Discover Prado del Rey: Iptuci, Salt Pans and Culture

Prado del Rey combines archaeological heritage with nature and cultural experiences. The archaeological site of Iptuci belongs to Prado del Rey and Arcos de la Frontera, is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the archaeological zone category, and is included in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage. The municipality also includes natural heritage within the Los Alcornocales and Sierra de Grazalema nature parks.

Culture

Iptuci shows evidence of settlement from the Late Neolithic through to the Middle Ages. This includes the Colonia Ituci Virtus Iulia, founded in Roman times; the surviving defensive remains are open to the public. Visible remains include an approximately square defensive wall, massive semicircular towers, the remains of a barbican, and a necropolis with hypogea carved into sandstone.

History can also be encountered in various forms in the town itself. The parish church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen was built between 1830 and 1840 in the Neoclassical style as a basilica with three naves. It has an ornate altarpiece from the Church of the Encarnación in Arcos de la Frontera. The Paseo de los Azulejos is an urban walking route through the main streets of Prado del Rey, using tile panels to present local history and events.

The Pósito de Labradores was built in 1790 as a grain store and retains its original structure, with load-bearing walls, masonry supports and groin vaults. At the Centro de Interpretación Etnográfico Sierra de Cádiz, exhibitions are spread across two levels; three rooms are intended for projections and audiovisual content. Permanent exhibitions focus on Iptuci, the archaeological route of the White Villages, Sierra de Grazalema Nature Park and local customs.

Nature

The Salinas de Iptuci are located inland and are fed by saltwater springs. Their use began in Phoenician times and reached its peak during the Roman period. The Salinas de Iptuci route runs mostly through Los Alcornocales Nature Park and the municipality of Prado del Rey. It passes the salt pans, where visitors can stop for a guided tour.

For a view of the surrounding landscape, the Mirador de las Lomas is an excellent option: from there, visitors can admire the landscapes around them. The different natural and cultural areas give each trail and excursion its own focus.

Hiking

The Camino al Cerro Verdugo is a 1.4-kilometre hiking route of low difficulty, taking approximately 45 minutes. The Ruta Salinas, by contrast, is a 4.5-kilometre circular route that takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Different route lengths and duration estimates make it easier to plan the day realistically.

Traditions

Prado del Rey has a tradition of leatherworking that began in the 1960s and developed into the town’s most important economic activity. The tradition of growing grapes and making wine now makes it possible to sample various local wines reminiscent of the historic Pajarete wines.

The Concurso Nacional de Cante por Serranas has been held since 1972 and is listed in the Register of Andalusia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. In October, the Feria de la Miel takes place, featuring technical conferences, product exhibitions, a gastronomic competition, tastings and accompanying festive activities.

The Romería de San Isidro Labrador includes a procession with an ox-drawn wagon from the church to the Dehesa de Hortales. It is accompanied by carts, floats and riders, as well as music and dancing.

Getting there

Prado del Rey can be reached directly by road.

Further destinations: Zahara, El Bosque, Grazalema, Chiclana De La Frontera, San Fernando, Puerto Real, Villaluenga Del Rosario, Benalup Casas Viejas

To the main travel overview: Cadiz.