Fontanarejo: Nature, History and Holiday Apartment

Fontanarejo has preserved the tradition of Las Luminarias since the 16th century. It is linked to efforts to combat the plague that afflicted Fontanarejo in the 16th century. Las Luminarias include rosemary fires spread throughout Fontanarejo; after midnight, the Mayos are also sung to the Virgin Mary. In the evening, rosemary is burned to the sound of the church bell, filling the village with an intense rosemary fragrance and dense smoke. Typical dishes are shared during Las Luminarias.

When selecting a holiday apartment in Fontanarejo, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the respective offer pages.

Nature

The Bonal del Cerro de los Barranquillos, a protected micro-reserve designated in 2002, is located within the municipality of Fontanarejo. It is a wetland along the course of the Arroyo de los Barranquillos stream, with permanently standing surface water. The Iberian ribbed newt, six amphibian species and four reptile species live there. The Bonal del Cerro de los Barranquillos can be visited year-round; autumn and spring are particularly suitable. Daylight, normal temperatures and the company of a knowledgeable guide are recommended for the visit.

Trails and Landscape

From Fontanarejo, the Microfauna del Terreneuviense de Fontanarejo site can be reached via the Camino de Porzuna and is located approximately 2 km away. The route is classified as moderately difficult and takes about two and a half hours. The site is of paleontological importance: exceptionally well-preserved sponge remains from the Terreneuvian, sponge spicules and other articulated tissues were found there. It can be reached via an unpaved track suitable for tourist access.

The Ruta de Valdeja leads through a Mediterranean landscape with rockroses, rosemary, holm oaks and thyme. The trails in the Barranco de los Arroyuelos also lead into Fontanarejo’s Mediterranean landscape. From Cerro de la Centinela, there is a view of the dehesas of Cabañeros National Park.

Culture and History

The parish church of Iglesia Parroquial de San Felipe y Santiago was built between the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Inside the Iglesia de San Felipe y Santiago, the interior features pointed arches at different heights. Fontanarejo’s Dehesa Boyal preserves chozos and charcoal burners’ huts associated with traditional agropastoral activities. Remains of Iberian, Roman and Arab graves were found at El Castillejo. At Tarral de los Empredados, there are some remains from the Iron Age and the Roman period. Fontanarejo’s municipal festivals take place from 14 to 18 August.

Other Places

Other places for planning your own trip: Puebla del Príncipe, Argamasilla De Alba, San Carlos Del Valle, Calzada De Calatrava, Campo De Criptana, Retuerta Del Bullaque, Navalpino, San Lorenzo de Calatrava.

Townscape

Because of its hillside location, the centre of Fontanarejo has irregularly laid-out streets, houses that do not line up evenly and numerous stairways.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ciudad Real.