Discover Orce: Archaeology and Thermal Spring

Orce offers a far-reaching glimpse into the past. The prehistoric settlement of Cerro de la Virgen encompasses a sequence spanning the Copper Age and Bronze Age through to later Roman, Byzantine and medieval settlement phases. Four stretches of wall, a Copper Age water supply system and numerous residential structures have been preserved at the site.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Orce, booking websites allow travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions to be considered separately. Depending on your personal plans, one of these details may carry more weight than the others. The information provides different points of reference for making your own choice.

Archaeology and History

The Cuenca de Orce also forms part of this archaeological focus. Within the municipality of Orce, it is registered in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage as an archaeological zone with the protected status of Bien de Interés Cultural.

The archaeological zone of the Cuenca de Orce encompasses numerous sites that provide important insights into the context of the first expansion of hominins beyond Africa.

The Interpretation Centre

At the Centro de Interpretación Primeros Pobladores de Europa „José Gibert“, the journey through time reaches 1.5 million years into the past. The centre explains what the climate, flora and exotic fauna in the Granada Geopark looked like.

The interpretation centre is located in a cave house and focuses on the life and work of the German archaeologist Wilhem Schülle. The Centro de Interpretación Primeros Pobladores de Europa „José Gibert“ offers guided tours for tourist and school groups.

At Cerro de la Virgen, the focus is on preserved traces of settlement, while the centre presents the very extensive time frame through climate, flora and exotic fauna. For planning purposes, the site, protected zone and interpretation venue can be considered as different thematic focal points.

For visits to the Castillo de las 7 Torres during the rest of the year, please contact the Oficina de Turismo.

Fuencaliente and Recreation

Fuencaliente is a thermal spring in the floodplain of the Río Orce; its water emerges all year round at a constant temperature of 21 °C.

The Fuencaliente thermal spring has been developed into a public swimming pool with gardens and a recreation area. Fuencaliente is open all year round, and admission is free.

Festivals and Tastings

Orce's Mercado Medieval has taken place every year on the first Sunday in August since it was founded in 1999.

The Feria Ecológica del Altiplano takes place every year in Orce and brings together farmers, livestock keepers, local producers, institutions and visitors. It offers tastings of traditional tomato varieties and also includes a large market for organic products.

The Festival Audiovisual Internacional Origen includes wine tastings.

More Locality Pages

Additional locality pages expand the selection: Belicena, Capileira, Lopera, Moraleda De Zafayona, Ogíjares, Pampaneira, Nigüelas, Zagra

For the overarching travel overview: Granada.