The Northeast Route of the Subbetic Mountains National Park takes you through picturesque villages, historical sites, and stunning natural landscapes. This route offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for any traveller.
The route begins in the north of the park in a small village at 585 metres altitude, known as Doña Mencía. The narrow white streets of the village lead up to the 13th century Castillo and the Parroquia de la Consolación, which are a declared Monumental-Artistic Site.
The route continues north to Baena. Known as Boniana to the ancient Roman historians, this picturesque village of steep-rising streets still conserves in good condition long stretches of the fortified wall and a number of towers of the fortress which once stood here.
A narrow road leads on to Zuheros. The village appears to the visitor mounted high on a rock, at the top its Muslim Castillo looking down over the River Bailón. Situated at a natural gateway to the park, this small village is one of the most beautiful and more representative of the flavour of narrow winding streets, of clear Arab origin, and the simplicity of the village make a strong impression on any visitor.
The route reaches the fourth stop, Luque. On a rock crag which stands over the village there stand the remains of the Arab fortress, subsequently converted into a castle. Further below, and presiding over an attractive square, is the 16th century Parroquia de la Asunción, a declared National Monument. A pleasant time can be had strolling around the uneven village streets visiting the numerous hermitages found here.
Now the route moves along the northern boundary of the park until Fuente Alhambra, where the Sierra is left behind for a few kilometres up to the entrance to Fuente Tojar. The village's Museo Arqueológico houses the archaeological riches found here.
Almedinilla is found further to the south. The origins of the village date back to the Iberian culture, as confirmed by the archaeological remains found at El Cerro de la Cruz, although Roman-era remains are also present at sites found at El Ruedo. Among the village's Arab-style streets is the Parroquia de San Juan Bautista. From here it is possible to visit el Salto del Caballo, a spectacular water spring.
The route turns once again towards the park area, to the village of Priego de Córdoba. The area around this village is an authentic paradise for archaeologists, with finds from the Mid-Palaeolithic Era onwards, in places such as la Cueva de la Murcielaguina and the Cueva de los Cholones. Although there are numerous indications of the Roman presence here, the village's splendour is clearly inherited from the Arabs.
The first thing to see here is the site of the 13th century Castillo and the Ermita de la Virgen del Castillo, surrounded by plant life, and overlooking a fine panorama from the top of a crag. Good examples of the village's religious architecture are the churches of la Parroquia de la Asunción, with its narrow tower. Close to Carcabuey are los Manantiales de las Palomas and Fuente Dura.
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