Culturally significant landscape in Montoro

Understand

The municipality of Montoro is located in the eastern part of the province of Córdoba, where it borders the province of Jaén. Part of the comarca of Alto Guadalquivir and 42.6 km (26.5 mi) from the province’s capital Córdoba, it spans 584.84 km (363.40 mi) and is crossed by the A-4 motorway (Autovía del Sur) between 353 km (219 mi) and 366 km (227 mi), as well as the N-420 carriageway. Both the A-4 and N-420 have exits in Montoro. The municipality is linked to Córdoba by road and train, as well as by road to nearby towns and villages, such as Bujalance (via the A-309 ).

The landscape of Montoro is characterised by three main features: its mountains and foothills, open countryside, and the plain around the River Guadalquivir. The latter forms a natural border while also creating a truly unique and stunning landscape. The town, whose past has been shaped by the Iberians, Greeks, Romans and Moors, is perched on a small hill surrounded by and divided into two by the river. This offers a stunning sight when viewed from a distance.

Montoro is perched on the top of a 195-metre hill, surrounded on three sides by the River Guadalquivir. This strategic location has meant that different civilisations throughout history have sought to control the town, and thus communications between the Guadalquivir Valley and Sierra Morena. In addition to offering natural protection and a privileged site from which to control the surrounding area, Montoro’s location also meant easy access to water for its residents. As such, humans have inhabited the place that is now Montoro since the end of the Bronze Age (1200 BC to 700 BC). This led to the founding of a significant Ibero-Turdetani settlement, remains of which can be seen at the Llanete de los Moros archaeological site, located just by the current bullring. The town underwent an extensive process of Romanisation, beginning at the end of the 3rd century BC, when it was known as Epora (meaning ‘someone that looks over something’ in Greek). As such, some historians have drawn a link between its name and strategic role as a stronghold overlooking the Guadalquivir. The signing of alliance treaties (foedera) with Rome during the

Get in

The route takes place in Montoro, 42.6 km (26.5 mi) from the city of Córdoba, which can be reached via the A-4 , N-420 or A-309 . The route can be made by foot.

Drive

1 Mirador del Imperio Romano: El Retamar, the river and the mountains Route: Mirador del Imperio Romano to Calle Herrerías, on the corner of N-420 .

The route begins at the viewpoint known as 1 Mirador del Imperio Romano (Viewpoint of the Roman Empire). From here, you can see how the River Guadalquivir makes it way from the south-east, surrounding the town. To the south, the river has created an area of lush vegetation that almost entirely covers the medieval 2 Cascajar watermills, once used to make flour. To the east, you will see the whitewashed 3 neighbourhood of El Retamar. To the west is the fountain known as 4 fuente del Pilar de las Herrerías and the town’s distinctive red and white houses. To the north, the river bends around the town, makes its way under Puente Mayor bridge and then disappears from view. It is well worth taking a moment to take in the stunning sight of the lush riverbank, the river, El Retamar and the distant olive groves, whilst listening to the trickling water of the river. The route continues along 5 Mirador Lineal, a scenic path above the Guadalquivir. To your left, you will see a line of whitewashed houses perched delicately on the red sandstone rock upon which Montoro is built. You will pass by one of Montoro’s many fountains, known as 6 fuente del Pilar de Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Just by this you will see a Station of the Cross. Both are reminders of the importance of water and the traditional Crosses of May in the town. After passing this fountain, continue straight along Calle Camino Nuevo, which takes you to 7 Puente Mayor (also known as Puente de las Donadas).

2 Puente Mayor: connecting the medieval town and historic neighbourhood of El Retamar Route: 8 Mirador lineal (scenic path) above the Guadalquivir, parallel to N-420 , and calle 9 Camino Nuevo (15 minutes).

From 10 Puente Mayor, you can truly appreciate the importance of this bridge, which was built in the 16th century. Its location is no coincidence, with the narrowest point in the valley formed by the Guadalquivir (known as Cincela del Rastro) being chosen. The bridge is known locally as Puente de las Donadas, alluding to the fact that it is belie

Safety

The places included on the route are safe and have low rates of crime. However, the usual safety precautions should be taken, such as locking your car and keeping your eye on your rucksack and other personal belongings. As in the rest of Spain, the Guardia Civil is responsible for policing the countryside, although Montoro does have its own local police force. On many parts of the route, there are no areas of shade. As such, you should use sun cream and a hat when the weather is hot. A number of sections are not fully accessible and may require outdoor wear and walking boots.

Emergencies-112, ☏ 112. Guardia Civil, ☏ 062.

Stay healthy The hospitals nearest to the points along the route are:

1 Centro de Salud Montoro, C/ Senda Golosilla, 14600, Montoro, Córdoba, ☏ +34 955545060. 2 Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Av. Menéndez Pidal, S/N, Córdoba, ☏ +34 955545060.