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INDEX

Welcome

pag. 26

Cultural Tour

pag. 27

Celebrations and traditions

pag. 33

Nature, Flore and Fauna

pag. 37

Gastronomy

pag. 39

What to do

pag. 40

Getaways

pag. 43

Where to buy

pag. 44

Bars and Restaurants

pag. 45

Where to sleep

pag. 46

How to arrive

pag. 47

Telephones of information

pag. 48

Translated by: Aurora Rodríguez Castro José García Oteros

Dear Traveler: Just the simple fact of having rested your gaze on this village, either in a picture, a book or in any image of any of the many means of communication that nowadays exist, is cause of satisfaction for all of us, the Carcabulenses. To focus your attention in the beauty of our landscapes, in the calmness of our land and fields, in our unique traditions and parties or in the cultural heritage of Carcabuey to the point of have decided to visit us, fills us with a deep joy and gratitude. If after your visit, you tell us that your stay has been pleasant, that you have been treated well in any of our rural accommodations, that you have found in every people a great sense of hospitality and cordiality, that you take a warm memory with you, that definitely, you have enjoyed your journey and that you want to come back, then, our happiness will turn joy. Visitor: Welcome to Carcabuey, this little village placed in the heart of Andalucia and the Natural Park Sierras Subbéticas. The poet said: “villages are books that are read with the feet”. So, Come on! We encourage you to know each and every one of our facets: nature, tradition and culture, this is what we offer you. I wish you to be happy with us.

Antonio Osuna Ropero Mayor of Carcabuey

CULTURAL TOUR THROUGH CARCABUEY

SHRINE OF VIRGEN DE LAS ANGUSTIAS

In a square where a lot of streets, such as 'Las Parras, Alta, La Cruz and San Andrés' meet, we can find this street chapel joined to the wall and protected by a grille, which contains a beautiful image of Virgen de las Angustias, where a dead Jesus Christ is represented on his mother's arms. This image was made th in the 18 century and it is interesting and unique in the province because of its style, its interesting building, and its quality in decorative elements. We also have to take into consideration the high artistic level of this street altar. This wooden image of the Virgin is thought to have been made by the school of Granada in the second th half of the 18 century, although there is no an agreement by those who have studied it. On the one hand, there are people who associate the naive crudeness of the faces to the mediocrity of its artist. On the other hand, there are other people who assure that it is due to its age, which has spoiled the image in a greater measure than the temple. In any case, it is very difficult to appreciate the true quality of the faces which, beautiful at first sight, they remain hidden under a lot of layers of paint, roughly applied by the neighbourhood instead of by professionals. According to the neighbours, this altarpiece was built by the old owner of the adjacent house, who wanted to build it due to his devotion to the image. After his death, they took care of it, since that this landmark has not an official owner anymore. This shrine was restored in 2003, although the image still waits for its restoration

THE PILAR’S FOUNTAIN This fountain, which was called ‘Fountain of the Spouts’ in the past, is located between Las Parras and El Pilar streets, in a square which has th improved its appearance thanks to this fountain. It was built in the 18 century as many other peculiar houses in Carcabuey, a time when, due to a population and economic growth, it was carried out in order to improve the appearance of the whole village.

It is a circular fountain which makes four lobes, four basins which take their water from four spouts which flow from a central basin differentiated by their thickness and ornamentation. On one of them, the following inscription can be read: ‘This work was made when the mayor of this village was the graduate Mr. Fernando Benero González de la Gruesa y Castillo, who took charge of the village on March th 8 1728’. The collection, easily decorated with geometric sheets cut out on the stone, is finished off by some volutes which hold a sphere, maybe the globe, where it is placed an iron shell whose possible aim was to hold a religious image in the past.

ASUNCIÓN’S CHURCH At the bottom of the Castle’s Hills, a place which can be sighted from every part of the village, and where every part of the village can be sighted, it is located the majestic Asunción’s church. It is not completely known the origin of this building, but the Santa María’s Church, mentioned in his will by Ruy Díaz de Berrio in 1383, might have been located in the same place of this church. However, it is not the same building since that there are great differences in the styles used then and, therefore, this is a single hypothesis, since there is no a single remain of the previous church. Rafael Osuna Luque, in his book called ‘Historia de Carcabuey’ or the history of Carcabuey, tells us that that church was finished by the middle of the 16th century and that from that time, the side front is the only thing preserved. The rest of the current building was carried out in the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century. These later works are the tower, finished in 1780 as it is said on an inscription at the bottom of it, and the major altarpiece, as well as the side chapel and the barrel vaults with half moons, which cover the interior building. In 1908, it suffered a fire and many of the parts, mainly the wooden parts, such as the choir or the major altarpiece, had to be rebuilt. It is a stone, rough stone and brick building with a Latin cross plant as usual in every religious building. The transept is covered by a hemispherical dome set on scallops, and the rest of the nave by a barrel vault with half moons. Inside, the main nave is divided into four different sides separated by arches held by half-columns. Each side results in a round arch opening which forms every side chapels. The little and sober ornamentation is reduced to a cornice which covers all the perimeter and half columns, which served as means of support of the ancient wooden roof. A lot of images are kept inside, some of them of real beauty and valuable, as well as many pictures and very valuable religious works. It is very important to highlight the impressive presence of the ‘Cristo de Animas’ from the popular sculptor from Grenade, Alonso de Mena, a wooden image made in 1624 which is stylistically considered to belong to mannerism and realism. The main front consists of two strong buttresses which hold a round arch finished by a little roof or a gable roof. The side front, the only element together with the nave which are preserved from the first building, is from the Renaissance period, made by the popular Basque architect Martín Bolívar in the 16th century. It consists of two thin pilasters which shape a round arch, finished by different elements; for instance, a laurel crown with Don Juan de Ávila's coat of arms, Alcalá la Real abbot, who was the sponsor of the work.

The tower, which has a quadrangular stone base from the 16th century, is finished with bricks from the 18th century. The bell tower consists of four round arches, framed by pilasters and finished by a hipped spire.

