Discover Castro Del Río: Fortress District, Nature and Holiday Apartments

Castro Del Río begins in the Barrio de la Villa: Founded in the 12th century, the fortified district features white houses, squares, and narrow, steep streets. The historic fabric includes the Recinto Amurallado, an irregularly shaped fortification dated to the Almohad period of the 13th century; the Castillo Fortaleza is attached at one end. The Castillo Fortaleza is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). Its essentially square layout, with a parade ground and corner towers, appears to date back to the 14th century; the cylindrical tower contains a cistern with a capacity of 80 cubic metres.

Other destinations in the region include Fuente del Conde, Doña Rama, Moriles, La Guijarrosa, Palenciana, Santa Cruz, Huertas Bajas de Cabra and Silillos.

Culture and history

The Pósito Municipal houses permanent exhibitions, including the Centro de Interpretación de la Madera del Olivo and the Museo de Usos y Costumbres. The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) and is one of the first rural churches in the Diocese of Córdoba. The Iglesia de Jesús Nazareno was built between 1700 and 1733; its main altarpiece was created by Gaspar Lorenzo de los Cobos in 1734.

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Salud was established in the early years of the 17th century. Its altarpiece is made of carved and polychrome-painted wood. The Romería procession in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Salud crosses the Río Guadajoz and takes place on the first Saturday in June. Semana Santa is also one of the town's notable traditions: since 21 March 2001, it has held the designation “de Interés Turístico Nacional de Andalucía”.

Castro Del Río is associated with Miguel de Cervantes: he visited the town several times, arrived there in 1587 and was imprisoned there on one occasion. Today, Castro Del Río is one of the ten municipalities on the Ruta de Blas Infante.

Crafts and local traditions

The craft tradition of Castro Del Río includes the production of olive-wood furniture using traditional carving and construction techniques. These include chairs, armchairs, rocking chairs and decorative objects. In October, the Ars Olea craft fair in the Barrio de la Villa brings together olive-wood crafts, gastronomy and the culture of the olive tree.

The Reñidero de Gallos is one of Spain's oldest cockfighting venues. It is currently active without betting; individual annual trials for breeding selection, breed improvement and export continue to take place.

Nature on the Río Guadajoz

The Río Guadajoz surrounds Castro Del Río. Sections of gallery forest have been preserved in its riparian woodland, serving as a refuge for wild flora and fauna. Castro Del Río is one of Spain's Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Small, agriculturally used gardens lie on gently defined terraces in the Río Guadajoz valley.

Routes between Córdoba and Granada

The linear Sendero Cordel de la Campiña–GR 43 hiking trail runs through the municipalities of Córdoba, Castro Del Río and Baena and can be travelled on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. A 180-kilometre route between Córdoba and Granada passes through Castro Del Río and is used by pilgrims travelling on foot and by bicycle.

The main branch of this 180-kilometre route passes through Castro Del Río and runs via Espejo, Baena, Alcaudete, Castillo de Locubín and Alcalá la Real. The different route lengths and modes of travel help you compare options and organise your own planning.

Cuisine and events

Traditional dishes from Castro Del Río during Semana Santa include spinach with chickpeas and fried cod. Traditional cuisine also includes albóndigas, albondigón and flamenquines; olive oil is highlighted as a particularly important ingredient. A gastronomic event dedicated to bacalao includes cooking competitions, wine tastings and the promotion of cod products.

To the main travel overview: Cordoba.