The best traffic-free bike rides around Guadalcázar

03/26: now an area guarded by dogs.

Circular route from Turruñuelos Park, Córdoba, passing through: - Torrehoria Viewpoint (19.5 km) - Torre del Beato (23.1 km) - Torre de las Siete Esquinas (24.5 km) - Bridge over the canal (29.5 km) The route begins along the Guadalmellato Canal, ascends through La Canchuela, Llanos de los Mesoneros, passes the El Cruce gas station, enters the "Fangor" forest, Torrehoria, Camino del Nuo Bajo, Torre del Beato, Torre de las Siete Esquinas, and from there descends to reach the start of the Trassierra Trail. Except for the descent from Siete Esquinas, the route, exceptionally beautiful given the recent rainfall in the mountains with runoff everywhere, follows paths without technical difficulty, making it even more appealing. It's a challenging distance but offers stunning views of the surrounding area and the city and its environs from the highest points.

The administrative district is located in the southwest of the province. The landscape consists mainly of grain fields. The village was founded in 1767 when Carlos III implemented his colonization policy. For this reason, the urban structure corresponds to the linear planning of the Enlightenment. Perhaps the most interesting building is the Palacio de la Intendencia (Palace). History It was founded by Carlos III in 1767 (it also received its name from him). Don Pablo de Olavide was commissioned to carry out the project, and Don Fernando de Quintanilla managed the population, which was mainly German colonists. In 1769, the village had a population of 1,088, of whom 84 were Spanish. At the time of its founding, the colonists were allocated land holdings of 28 fanegas each (fanega: Castilian unit of area: 64,596 ares).

The castle "Castillo de Almodóvar" is an impressive fortress that stands prominently on the El Redondo hill. In the 20th century, the castle was extensively restored by Rafael Desmaissières y Farina, Count of Torralva. This work gave the castle its current striking appearance, which seems very medieval, although many elements have been reconstructed. The castle was used for the filming of the series Game of Thrones. It served as the backdrop for Highgarden, the seat of House Tyrell. In October 2024, the seventh edition of the Age of Empires tournament sponsored by Red Bull took place in the castle under the name "Red Bull Wololo El Reinado".

The Medina Azahara Visitor Centre in Córdoba is an ideal opportunity to explore the remains of the once magnificent 10th century palace city. It offers comprehensive information and insight into the history and significance of this important archaeological site. In 2018, the Medina Azahara archaeological complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry is free for citizens of the European Union. Visitors from non-EU countries pay a small entrance fee.

The castle complex, whose origins date back to the 8th century, is remarkably well preserved and has been restored with great attention to detail.

The old parish church of Santa María belonged to the Gothic-Mudejar type of church. It seems that it was built by D. Pedro Fernández Gragera, a knight in the service of San Fernando in the reconquest of Écija. According to sources, it was completed in 1262. The structure was designed with three naves and a polygonal head, later two side naves were added, so its plan was irregular, with a tower, a patio with orange trees and a cemetery. The building was extensively renovated in the 16th and 17th centuries, with the church being demolished and rebuilt in 1758.

This path is forbidden to any unauthorized person, I am in front and very bothered after only 5km of cycling....