Grande is located on Calle Fuente Grande. The Fuente del Piojo is located in the Hoya de Charilla. The spring and washhouse Fuente y lavadero de la Montijana are located on Calle Montijijana.

Nature and Hiking Routes

The Hoya de Charilla lies at the foot of La Martina and is an exceptional natural area for nature lovers. The Colada de Valdepeñas hike begins in Charilla and takes approximately two and a half hours. After leaving Charilla, the Colada de Valdepeñas follows the course of the old cattle track of the same name. Along this route, a threshing floor serves as an unusual viewpoint. The Colada de Valdepeñas ends at the foot of Cerro La Martina and Rompezapatos.

The Ruta de la Sierra enters Charilla via Calle Prado and leaves the town at the plaza at km 22.7 via Calle de la Fuente. After descending through the Hoya de Charilla, the Ruta de la Sierra leads to Charilla.

The approximate duration of two and a half hours gives the Colada de Valdepeñas a clearly defined timeframe. Its route connects the outskirts of Charilla with the old cattle track, the threshing floor serving as a viewpoint, and the foot of Cerro La Martina and Rompezapatos. The Ruta de la Sierra identifies several fixed landmarks along its route, including Calle Prado, the plaza at km 22.7, Calle de la Fuente and the Hoya de Charilla.

Music and Feast Day

The introduction of the Fandango de Charilla in the 19th century is attributed to muleteers from the Málaga coast. These muleteers sold fish in the villages and cortijos of the area. The Fandango de Charilla is a singing style similar to the Verdiales from Málaga. The Fiesta Mayor in honor of the Virgen del Rosario takes place on October 7.

To the higher-level travel overview: Alcalá La Real.