Benamejí: La Silera, the Genil River and historic routes

The La Silera archaeological site in Benamejí, Córdoba, is protected as a Site of Cultural Interest with the classification of an archaeological zone. The site consists of an underground structure carved into the rock, whose function was presumably to store agricultural produce. La Silera is considered unique in Andalusia because no similar agricultural storage facilities are known to exist there.

Culture

The Centro-Museo La Duquesa de Benamejí explores historical and romantic banditry, examining it through literature, music, painting, visual arts, theatre and film, among other forms. At the Museo de la Duquesa de Benamejí, visitors can take a historical tour through 19th-century romantic banditry. Another link to this history is provided by the Ruta del Tempranillo: the tourist route is inspired by the legend of the romantic bandit José María “El Tempranillo”, runs through the provinces of Córdoba, Seville and Málaga, and in Córdoba connects Jauja, Lucena, Benamejí and Palenciana, among other places.

History

The earliest settlements in Benamejí are associated with the Castillo de Gómez Arias. The site overlooks the Genil River and lies in a somewhat remote landscape south of the town; Benamejí’s origins date back to the 9th century.

The Puente Renacentista Hernán Ruiz II is a 16th-century bridge spanning the Genil River along the old road to Antequera. In 2001, it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Hernán Ruiz II designed the bridge; among his fully completed engineering works, it is his only entirely new-build example.

The Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción was built on the instructions of Don Diego de Bernuy, the first Marquis of Benamejí, and is considered a representative example of Cordoban Baroque. Inside, there is a large collection of paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Nature

The Genil River crosses Benamejí from east to west in a strongly meandering and deeply incised course. Parts of the western municipal area feature rugged terrain and very steep slopes. The riverside woodland along the Genil River includes tamarisks as well as centuries-old alders, elms and poplars, combining natural vegetation with vegetation shaped by human activity.

La Grieta de Benamejí is one of Andalusia’s most significant geological phenomena and almost caused part of the town of Benamejí to disappear. The viewpoint on Paseo Reina Sofía, popularly known as La Grieta, offers views of the Castillo de Gómez Arias and the Puente Renacentista Hernán Ruiz II.

Experiences

The Ruta de las Norias del Río Genil is a circular route through reforested pinewoods, olive groves, gardens, orchards and riverside woodland along the Genil River. It leads to the waterwheels of Huerta de las Cruces, Isla de San Miguel and Campo del Castillo, which are attributed an Arab origin.

The route includes the course of the PR-A 160, known as the Camping Route, as well as part of the Paisajes con Historia hiking trail: Ruta de las Norias del Río Genil. The course of the Genil River near Benamejí is suitable for active tourism activities such as canoeing, rafting, bungee jumping and canyoning. The Centro de Actividades del Río Genil serves as a reception centre for visitors who come to Benamejí and El Tejar to travel downstream along the Genil River.

Traditions

Benamejí Bandolera is an organised activity offering an immersive historical experience in Benamejí. “La Duquesa de Benamejí” was a cultural event held in Benamejí at the end of July 2024, connected with the local identity. On 15 August, Benamejí’s patron saint, Nuestra Señora de Gracia Coronada, is brought down into the town and remains in the Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción until 13 September.

Other places at a glance: El Vacar, Aguilar De La Frontera, Añora, Santa Cruz, Posadas, Nueva Carteya, Puente Genil, Monturque

To the main travel overview: Cordoba.