It is located in the north of the province of Huelva, 104 kilometers from the capital, 800 km from Seville and a height of 700 meters above the sea. It is a white village, immaculate by the state of their houses and streets, wherein low rise and whitewashed houses, built with an Andalusian style and where the grates are not lacking for decorating facades. Stoned limestone soil are found in almost all the village. It has grown in the last years and that has transformed some parts of the town, where 6,600 people are counted.
Aracena desde el castillo, by icases, at flickr.com
Aracena is the tourist center par excellence, in the mountains north of Huelva, therefore its main attractions include the Cave of Wonders or the Church of the Castle, for the many guest houses, where you can enjoy good food and of course , excellent ham. It is also a good place, for shopping, mainly crafts and antiques.
Jamon de Huelva by Jesus Belzunce Gómez
There is not a very precise documentation of the origin of Aracena, to determine its history; although most sources agree that this is a Roman settlement. According to the formation of the name of Aracena, this one would mean that it was the property of someone named Aretius or Arcius.
Aracena was for centuries a place of border disputes and altercations between troops from different armies. In 1251, the troops of Alfonso I of Portugal expelled the Arabs, restoring the city to the Kingdom of Portugal. After some years of disputes, between Castile and Portugal, for dominance of the region by the "Treaty of Badajoz", in 1267, it passed to belong to the Castilian kings. Alfonso X gave the city to the Templars, under whose jurisdiction in 1312. En remained until 1649, becomes dependent on the Count Duke of Olivares and, in the eighteenth century, the Count of Altamira. The nineteenth century would bring new war events, due to the French invasion and the War of Independence.
In one of the nearby mountains, called "The cock crows", it took place one of the bloodiest battles, in recent memory. Aracena was declared city, officially in 1901, by the Queen Regent. In the last decade has been very important, for the local economy, the tourist phenomenon, although it remains current agricultural and livestock tradition.
A walk through the village, you can admire some of popular architecture such as the Muslim houses and streets Trinity Mother and Francisco Rincón; and the stately homes of the second half of the nineteenth century and early twentieth, in the streets Barbers, Constitution, Hope and Campito (little field).
In Constitucion Street is also located a Renaissance house, in the sixteenth century. Also you can see buildings of the "Sevillian School", designed by architect, Anibal Gonzalez, author of the Square of Spain in Seville. For example: the Casino Arias Montano, the Market Square and the Town Hall.
GRUTA DE LAS MARAVILLAS (Cave of Wonders): In Pozo de la nieve, s/n (without number). Telephone number: 959 12 83 55. Horary: There is a pass every hour between 10:30 h. and 13:30 h. In the evenings, also a pass between 15:30 h. and 18:00 h. Guided by groups with a limited number of people visit takes place. You have to wait for the group to be formed to begin the tour. Admission: 8 euros (adults). Discounts for students and seniors . The tour of the Cave of Wonders , the most extensive of Spain, is a foray into the interior of the earth, where you can admire so beautiful underground stalactites and stalagmites and spectacular lakes. It is altogether an extension of 1200 meters and it usually lasts for an hour. The loaded lime water for centuries has dripped slowly and has created the particular formations of this space. Before falling to the ground, leaving droplets carrying lime, resulting in a bizarre landforms. The tour of the cave begins with "Cathedral", which received its name because the formations resemble the vertical tubes of the organs of the Cathedrals. From there, the rooms follow one another, leaving the visitor speechless. “The brights hall ", "The bath of the Sultana" , “The emerald lake" or “The glassware of God" ( particularly interesting, because, in this room, occur the calls eccentrics, similar to stalactites formations but which "grow" in all directions), among others.
CASTLE AND CASTLE CHURCH: High on a hill, from which an excellent panoramic you will make out the village and the whole region, you will find the ruins of the old castle. There are little remains of the fortress. On the contrary, remains in fairly good condition the castle church. This is not a construction of very large gothic production, with three naves of the same height, and it is dated in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Some historians claim that it hosted the Templar order. Attached to the church, there is a magnificent tower, built in the Moorish style, shown in perfect condition. All constructs were declared historical-artistic whole, in 1931.
Aracena-Iglesia y Castillo de Aracena, Huelva, South western Spain
OLD TOWN HALL: This is an attractive building, situated in the Upper Square (Plaza Alta), opposite the parish, on the road up to the castle. It was formerly the Town Hall. It was built between the XIV to XVI centuries. Currently conditioning, is one more network information center of the Natural Park.
CHURCH OF ASSUMPTION: Also in the Plaza Alta, the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, in Renaissance style, was built in the sixteenth century. Its aspect, at least seeing it from the Plaza, is a real square mass of stone. It is assumed that during construction, the project was supervised by the same Juan de Herrera (the architect of the monastery of El Escorial, Madrid).
CONVENT OF SANTA CATALINA: Plaza de Santa Catalina. This building of the fourteenth century, Mudejar, was an ancient Jewish synagogue, then cloistered convent. Inside there is a baroque altar. Today belongs to the Carmelite Mothers and this asset: the cloistered convent rich developed handmade sweets.