CARCABUEY’S CASTLE Throughout the history, the Carcabuey’s castle has been an exceptional place from a strategic and military point of view, in order to control every road link in the Subbetica, located at the very core of Andalusia, where the roads which go to five provinces meet. It is erected over a rocky hill which dominates the village and whose name is due to the castle, ‘The Castle Hill’, where some remains from every culture and every human period have been found. For instance, we can go back to the Bronze Age thanks to the discovery of a bronze sword (1200 BC), currently preserved in the British Museum in London or a ceramic urn from ‘Cruz del Negro’ kind (800 BC), which is placed in the History Museum in Priego de Cordoba. th

Despite the fact that the first references of the castle of Karkabul appeared in the 9 century, the artistic th th and monumental catalogue of the province of Cordoba dates it in the 13 and 14 century. Its base is an irregular polygon of 12 sides, which is perfectly adapted to the special orog raphy of the place. Its walls are built with mortar and lime masonry outside and rough stone and mortar inside. The corners of the tower are reinforced with blocks. Inside, remains from mud wall and brick can be found, although their date th remain still unknown. Within the remains and the towers, a chapel built in the 18 century can be found. The fortress consists of five towers, two of them are square, and the other three are circular. Inside, a very destroyed quadrangular structure is conserved and some people think that it could be the keep. The called ‘Round Tower’, is the highest of all. On the other hand, the wall of the chapel is directly built over the fence. According to the description of the castle made by Ramírez de Arellano in 1904, there was another tower just there. Next to the wall of the chapel, we can still see remains of this tower which has almost totally lost its outside faces. The current door, which was erected over a retaining wall of reused rough stones, is not the original one. There exists another one in the south side of the castle, which has been bricked up for a long time and which has been discovered recently thanks to a recent excavation. This castle, which has served as a scenery of hard battles, political and religious ups and downs, and peculiar legends, cannot be framed in a single historic period, because the current remains are the result of a lot of constructions, demolitions, and reconstructions. th

The chapel we know today was built in the 18 century, although we have to take into account that it might be built over the rests of an ancient or medieval temple. It is a single construction with a Latin cross as a plant, and whose inside part consists of two stretches covered by a barrel vault with half moons, a transept covered by a hemispheric dome and the arms of the transept and the headboard are also covered by a barrel vault with half moons. th

The major altarpiece is from the end of the 18 century and inside it, in a beautiful niche, we can find the image of the Virgin of the Castle or 'Virgen del Castillo', who is the patron saint of this village, whose th patron's day is celebrated on September 8 every year. The headboard consists of a round arch framed by pilasters. Over the right hand of the transept it is placed the bulrush.

THE WELL In the Carcabuey's castle there existed two wells, one in the inside part, from which some pieces of its walls are still preserved, and a bigger one outside, which is still impervious, since that it contains water nearly the whole year. (R. Osuna- History of Carcabuey) It is very difficult to place in time the date of the construction of the outside well, since there does not exist an agreement between those who have studied it. While some people think that its origin is the Roman Age, according to the characteristics of its bricks, other people think that it belongs to the Medieval Age, due to the great size of these bricks. However, there are also people who think that it belong to the Muslim Age because the use of bricks in the Roman Age was not very common. This well is found on the west side of the castle, on the hill next to the village and it probably served as a source of water for those people who lived near the fortress. Its plant is rectangular and its measures are 10.30 metres x 6.60 on its sides and 6.60 in the highness of its round arch vault. This vault, which is the only element that stands out over the surface since the cistern is completely under the hill, is built with big bricks, a very characteristic one of the Almohad period. The inside part of the walls have a hydraulic covering to avoid the water flows, and the corners are finished with an ear shaped brick surface. At the top of the vault, there exist two big openings from which the water flowed. There also exist the remains of a little channel by which this water flowed. Its capacity is of 500 m3.

THE STONE BRIDGE It is located over the Palancar River in Carcabuey municipal district, and it is the only construction belonging to the Caliph Age which is preserved in the South of Cordoba. It was the only road from Carcabuey to Priego and it is an example of the roads built in the middle ages, although it is still used nowadays.

This construction consists of a single opening with a light of 7.40 metres, which is devel oped through a round arch rested on two abutments of 5.90 metres wide. All the materials used belongs to the masonry, some times using sandstone, and some others limestone from a nearer quarry. The top is not completely horizontal, but it represents a soft speed bump, with a rolling stones paving. It does not preserve any th th parapets. All this information allow us to date the bridge in the Caliph Age, in the 10 and 11 century. (Rafael Carmona Ávila)

Its current state is worrying, since the floods have been undermining the base of the abutments along the years, and this has result in the loss of ashlars and, therefore, of stability.

SAN MARCOS’ CHURCH Situated in a street with the same name of the church, this th little and single church was probably built at the end of the 16 century. Mª Ángeles Raya Raya reports that ‘in the first act of the marriage book appears in 1594 a man called López Rey, from San Marcos. Therefore, this church must have been built before that date. In addition, its single scheme is very common of those years in which this church was built’. In 1671 it was created in San Marcos the Jesus Christ School, under the protection of ‘Nuestra Señora y San Felipe Neri’, a religious order created by Andrés Peralbo, who offered his time and money to the fitting-out of this place in order it could be used for the workship. It is thought that this monk is buried inside the temple, remaining incorrupt until our days. It is a single nave with lateral chapels, covered by a barrel vault with half moons, except the altar, which is covered by a little dome. The wooden altarpiece was made by Juan de Dios Santaella in 1750, and it is a beautiful sample of the baroque style of that period. In the central street we can find the impressive Crucified Christ made by the popular Alonso de Mena and which has been restored recently. At the sides, we can find the images of San Marcos, the patron of this church, and San Felipe Neri. th

Other altarpieces with images, such as San Antonio’s of the 17 century, are also preserved. We also have to highlight the tower, whose plant is quadrangular, and which has a very beautiful masonry in the bell tower. The front (18th century) is a single round arch, framed by pilasters and finished by Diego Castell's coat of arms, who was Alcala La Real abbot that time.

