The temperate climate of the Huelva mountain range It makes it an ideal destination to escape at any time of the year, far from the hustle and bustle of the most touristy enclaves on the coast or large capitals such as Córdoba or Granada. Just 40 km from Portugal we find Corteganaone of the magical and most beautiful towns in Andalusia that combines its monuments and culture with a beautiful natural environment of great landscape value.
Located in the central area of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, at the western end of Sierra Morena, Cortegana is a typical mountain town that nevertheless has some peculiarities that make it unique. Its municipal area is divided into two parts: one, the urban core, in the heart of the Sierra, and another, to the south, in the southern Sierra and in Andévalo, the Dehesa de la Garnacha.
But what undoubtedly dominates the profile of this town and remains as a permanent guardian over its inhabitants is the imposing castle, whose origin however is a mystery. Although it is believed that its construction could have begun in the 13th century, it is not known for sure how this construction began, with a tower of tribute dating back to the times of the Catholic Monarchs.
Modified and restored on various occasions throughout its eventful history, the Cortegana Medieval Castle It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1985 and is a must-see to get to know it in depth in its two sectors, the fence or defensive environment, and the castle monument itself, converted today into a museum and place for cultural events.
After enjoying the visit you have to stop to calmly admire the magnificent views that offers the military construction, both of the town and the entire natural environment, and head back to the historic center to explore everything that Cortegana has to offer.
Cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses and manor housesold Mudejar houses, hermitageshistorical fountains, the public laundry, the beautiful buildings of the two casinos… there are many routes that can be followed through its well-kept streets and, when you whet your appetite, enjoy the local cuisine, where, of course, they stand out , the products of iberian pig.
Cortegana preserves in its gastronomic heritage such suggestive specialties as the aroma soup, the winter gazpacho -with potatoes, pork liver and paprika-, the migas with potatoes on rainy days, the mountain ratatouille or dishes with mushrooms when it is mycological season. Of course, there is no shortage of options for those with a sweet tooth, with Honey local as a luxury ingredient. Piñonates, pestiños, perrunillas, muffins, chicharrón cakes, melojas or ‘poleás’ are some of the typical desserts.
It is also worth saving a day or two to explore the natural environment that surrounds Cortegana, which boasts of being in a privileged enclave. Surrounded by pastures of holm oaks and cork oaksin addition to forests where the chestnutthe landscape is also dotted with olive groves, almond trees and fruit trees, with many orchards planted by residents around the urban center and the various villages.
All of this coexists with the typical vegetation of riparian forestwith trees such as poplars, poplars, ashes, alders and willows, closer to areas where waters flow that also attract many species of native fauna.
Thus, there are numerous trails and routes suitable for all ages that can be practiced in its surroundings, enjoying those pastures where pigs, cows and sheep usually run around and eat at will, or the pleasant landscape of forests crossed by streams and rivers, full of reeds and oleanders.
It is worth highlighting the lively life of the town around the different local festivals that are celebrated throughout the year, with the Pilgrimage of Saint Anthony of Padua as one of the most notable events that covers several days and is usually organized around June 13, without forgetting Holy Week, summer festivals or activities such as medieval fairs.
Images | iStock – Cadoalla – Cortegana Tourism
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