The best road cycling routes in Sierra De Hornachuelos

Castillo de Almodóvar del Río (Hisnu-l-mudawar; "the round castle") is a castle of Arab Muslim origin in the town of Almodóvar del Río, Province of Córdoba, Spain. Previously a Roman fort, the current structure is of Arab Umayyad origin, in the year 760. During the Middle Ages, it underwent several renovations and reconstructions. Between 1901 and 1936, it was restored by the owner Raphael Desmaissiers, 12th Count of Torravala, under the technical direction of the architect Adolfo Fernández Casanova. The most important towers are the Cuadrada, the Redonda, and the Homenaje.

The Castillo de Almodóvar del Río, also known as Castillo de la Floresta, is located near the town of Almodóvar del Río and is a well-preserved and lavishly restored castle. The castle was built by the Moors in the 8th century for strategic reasons and was completed in the 12th century. Due to its location on a hill, it controlled a significant section of the Guadalquivir. The mighty towers of the complex are naturally reminiscent of the fortress and the wall of the Alhambra in Granada. The impressive fortress, which towers high above the Guadalquivir River, was the filming location for the series "Game of Thrones". Guided tours are offered to visitors to the castle.

On the San Calixto C-141 highway and before reaching the PK. 2, take the path to the left that crosses the “Golden Bridge” in the direction of the San Bernardo Mill; After two kilometers you reach a crossroads where you take the path towards the “Sendero del Guadalora” ju

The town of San Calixto, about 17 km from Hornachuelos, is located in the heart of the Natural Park. Its origin is found in the ancient and legendary Monastery of Tardón, founded in the 16th century. XVI by Brother Mateo de la Fuente, disciple of Saint John of Ávila and hermit from the wilderness of Córdoba, in the company of Brother Diego Vidal. Due to their reputation for holiness, many others joined them. Installed in some mountains heavily populated with thistles, which is why they called it Cardón, in a hut that served as their church, they placed an image of Saint Michael. Over time, these anchorites decided to live under one of the rules approved by the church, and chose that of San Basilio, founding in 1543 the Monastery of San Basilio del Tardón, a nickname derived from Cardón, which remained inhabited by monks until the year 1808. Twenty years later, Francisco Sánchez Gadeo founded the last of the New Towns of Sierra Morena, protected by the repopulating spirit of Carlos III and following his colonizing precepts. In memory of the day of the birth of King Ferdinand VII, October 14, the name of San Calixto was given to the new town.

On the San Calixto C-141 highway and before reaching the PK. 2, take the path to the left that crosses the “Golden Bridge” in the direction of the San Bernardo Mill; After two kilometers you reach a crossroads where you take the path straight ahead to the “Sendero del Guadalora” next to which you will find the perfectly signposted Fuente del Conejo.

About the Rabilarga Stream

In the North of the Province of Córdoba, and following the local road CO-5314 that enters the Sierra de Hornachuelos, in the municipality of Posadas we find an old mining exploitation "Las Minas de la Plata", which despite its Abandoned state, it has become an obligatory route for hikers and hikers thanks to its great scenic beauty. At the foot of the road we find a series of abandoned buildings belonging to the Spanish-German company Sociedad Especial Minera Santa Bárbara, which was responsible for the exploitation of the mine at the end of the 19th century. These mines, which were already exploited by the Romans, were closed in 1914 due to World War I, since the material obtained was melted down in Belgium and with the war they could no longer be transported to the foundries.

This small rock-cut sanctuary is located on the outskirts of the town of Hornachuelos. It is a good place to refill your water bottle and admire the care with which the altar is decorated.