SANTA ANA’S CHAPEL It is located in the street with the same name of the chapel and it is a single construction whose origin is 1533 according to Mª Ángeles Raya Raya. This chapel is dedicated to Santa Ana, who is the other patron saint of the village together with the Virgen del Castillo. Its only door has an arch-shape and a little belfry made from stone. The nave is a little one with measures of 6x4 metres, covered by a barrel vault. In the headboard we can distinguish a wooden altarpiece, from an unknown author, made in 1770 according to the inscription set on the image of Santa Ana, who belongs to the same period. At the sides, the images of San Joaquín and San Juan Bautista are found. In another altarpiece placed at the side, we can find a single image of San Francisco de Asís. Finally, we have to highlight the image of the Virgen de la Aurora, who owns a lot of devotees in this village, and whose parade is celebrated every year. th

This wooden image was made at the beginning of the 18 century, belonging as well to the School of Granada. It represents a Mary sat on her throne made by clouds and cherub’s heads. She has a crown on her head and a scepter and a standard on her hands. ‘The beauty of her face reminds us the works of Diego de Mora’ (Mª.A.Raya).

LOCAL HISTORICAL MUSEUM Go through its rooms and discover the history of a villages which has its roots in ancient times. Draw in your mind a landscape that time ago it was an old sea and record in your retina the vision of petrified animals. Be an spectator of the evolution of the first groups of human beings that inhabitted the area and start with them the way to the technological development. Observe the arriving of people coming from the Mediterranean and receive of them the wisdom treasured during centuries. Experience personally our history and take part in it, only in his way, you could know the different ways of living of our communities, which since the prehistoric period until nowadays, have formed our cultural identity

ALGAR’S CASTLE This castle is erected over a hill where you can see the whole village of Algar, in Carcabuey municipal district. The remains of this fortress are very short. A rectangular tower, which is almost full collapsed, a wall of 1.20 metres of thickness, which joins this tower with another one, both of them very damaged too. All of this is 39 metres long and is made of masonry, although the ground floor of the best preserved tower is reinforced with ashlars and a stone from a mill, which has been removed recently. The castle is enhanced by the keep, which consists of two works; the first one is seemed to have been made before, made of ashlars and of 4,5 metres tall. The other one rises over the first tower and makes the work four metres taller. It is also preserved a canvas of the wall of 9 metres long, with a central opening which might have been the door. In addition, a well and other secondary walls can be appreciated. Its south-east side is nearly lost now. This castle is located at 740 metres high from the sea level, in the south of the village Algar, among high and impressive rocks, which surround it by its north and east side. One of these stones has come off from the rest and warns us the danger it is to get near it. According to Sarthou, it is a roman fortress, but we cannot find ceramic remains inside; therefore, it could be a 'castella-montana' as many others in the surroundings (Zambra, Carcabuey or Rute). They are Arabian castles with Christian reconstructions due to the border difficulties of the area. It is faced to the Horconera Mountain, where there is another fortress called 'Jardín del Moro' or Garden of the Moor. . Texts compilation by: Antonio Osuna Ropero BIBLIOGRAPHY: HISTORIA DE CARCABUEY (Rafael Osuna Luque) CARCABUEY MONUMENTAL HISTORICO Y ARTISTICO (Mª Angeles Raya Raya) RAFAEL CARMONA AVILA (Museo de Priego) PEDRO RUEDA HERRADOR (Rev. “Carcabuey”) MANUEL ZAFRA (Rev. “Carcabuey”)

CELEBRATIONS AND TRADITIONS

CHRISTMAS EVE IN ALGAR In this small village belonging to Carcabuey it takes place a meeting where you can enjoy the oldest and strongest Christmas carols in the area. The hosts are ‘Los Aguilanderos’ from Algar, who have even attracted the attention of the investigation team of the Spanish National Radio with Fernando Argenta at the head, who recorded them and included some of their compositions in specialized programmes of Spanish folklore. ‘Los Mochileros’ from the nearby small village of Gaena are another group who usually take part in this meeting where people sing on Christmas Eve as many centuries ago

CHRISTMAS On December 22nd, there is a regional contest of Christmas carols which is well-known for the participation of the best groups, who every year recover the oldest lyrics.

THE EPIPHANY PARADE On January 5th, a lot of floats made by different associations of the village go round the streets, all of them coordinated by the Epiphany Parade Association. Everybody works here without receiving anything in exchange, for pure altruism. This day, everything is collaboration and the best of the intentions. The Carcabuey Epiphany Parade has been called many times by other villages, since its quality and imagination in the floats are quite considerable.

TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL It is on February. Traditional games like ‘la gallina ciega’ (the blind hen), or ‘el cantarillo quebrao’ (the cracked pitcher), take place. ‘Coros y rincoros’ (choirs and chorus) is another game with native lyrics, whose theme is usually about love but with humorous and racy tones. Every chorus has its own choreography with gestures and attitudes which remember to the ancient gallantries. This party does not look like the other ones and it has its own personality, since we do not know anywhere that celebrates this party in this way.

EASTER The Easter in Carcabuey starts with the great show ‘Crucifixion’, a Passion play in which more than 250 people, among actors and actresses, technical team, and four bands playing live, participate. There are processions during the whole week. Among the holy images we can find two Crucifixes from the famous Alonso de Mena (‘Cristo de Ánimas’ and ‘Cristo de San Marcos’), Saint John the Evangelist, Jesus from Nazareth, Jesus the captive, three Virgins (Virgen de los Dolores, the Veronica and Virgen de la Esperanza Nazarena) and the ‘Borriquita’, (the animal in which Jesus entered in Jerusalem)

PASCUA DE LOS MORAOS This party is celebrated on Easter Sunday. It is a quite surrealist carnival in which the grotesque and the absurd take place everywhere. Masks, speeches and bands of street musicians make the street an infectious environment party, almost a wild party, which serves to celebrate the beginning of the spring. Perhaps, it was its name what saved it from the censorship which suffered all carnivals in Spain during the dictatorship of Franco, except the carnival in Canarias, in Cadiz and here in Carcabuey. Our carnival has recently been declared as a Party of Interest to Tourists in Andalusia. .

