The best cycling routes in Sierra De Hornachuelos

Non-cycling route in many sections. Fences with padlocks Not recommended for bikes Yes for hiking

The town retains its Arab structure with steep and narrow streets as well as buildings from that era, among which the Arab fortress stands out. In its old town, you can also see the Town Hall building, its Gothic church, and the homage tower of its castle in the Plaza de Armas.

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.

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.

Beautiful path next to the dammed Bembézar River. Halfway there you can see the Santa María de Los Ángeles Seminary on the other shore. Path practically without unevenness, closed, with two gates along the route.

It is a watchtower tower built in the 15th century with the aim of dealing with possible Muslim attacks. It is part of the set of fortifications located on the defensive line of the road between Córdoba and Seville. There is currently a project to enhance the value that will allow the tower to be visited from the inside.

Located between the municipalities of Hornachuelos and Espiel, this reservoir was built in the 50s of the last century. It collects the waters of numerous rivers and streams, among which the Benajarafe and the Névalo stand out, both belonging to the Guadalquivir hydrographic basin.

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.