Top 20 Natural Monuments around Baena

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The Laguna del Conde (also known as Laguna del Salobral) is an important wetland that serves as a habitat for numerous bird species such as flamingos, cormorants, and ducks. Along the Vía Verde, there are viewpoints from which visitors can observe the wildlife.

El Castillo de Zuheros is a historic fortress in the small municipality of Zuheros. The castle sits spectacularly on a rock and has become a landmark of the region. The castle's origins date back to the Moors in the 9th century. It was strategically built on a limestone cliff to control and defend the region. Its location made it almost impregnable.

The Fuente del Río in Cabra, is a picturesque natural park considered the origin of the Río Cabra. The park combines the natural beauty of a karst spring with landscaped gardens and a diverse tree landscape. It was declared a “Sitio de Interés Natural” in 1929 and today offers recreational areas and picnic areas for visitors. The spring rises at the foot of the Sierra de Cabra, an area with high rainfall and calcareous rock that leads to the formation of such karst springs. The water flows through a series of waterfalls and artificial springs and supplies the entire municipality. The Fuente del Río is part of the “Ruta del Agua” in the Subbética Cordobesa and offers a harmonious interplay of nature and human design. The park is a popular place for locals and visitors who want to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this unique place. A visit to the Fuente del Río offers the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the region and explore the origins of the Río Cabra.

The Lagoon del Conde or Salobral Lagoon is a temporary lagoon that reaches a maximum flood level in spring and subsides in summer. The lagoon is filled by rainfall that falls directly on the surface of the lagoon and by surface runoff from its catchment area, particularly from the Carrascón stream. The lagoon is on the migratory route that many birds follow towards the African continent in northeastern Europe. Like the rest of the wetland areas south of Córdoba, the Salobral Lagoon is integrated into the European Natura 2000 network.

El Castillo de Zuheros stands spectacularly on a rock and offers impressive views of the Sierra Subbética. The castle is a major landmark in the region. The castle's origins date back to the Moors in the 9th century. It was strategically built on a limestone cliff to control and defend the region. Its location made it almost impregnable. It was part of a network of castles designed to secure Moorish influence in Andalusia. In 1240, Zuheros was conquered by the troops of Ferdinand III of Castile. The castle passed into Christian ownership and was integrated into the kingdom's defensive structure. With the end of its military importance in the region, after the conquest of Granada in 1492, the castle began to decline in importance. Parts of the complex were destroyed by earthquakes and neglect over the centuries. In 1964, the towers were reconstructed as they can be seen in their current form. The ruins of the castle are now one of the main attractions of Zuheros and can be visited.

The remains date from two different periods. The massive, crenellated square tower is of Moorish origin, while the remains of the Renaissance palace date from the 16th century. At the same time, the Plaza de la Paz offers a natural viewpoint (622m), with shooting views** over the hills with their carpet of olive groves and Baena in the background.

This lagoon, which belongs to the municipality of Luque, is the largest of all the seasonal waters in the province of Córdoba, with a surface area of 46.6 hectares. It was declared a nature reserve in 1989 due to its special value as a wintering and breeding ground for migratory birds. Due to the gentle slope of the terrain and its shallow depth, the wetland is home to numerous wading birds that use the lagoon as a passage and breeding area. The main bird species are the black-winged stilt, the European lapwing, the curlew, the teal, the white-headed duck, the Kentish plover, the tern and the Montagu's harrier, among many other species.