SAN MARCOS (SAINT MARK) (It is on April 25th. It is commonly known as the party of the horns, thanks to the horns of the bull with goes with Saint Mark the Evangelist, whose image is located in the high altarpiece of the church of Saint Mark. At this day, people sing lyrics referring to the known and unknown infidelities in our village, with mischievous comments and a great sense of humour. Young boys walk around the streets ringing cowbells and at certain front doors, they stop to do a terrible noise.

CORPUS CHRISTI It is a hectic day for the associations in Carcabuey, who make a multicoloured carpet with many different geometrical shapes and flower images, which go round the most emblematic streets of the village, where, later in the evening, it will take place the Corpus Christi Procession, among hundreds of flowerpots and altars raised at the intersections. It is a party of a great evocative beauty where a very valuable monstrance is carried in procession. .

PATRON SAINT’S DAY IN ALGAR (It is on the first week in June. Here you will find recreational activities and enjoyment for sure (sports, a trobadour evening, open-air dance, flamenco, a procession, etc.) in the small village of Algar, a place which is worthy a visit.

FESTIVAL It takes place in August from 14 th to 17th. During these days you will be able to enjoy recreational activities, sports, music, culture, cattle market, a ‘picaillo’ contest (it is a traditional salad in Andalusia with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, peppers, and garlic, all of them dressed with salt, olive oil and vinegar) and equestrian shows. For this festival and the near Patron Saint’s Day, there is a great increase in the population thanks to the tourism.

AURORA’S DAY It is celebrated in the last weekend in August in honour to Maria Santisima de la Aurora and a lot of people take part in it. Here you will enjoy a ‘salmorejo’ contest (a traditional soup in Cordoba made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and garlic), open-air dance, sport competitions, a procession, and the famous bull in ropes

THE BULL IN ROPES A long time ago it started this bullfighting party, which in Carcabuey, it is done with the maximum respect for the animal. The stable boys run in front of the bull, which runs completely free and only when a risky situation is produced, the stable boys hold the ropes which are tied to the horns of the bull. This party attracts thousands of people even from other provinces.

CASTILLO’S DAY It is celebrated on September 8 th. It is the Patron Saint’s Day which includes a procession, cultural and sport activities, and another bull in ropes.

SAINT MICHAEL’S MELON th

It is celebrated on September 29 and it has to do with the elaboration of lanterns with melons for children, (like Jack O’ Lantern in Halloween). These lanterns are decorated as in ancient times with moons, stairs, stars, geometrical shapes, etc. .

LIVE NATIVITY SCENE It is represented in the streets near the church, which make up the small, but beautiful old quarter of Carcabuey. It takes place some days before Christmas and in its elaboration take part different associations of the village. This live nativity scene consists of numerous pictures of that age, a single and smart stable of Bethlehem which is placed in the church portal, the inns, merchants’ stalls, the Annunciation, Herod’s palace, the shepherds, the Three Wise Men’s jaima, etc. Bonfires, roast chestnuts and chocolate are usually made and in general, it is a very lively party..

BONFIRES’ DAY It is on December 12 . It is like the bonfires’ day in any other part of Spain, but here it is celebrated on Saint Lucy’s day, who is the sight patron. It is said that those who receive in their eyes the smoke of Saint Lucy’s bonfires, have them protected for the rest of the year. Since it is celebrated near Christmas, people get together around the bonfire to sing Christmas carols and drink anisette and eat a traditional Spanish doughnut. th

TRADITIONAL SLAUGHTER It is a party focused to attract the tourism to Carcabuey, in which it is taken into account the gastronomy, especially the pork butcher’s stalls, the popular ‘chanfaina’, (a traditional dish made with the pork’s offal and blood) and the handmade pastrymaking. It is also very important the music near the bonfires, the roast chestnuts, workshop for the elaboration of natural products, a ‘resol’ contest (a traditional Christmas drink made with milk or coffee, cinnamon, sugar and anisette), and the show and sale of Carcabuey’s products. To sum up, this day is a great party. .

CULTURAL EVENTS

EPIPHANY CONCERT th

It is on January 6 with chamber music.

EASTER Exaltation of the flamenco verse sung at processions in Holy Week. It is celebrated every year in the flamenco group ‘El Aljibe’. It is made during a play in which local flamenco singers sing these ‘saetas’.

EASTER Here we have to highlight the speech, which is celebrated the day before the Palm Sunday and which includes the performance of a choir with liturgical music.

CULTURAL JULY It is a cultural marathon which takes place throughout July and which includes Flamenco, Jazz and other kinds of music from all over the world, a classical music concert, presentation of books, plays, puppet shows, exhibitions, Moroccan market, painting contests, storytelling, conferences, etc.

HISTORICAL PLAY

th

It is performed on the nearest Saturday to Carcabuey’s day (July 25 ) at the walls of the castle. This play talks about certain historical events which took place in our village under the reign of Alfonso the tenth (the Wise), or the Muladi riots with Ben Mastana at the head. More than a hundred people take part in this play including actors and actresses, horsemen, musicians, dancers, etc.

LITERARY CONTEST Its name is Tale and Short Story Contest ‘Town of Carcabuey’ and it takes place every year. Its theme can be for children or for adults. It is usually awarded in December and then it is edited in a book the following year. The presentation of this contest is usually done during the Cultural July. This year takes place its fifht session.

AUDIOVISUAL WEEK IN CARCABUEY In November, a whole week is dedicated to the audiovisual creation, short films, conferences, workshops, etc.

NATURE, FLORE AND FAUNA

Carcabuey contributes with most part of its territory to the Natural Park “Sierras Subbéticas”, located in an enclave of a great natural and cultural richness. It was declared Natural Park in 1988 by the Junta de Andalucía thanks to its rich ecosystems and species, compatible with the main exploitations of natural resources of the area, mostly agricultural and livestock, and with the rock mass with steep slopes and altitudes sometimes above 1500 metres (La Tiñosa, el Pico Bermejo y el Lobatejo are the highest summits of the province). The Natural Park Sierras Subbéticas is located in the Southwest part of the province of Córdoba, the geographic centre of Andalucía. The park is spread over 32.056 hectares in the Bética range. The villages of the province that form it are: Cabra, Carcabuey, Doña Mencía, Iznajar, Priego de Córdoba, Rute, Luque and Zuheros. All these geographical characteristics make Carcabuey different from the rest of the territory that surrounds it. For example, here, we can find the highest rainfall indices of the province. The uniqueness and geological interest of the Natural Park, promoted its protection and declaration as Geopark, existing only three in Andalucia: Sierras Subbéticas, Cabo de Gata-Níjar and Sierra Norte in Seville. The abundance of caves in the zone, which favours the practice of specialized speleological activities, has helped the men to live in this land since the Neolithic period; this also provides the place with a wide cultural history. The great amount of nuances and shades that graces the land, is a silent spectator of a strong and longstanding tradition that gives expression to its rural atmosphere and the characteristic agricultural uses of its mountains .This way of living has made the survival of unique elements of its fauna and flora possible. The climatic conditions have determined the exploitation of the land; the relief and the very steep slopes together with the Mediterranean climate have favoured the development of a not very diversified agriculture, mainly devoted to the growing of olive groves. However, the large number of springs in the area has made possible the cultivation of orchards. The surrounding areas of the banks of rivers and streams are characterized by the growing of riverside vegetation, well preserved in some places but absent in others, this vegetation is formed by poplars, ash trees, black poplars, willows, blackberry bushes… Hydrologically, the Palancar River is the biggest one with a great environmental quality. The vegetation of the mountains is typically Mediterranean: on one side there are holm oak woods accompanied by peonies, mastic trees (Pistacia Lentiscus), hawthorns, spurge, Jerusalem sage, gorse, rosemary… in the sunny spots and more open spaces in the mountains; in the northern slopes, where there is less sunshine and more humidity, we can find “quejical” together with bushes formed by laurustinus, kermes, buckthorn, sarsaparilla, cornicabra and strawberry tree.

There is a very rich fauna; goshawk, short-toed eagles, woodpigeon, zorro, wild boar, wild cat, badger, and ocellated lizard among others. We can highlight the great variety of passerine birds (the green woodpecker, stonechat saxicola dacotiae, coccothraustes-coccothraustes, crested oropendola, azurwinged magpie…) and rupicula birds (chora, the red and blue rock thrushes, black wheatears…) We cannot forget to mention the existence of a high population of the Eagle owl, Bonelli’s Eagle, peregrine falcon, golden Eagle, and the black vulture, whose colony is one of the most numerous of the province. Thanks to this great birds biodiversity, together with the fact of being a migration poing, the Natural Park has received the category of protection ZEPA (SBPA, Special Bird Protection Area)

Cultivations The olive grove of Carcabuey is typical of the mountainous zones, it is a hard and unirrigated cultivation, but very grateful, it offers a fruit of an extraordinary quality. The variety “picuda” is the most frequent in our municipality, it gives personality to our olive oil, this helps to make the oil produced in our village and some of its varieties such as the ecological one, the most awarded olive oil in the world. The “picudo” olive tree is not cultivated in other places due to its difficulty for being mechanized. This fact provides our olive oil with features difficult to find that have been searched since ages by the most famous gourmets of some of the most well-known restaurant businesses considered as the most exclusive of the world (Nueva York, Tokyo, Paris…) The abundance of water in Carcabuey favoured the appearance of settlements that cultivated all kinds of fruit and vegetables in ancient times. The Arabs revolutionized the irrigation systems with water wheels and irrigation ditches. This has made of Carcabuey an authentic oasis, a fertile terrain and an inexhaustible source of high quality horticultural products: the proverbial quince of Carcabuey, the “camuesa”, cherries, peaches, figs and grapes. The quince, abundant in our orchards, is a fruit with a beautiful golden colour when it is mature, very aromatic and with a bitter flavour, reaching the maturity for its harvest in autumn. It is rarely used for its consumption as fresh fruit, but it is mainly used in the elaboration of several desserts such as "carne de membrillo" (thick jelly made of quince and usually served with cheese), liquors, ice-cream or the traditional quince compote, made with the fruit in pieces cooked with cinnamon, water and sugar- In the last few years, the quince vinegar in its different modalities, dry or balsamic, has been commercialized by Almazaras de la Subbética S.C.A.A. of Carcabuey.

GASTRONOMY The gastronomy is a key aspect of our culture, result of a rich legacy transmitted by our Iberian, roman, Arabian, Jewish, and Christian ancestors tan inhabited these lands centuries ago. Some manuscripts, the archaeology, the historical events and the oral tradition, all together have made possible that our palates could enjoy a very rich, diverse and healthy gastronomy. The carcabulense gastronomy is related to the seasons of the year and the seasonal products too, enjoying in this way, high quality products. It is one of the most varied and tastiest cuisines of the area.

The main typical dishes are: “potaje de habichuelas amonás” (beans stew) with “ morcilla negra” (black pudding), “ensalá de caldo”(chopped lettuce or curly endive dressed with olive oil, salt, garlic and served with water), “mojete” (stewed potatos or anchovies) and during the slaughter period, “la chanfaina”, a kind of sauce made of bread, fried blood, offal, and seasoning. In Carnival, el “relleno”, sausage of seasoned minced meat. In Easter,potaje de garbanzoscon bacalao(stew of chickpeas with cod) or albóndigas de pescado (fishballs) . In summer, we can highlight the “picaillo” (cold salad of slightly crushed tomato, green pepper, onion and garlic), el gazpacho(cold soup of vegetables, mainly tomato) and salad of cucumber.

We can find typical pastry such as the “ mostachos de aceite” or “manteca” (a kind of cakes made with olive oil or pig lard) , ”palotes”and wine rolls. To refresh yourselves in a hot day,“charco”, a cold drink made of white wine, water, cinnamon and peach.

WHAT TO DO Carcabuey, in the centre of Andalucia, is a village which most of its land is located withing the Natural Park Sierras Subbéticas;it offers countless possibilities to do, such as riding horses, practicing hiking along its fantastic trials and paths, taking pictures of its wonderful local flora, exploring by bike its numerous fountains, springs and streams (Fuente Dura, Palancar river), practicing mountaineering, climbing or caving in its prized Sierra de la Gallinera, eve, practicing extreme sports flying over the Sierra de Los Pollos paragliding … so, visitors have no time to get bored. But if you look for peace and quiet, Carcabuey also offers you urban routes, the Historic-Artistic Heritage Route (visiting its churches, discovering its old streets…), the Anti-stress Route (going up to the castle, enjoying its viewpoints, its groves of trees…)

Urban routes  R1. Paseo del Cañuelo (about 30 minutes time, level of difficulty: low) This route runs through different and unique streets of Carcabuey. We will enjoy of a walk in the Paseo del Cañuelo, a very busy path thanks to the local people, along this paseo, you could enjoy the stunning views and keep cool, drinking water in the fountain El Cañuelo. There also exists the possibility of prolonging this walk, if at the beginning we visit the Castle and the Aljibe (water underground cistern).  R2. Calvario (About 90 minutes time, level of difficulty: medium). We propose you a walk along a path that allows the visitor to have a global view of the whole village and its natural environment surroundings, a 360º view is without doubt a magnificent reward after making the little effort that experimenting the great variety of sensations that this unique path offers us.  R3. Fuente Catalina (About 60 minutes time, level of difficulty: low). This route runs along a pedestrian zone, linking the village with the popular fountain, Catalina. This fountain is the return point and where you can refresh after a walk that invites you to meditate. There also exists the possibility to visit the Caliphal Bridge (X-XI Centuries) from this point.  The Route of the Writers The course of this route goes through the places of Carcabuey where some wellknown writers were or those places which were described in their Works or served as perfect and fantastic scenarios for their tales and novels.

Hiking The important biodiversity that exists in the environment of Carcabuey, its geological interest, the beauty of its landscapes, and the proximity of the highest mountain of the province (La Tiñosa, 1.570 meters), make of this area a place of a great appeal for the hiking lovers, existing a great variety of hiking trails.  Hiking trail “Las Buitreras” It is recommended to cover the route from Carcabuey to Luque to enjoy the outstanding scenery that this path offers and also, it offers the attraction of allowing the way through the ravines which houses the largest and more important colony of griffon vulture of this region of Córdoba. From the strategic observation points existing along the trail, it is not difficult to contemplate the majestic flight of these birds.

 Hiking trail “Carcabuey-Los Villares” Most part of the route runs along a dirt track which has its beginning in the old road Carcabuey-Priego. The trail starts with a very steep and long slope. In this first stretch of the way, we will find a spring (Fuente Dura) and a big number of fruit trees, typical of this area such as quince trees, cherry trees, walnut trees, etc. The path starts going around the “Sierra de los Pollos”. From this place, we will find an awesome view of the rock mass of Cabra and also, of Sierra Gallinera and Sierra Horconera. Finally, in the last part of our way, we will find a group of “cortijos” (country houses) next to Los Villares Stream; these houses make use of the water of the stream to grow their vegetables.  Hiking trail Luca-Castillejo This trail starts in San Marcos Street, it goes up skirting the mountain La Luca, very interesting because of the abundance of fossils. Next to “Fuente del Puerto”, we could feel ourselves fully identified with the environment: abysses of small hills like the Trevejil, calcareous ravines, and characteristic flora. From there, we will also enjoy breathtaking views. The descent is done in the Northwest zone, until getting to the springs of “El Castillejo”. This route will make us appreciate the Subbética and all its different sides and aspects: mountains, water, olive groves, orchards, holm oak woods, the flight of birds of prey, mastic trees… Other easy and of great interest routes are: La Nava-Zuheros or the ascent to the “Puerto Cerezo”

Thematic Routes Increasingly, more and more people demand a type of tourism that allows them to know a certain area together with the different touristic aspects this area offers; gastronomy, cultural and historical heritage, nature. The thematic routes are created with this type of tourism as aim, and they offer the visitor with a different view of our region.

Route of the Barroque The Andalusian Baroque impregnates with its forms and elements, not only the new buildings, but also the ones which were being built. The region of the Subbética is an important focus of this type of art, with very peculiar characteristics sometimes, which are going to spread over the zone, helped by the growing economic situation in some villages. The great Marian devotion of the region, makes possible the appearance of luxurious decorations, chapels and polychromatic altarpieces and processional images of great interest. We can start our route through the Subbetica in Priego de Córdoba. This village is cradle of the Baroque movement of Cordoba, it has a group of churches o a great artistic value, such as the church of the Asunción, with its Sagrario chapel, masterpiece of the Baroque. We can also mention the churches of Aurora, San Francisco, San Pedro, Las Angustias, etc. We must add to all of them, the civil architecture, having its main representation in the Fountain of the King.

We continue the route visiting Cabra, which has a valuable historical heritage. Here, we can find the church of the Asunción and Angeles, decorated with red marble, the Church of Santo Domingo, San Juan de Dios, the Aguilar and Eslava Institute, the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Sierra, etc. We arrive to Lucena and its Baroque jewel, the chapel of the Sagrario in the San Mateo Parish Church. The churches of Santo Domingo, San Juan de Dios, the hermitage of Virgen de Araceli in the Aras Mountain, San Agustin with its oval floor, and several palaces and manor houses, are also of great interest. Other villages with important baroque examples are: Encinas Reales, with the very important hermitage of Jesús del Calvario. Benamejí, with its XVII century Inmaculada Concepción Parish Church. Palenciana has the San Miguel Parish Church, XVIII century, with a camarin (Little chapel) devoted to the virgen of Araceli.

Route of the Reservoir of Iznajar The Subbética is an authentic hydric reserve, its water supplies the water tributaries and streams of the Guadajoz and Geníl rivers, which later, lead into the mother river of Andalucia, the Guadalquivir river. This route includes the visit to Palenciana, Forest Park located over the river and the Path of the Barca that links Palenciana and Benamejí, where you can practice caving, canoing, rafting and bungee jumping in the Renaissance Bridge of Hernán Ruiz II; to highlight also,the fountain Dehesilla, a recreation area located in the bank of the river; Encinas Reales, Geníl river, Iznajar, where you can find the reservoir, the greatest inner amount of water in Andalucia, the village is practically an isle that seems to appear above the water that surrounds it, just joined to the land with bridges. Rute, with its jetty zone, and ideal place for doing activities such as the descending of Garganta del rio la Hoz, and Zambra, with the Anzur river source.

Active Tourism “Subbética Natural”, Turismo Activo – www.subbeticanatural.com Equestrian Centre “La Garrocha”, Cabra – www.lagarrocha.net “Casa del Burro”, Rute - www.casadelburro.com Nautical School “Alúa”, Iznájar – 955 110 776 Geasur Paintball, Rute – 605 817 553 Paintball Priego de Córdoba – www.paintballpriego.es Gr7 Aventura – www.gr7aventura.com “Salta Ríos”, Adventure Tourism – www.saltarios.es

GETAWAYS Villages of the Subbetica: Almedinilla: The Iberian settlement of Cerro de la Cruz and the Roman Villa of El Ruedo. Benamejí: Inmaculada Concepción Parish Church and the Renaissance Bridge of Hernán Ruiz II. Cabra: The Hermitage of the Virgen de la Sierra, the Medieval Quarter of the Cerro, the Castle-palace of the Condes de Cabra and the Asunción and Ángeles Parish Church. Doña Mecía: The Castle, Ntra. Sra. de la Consolación Church, the Hermitage of the Espíritu Santo, hermitage and the viewpoint of El Calvario. Encinas Reales: the Hermitage of Jesús de las Penas, known as El Calvario, Ntra. Sra. de la Expectación Church. Fuente Tojar: Ntra. Sra. del Rosario Parish Church, Cerro de las Cabezas, Calvario. Iznajar: The Castle, Santiago Apóstol Parish Church, viewpoints, hermitage of the Antigua or of the Piedad. Lucena: San Mateo Parish Church , Castle of Moral, Sanctuary of Virgen de Araceli, Santo Domingo Parish Church, Chapel of Jesús Nazareno. Luque: Castle and old walls, Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción Parish Church, hermitage of the Aurora, the Clock Tower. Palenciana: San Miguel Church, path of Camino de la Barca, path of Arroyo de las Cañas. Priego: Fountain of the King, La Villa district, Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción Church, Royal Butcheries,The Castle. Rute: Museum of Anís, Craft Museum of the “mantecado”, “turrón” and marzipan, House-Museum of Jamón, Santa Catalina Mártir Parish Church, Chapel of San Sebastián. Zuheros:the the Castle, Cave of the Murciélagos, de los Remedios Church.

The nearest Andalusian capital cities: CÓRDOBA Carcabuey is located 90 km from Córdoba, linking the A-339, to Cabra with the A-45.You can visit the Great Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, The Jewish Quarter, the ancient ruins of Medina Azahara or the Alcazar (Palace) of the Christian Monarchs. GRANADA Carcabuey is located 87 km from Granada, going from Priego to Alcalá la Real , taking the N-432 road. You can visit the Alhambra, the Albaicín Quarter or Sacromonte. Sierra Nevada … JAÉN Carcabuey is located 75 km from Jaén, taking the A-333 to Priego, linking with theN432, and then take the A- 316. You can visit the Cathedral, The Castle of Santa Catalina, the route Úbeda-Baeza or the Natural Park of Cazorla. SEVILLA Carcabuey is located 190km from the capital of Andalucia, from Carcabuey to Lucena, take the A-318, after Puente Genil and Herrera, take the 0 exit to the A-92 to Sevilla.You can visit the Cathedral with the Giralda, the Torre del Oro or the Triana Quarter.

WHERE TO BUY

Grocery stores Comestibles Carmencita · Lucena Street, 13 Autoservicio Serrano · Mtro. Fco. Carmona Street Comestibles Patro Jiménez · Plazuela Cruz de los Mozos Comestibles Casa Garrido · Obispo Pérez Muñoz Street, 7 (homemade “chorizo”) Comestibles Mª. Ángeles Reyes · Priego Street, 2 Frutas Castro · Pilarejo Street, 8 Comestibles Patrocinio Linares · Pilarejo Street, 16 Autoservicio García Arroyo · Baja Santa Ana Street, 6 (Meat and homemade charcuterie) Autoservicio David García · Arenal Street, 4 (Meat and homemade charcuterie) Carnicería Eduardo · Abastos Square (Meat and homemade charcuterie) Pescadería Virgen de la Aurora · Baja de Santa Ana Street, 5

Bakeries Panadería Hermanos Garrido · Pilar Street, 27 Panadería Marín · Majadilla Street, 14

Pastry shop Pastelería Artesanal Hija de Paulina Martos · R.D. Benítez Street, 17

Olive Oil Almazaras de la Subbética · Pilarejo Street, s/n (unnumbered) Cabra – Alcala la Real, A-339 Road, km. 17,8 Marín Serrano El Lagar S.L. · Carmen Street, 24 Aroden S.A.T · Cabra – Alcala la Real, A-339 Road, km 19,5

Cheese Quesería Artesanal El Palancar · A-339 Cabra-Priego Road, km. 15

Others Variety shop Ramón Molina · España Square Tobacconist’s El Pitillo · Santa Ana Street, 24 Stationery shop Mª. Carmen Zamorano · Dr. Federico Soria Street, 2 Haberdashery Conchita · Santa Ana Street, 8 Variety shop Carcabuey · Iglesia Street, 6

BARS AND RESTAURANTS

Restaurants  Abrasador la Ronda · Constitución Avenue, 5 · 957553374  Restaurante La Zamora ·Road. A·339, Cabra- Alcalá la Real, km. 14,800 · 957704208  Mesón La Discoteca · San Isidro Street, 75 · 957553175  Restaurante El Ceibo ·Costitución Avenue, s/n (unnumbered) · 957704212  Restaurante “La Olla” · La Hoya Street, 7 · 670908599  Mesón Rafi · Barrio de Algar · 957553004

Tapas  Casa Esteban · Majadilla Street, 35 · 957553402  Casa Adelina · España Square, 7 · 957553551  Bar La Planchilla · Baja de Santa Ana Street, 2 · 957553253  Bar Curro · Andalucía Square, 1 · 677482155  Bar Carruca · Santa Ana Street, 19

Takeaway restaurants  Delicias y Manjares · Pilar Street, 2 · 957553277  Donalss · Baja de Santa Ana Street, 11 · 679106043

Cafeterias  Bar Pedro · Santa Ana Street, 4  Bar Carruca · Santa Ana Street, 19  Bar Pitillo · Santa Ana Street, 22

Nightclubs  Pub Manhattan · Majadilla Street, 32  Disco Hécate · San Andrés Street, 5  Bar Pitillo · Baja de Santa Ana Street, 22  Kiosko Bar Chapetas · España Square  Bar Porron · Cabra Street, 4

WHERE TO SLEEP Name La Leona Entresierras El Tejar Viejo Cortijo Palitroques La Posada de Adul La Venta La Forcada La Torna El Membrillo Casa Aurora La Noria Puente Piedra La Algallumbilla La Huerta La Pililla El Rincón Huerta las Palomas La Zamora I y II Cortijo el Masegal Montecillo Bajo Hostal La Zamora Molino de Las Palomas La Cubilla La Cruz Blanca Los Mármoles El Rodeo Molino Macegal Villa Teresa La Moncloa El Carmen Casa La Grana Casa La Higuera La Solana El Barranco Casa Eufemia El Cañuelo

Web http://www.toprural.com www.casasruralesandalucia.com www.eltejarviejo.com www.cortijopalitroques.com http://www.toprural.com www.casalaventa.com http://www.toprural.com http://www.toprural.com www.casarural-elmembrillo.com www.casasruralesaurora.com www.casasruralesaurora.com www.casaruralpuentepiedra.com www.casarural-elmembrillo.com www.fotorural.com www.casalapililla.com www.casaelrincon.es http://www.andaluciatipica.com www.lazamora.com www.cortijoelmasegal.com www.montecillobajo.com www.hostal-lazamora.com www.elmolinodelaspalomas.com www.lacubilla.com http://www.toprural.com http://www.toprural.com www.cortijorodeo.es http://www.toprural.com www.viviendaruralvillateresa.com www.quintapompeia.com www.quintapompeia.com www.casahiguera.com http://www.andaluciatipica.com www.casaeufemia.es www.elcanuelodecarcabuey.com

Telephone number 667317933 / 677491629 696556827 653643211/654742384 680715031 669426662 680483643 637889283 619227394 659754006 665972356 665972356 606907747/679269563 659754006 600009703 652432307 600009703 607981681 957553380 608092228 626072874 639212402 607404462 670479852/677606753 957720320 636925145 636976313 616917620 629761469 667748848 667748848 680715031 696662788 957553502 607981681 666921568 687961928

HOW TO ARRIVE

Thanks to its geographical location, just in the middle of our region, Carcabuey is only one hour away from Costa del Sol, Córdoba, Granada and Jaén, and less than two hours drive from Sevilla. Carcabuey has different ways of accessing, the most representative roads are: From Córdoba: take the highway A-45 to Málaga, then take the Lucena (North)-Puente Genil exit, link road in the A-318 until Lucena, continue to Cabra and take the 47 exit · Cabra (East)-Priego de Córdoba - Alcalá la Real, continue to A-339, take the detour to Carcabuey. From Málaga: take the highway A-45 to Córdoba, then take the 56 Lucena (North) Puente-Genil exit, link road in the A-318, continue to Lucena and Cabra and take the 47 exit · Cabra (East)-Priego de Córdoba Alcalá la Real, continue to A-339, take the detour to Carcabuey. Desde Sevilla: take the highway A-92 to Granada-Málaga. Take the 106 exit: Estepa, Puente Genil, Herrera. Continue to Lucena andCabra along the A-339, take the detour to Carcabuey.

Nearest Airports Málaga Airport · García Morato Avenue, s/n · Tlf. 952 048 0838 San Pablo National Airport, Sevilla · Nacional IV Madrid-Cádiz road, km 532 · Tlf. 954 449 000 Madrid airport · De la Hispanidad Avenue, s/n · Tlf. 913 058 656 Train Stations Renfe Córdoba · Abel Pascual Street, s/n · Tlf. 957 402 060 Renfe Puente Genil · A-340 Road, km. 8,500 · Tlf. 902 432 343 Renfe Sevilla · Kansas City Avenue, s/n · Tlf. 902 432 343 Renfe Málaga · Explanada de la Estación Street · Tlf. 902 432 343 Bus Stations Córdoba · Glorieta de Las Tres Culturas, s/n · Tlf. 957 404 040 Lucena · Federico García Lorca Street, 3 · Tlf. 957 501 632 Priego · Ntra. Sra., de los Remedios Street · Tlf. 957 701 875 Cabra · Pedro Iglesias Avenue, s/n · Tlf. 957 521 710 (s/n=unnumbered)

TELEPHONES OF INFORMATION AND OF USEFUL INTEREST

HOSPITAL  Hospital Infanta Margarita 20 kilómetros far away, in the nearby town of Cabra, Góngora Avenue Tlf. of Information - 957021325 THE TOWN HALL España Square, 1 957 55 30 18 HEADQUARTER OF GUARDIA CIVIL Cuesta Centella Street, 4 957 55 30 20 PHARMACY Santa Ana Street, 10 957 55 30 07 MEDICAL CENTER Pilarejo Street 957 55 96 41 EMERGENCY SERVICE 902 505 061 FIRE SERVICE 957 70 03 65 TRANSPORT SERVICE AUTOBUSES CARRERA Córdoba · 957 404 040 Lucena · 957 501 632 BUS AND TAXI SERVICES PEDRO ZAMORANO 957 553084 RURAL TAXI SERVICE 626136550 – 678503030 THE SUBBETICA Ctra. Carcabuey – Zagrilla, km. 5,7