CASINO ARIAS MONTANO: Street Marques de Aracena. In the colorful main square of the city, the most prominent building is the Casino, with modernist style and built in 1910. It is a work by the architect Anibal Gonzalez, who apparently was inspired by the Austrian modernism. Its function was to provide a place of recreation for the more affluent sectors of the early twentieth Aracena. Was built, shortly after, another building of similar function, but for the lower classes in the same place: the Casino Workers. It is at number 7. It also existed a Casino Craftsmen, burned during the Civil War, for that guild, which constituted the middle class at the beginning of the century.
CHURCH OF EL CARMEN: Street José Nogales. The Church of el Carmen is Mudejar style and dates from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The belfry is back, as it responds to the neoclassical taste.
HAM MUSEUM: Street Gran Via. Phone: 959 12 79 95. museodeljamon@ayto-aracena.es.. Horary: Monday to Sunday, guided tours every 40 minutes between 11 and 17 hours, approximately. Attendance: 3 Euros (adults), 2 Euros (under 18) or 2.5 Euros (over 65 years).
The new attraction of Aracena is this fantastic museum, dedicated to the most celebrated product of the Sierra de Huelva: The Iberian ham. The museum, which is a guided visit, reviews all aspects of the culture of ham and pork in general, in the area: history, geographical and climatic conditions, elaboration of ham ..... It is a very well thought out and conditioned Museum, with an audiovisual projection and modern and didactic panels, that provide insight really fun facts, quoted this product. It is a must visit.
The Museum of Ham, Aracena, Huelva, South western Spain
Here you have three recommended excursions:
FUENTEHERIDOS: Road to Jabugo from Aracena to the left of the road, it passes through this village, now living mainly thanks to fruit. At the entrance of the population, you can see a marble cross seventeenth century; Once in town, you have to come to its source 12 pipes near there, in the square of El Coso, you can be one of the oldest inns in the area, all the old area of Fuenteheridos is considered historical and artistic set. The most prominent landmark is the church of the Holy Spirit, the church tower (XVIII century) is a curious one, with square floor and built of brick, it is topped with a pyramidal roof of ceramic. From 1 km, in the direction of Portugal, are the Botanical Gardens of Villa Onuba, designed early in the century by the German Guillermo Sundheim, with over 100 different species of trees.
CORTEGANA: Situated 100 km from Huelva, between Aroche and Jabugo. Cortegana is the second population of the mountain and is a town of white walls, with narrow cobbled streets, including old houses remain. Stresses especially its castle high on a hill, with magnificent views of the town and the best preserved of the entire province. As part of the urban core, the Church of the Divine Savior, Moorish building of the first half of the fourteenth century and the chapel of San Sebastian, Gothic-Mudejar also known as "The Saint".
Cortegana, by CLUB DE AJEDREZ LINEX_MAGIX, at flickr.com
NATURAL PARK SIERRA OF ARACENA AND PEAKS OF AROCHE: With an area of 186,000 hectares, extending on the western edge of the Sierra Morena, north of the province, bordering the provinces of Badajoz, Seville and Portugal. Regarding vegetation, we must stress the importance of oaks, oak groves, whose exploitation has led to the area, a major source of income, either through the cork or exploiting the abundant pastures and acorns, for breeding pigs. As for animals, we must mention the presence of golden eagles, driveways, snakes and Bonelli, and black vultures, kestrels, storks, mongoose, lynx, genets and otters.
Now, I want to show you some lodgings of rural tourism:
HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY LA SILLADILLA: Road Los Romeros, Jabugo Telephone number: 959 50 13 50. Fax: 959 50 13 51. www.silladilla.com silladi@teleline.es .It is located in the village of Los Romeros, in the heart of the Natural Park of the Sierra of Aracena and Peaks of Aroche, near Jabugo. Placed in a fantastic estate of 130 hectares, with springs, trails, much woodland, it is a rural hotel, which has been restored several farmhouses, it consists of a main building, which houses have 11 rooms, with terrace and all comforts: air conditioning, heating, television, minibar and bathroom with tub. And common shares as a living room with fireplace and a conference room for 20 people. And full rental houses. Each house has a different color and furniture, decorative touches successful among them bronze fixtures, huge pieces of mahogany and chestnut, Portuguese ceramics and antique furniture. Each accommodation has a garden, walkway, barbecue and separate outdoor parking.
The offer is completed with 2 outdoor pools, one with Jacuzzi and jets of air. Delicatessen shop and a little bar. But it has no restaurant service. Only breakfast is served in the rooms.
HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY VALBONO (H ***): Road Aracena-Carboneras, km 1. Aracena. Telephone number: 959 12 77 11. Fax: 959 12 75 76. valbono@wanadoo.es Located in the Sierra , amidst a forest of chestnut trees and cork oaks and 1 km from Aracena, in an area of great ecological and surrounded by a large estate value. The hotel consists of a main , liming and modern building with the typical Andalusian building, 3 cottages and 14 farmhouses. It has very good sports facilities, conveniently separate accommodations. The hotel has 6 double rooms with heating, bathroom, telephone, air conditioning, living room with fireplace and terrace. The farmhouses have a kitchen, bathroom, fireplace and separate exit and are decorated in rustic furniture. In addition, there are 3 buildings targeting groups accommodation hostel type. Jardin. Terrace. Pool. Bicycle Rental. Equestrian Centre, where there are riding lessons. Football field. Tennis Court. Padel. Volleyball. Parking. Service à la carte restaurant, predominantly related to the Iberian pork, mushrooms and some dishes like oxtail and tripe dishes. Good traditional desserts.
HOTEL GALAROZA SIERRA: Road Sevilla-Lisboa, km 103. Galaroza. Telephone number: 959 123 237. Fax: 959 123236. www.hotelgalaroza.com información@hotelgalaroza.com . Located in the town of Galaroza. The hotel is a modern, comfortable, air Andalusian building and several houses rustic decoration and mountain, located in the hotel grounds and spread over the hotel grounds. It has 2 single rooms, 17 doubles and 3 triples; all with bathroom, telephone, TV, heating and views of the Sierra. It also has 7 small bungalows or mountain homes with separate access, located beside the pool and have one bedroom or two bedrooms, both with ensuite bathroom with bath, air conditioning, satellite television, telephone and fireplace. The hotel has a lounge with TV and quite another wider, where you can plan from a business meeting to a celebration for 100 people. Cafeteria. Terrace. Barbecue. Gardens. Pool. Parking. Handicapped access. Pets are allowed, only in bungalows. It has a typical restaurant called "The Oaks Forest", where they offer typical local specialties such as stew, mainly consisted of potatoes, pork ribs and liver stew.
Hotel Galaroza Sierra, Huelva, South western Spain
HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY GOOD WINE (H*): Deviation of the N-433 Marines. Telephone number: 959 12 40 34 Fax:. 959 50 10 29. Look for information, because it does not open all year. 7 km from Aracena. Attractive and small rural type accommodation with a warm and cozy decor. It has five bedrooms, with separate bathroom. In the same building, there is a small rental house in the middle of a forest, with three bedrooms, bathroom and fireplace .. The price includes breakfast. The property has a swimming pool.
THE PATIO: A cottage, situated in the urbanization San Roque. Telephone number: 959 12 89 94.The house, run by Maria Jesus, adds two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and patio.. It's simple, but it's pretty good.
RESTAURANTS:
The local cuisine is a compendium of dishes derived from iberian pork products, from vegetable garden and forest areas, with great wealth and mycological resources such as nuts and game meat. Popular cuisine is represented in stews such as mushrooms and chestnuts, garlic soup, gazpacho winter, slaughter and crumbs broth. The range of restaurants is concentrated mostly in the vicinity of the Cave of Wonders, but if you get to Aracena, in low season, it is likely that, at night, no restaurant open is found, because which you can find near the cave, only open at noon.
CASAS (HOUSES): Beside the Cave of Wonders . Telepkone number: 959 12 80 44. It is a small restaurant, with a rustic and typical decoration of the mountain, but kept detailed. It is one of the first restaurants, which ran across this region. It opened in 1948. Then, It had five tables. In 1958, supply increased and could serve 12 tables. Everything was a result of the initiative of a German, who envisioned decades ago, the tourist potential of the mountain and opened a kind of inn, in the area, and then it derived in a restaurant, which would be installed in Aracena. It is a nice and cozy home. The hams, hanging from the ceiling, remind us in which region we are. Manuel Romero , the owner, directs thirty years and boasts remain vigilant in regard to quality. Among the specialties, we must not lose sight of the loin stuffed with ham, baked, and marinated dam palette . Alternatively, rabbit and partridge. For dessert, there would be highlighted chestnut soup, quince compote and homemade custard.
MONTECRUZ: Telephone number: 959 12 60 13. A cafeteria, on the ground floor, passing the restaurant (above), where is an extensive menu of local dishes offered.
JOSÉ VICENTE: Avenue of Andalusia, 53. Telephone number: 959 12 84 55. Closed on Friday and the second half of June. It is the paradise for lovers of iberian pork derivatives: mushrooms, in season, receive special treatment. Other dishes: lamb stew, vegetables with ham. Handicapped.
ARRIEROS (Mule drivers): Street Mule drivers, 2. Linares de la sierra. Telephone number: 959 463 717. 8 km from Aracena, in the quiet village of Linares de la Sierra.
Fuente de Linares de la Sierra, by Enrique Hinojosa Rosado, at flickr.com
The gastronomic offer revolves around the Iberian pig: pig's trotters, lane iberian pork, iberian pork pâté, prepared in an original and engaging way. It open only for lunch noon.
LA RÁBIDA: Street Los Chops without number. Telephone number: 959 12 62 20. Establishment without any ambition, which is, however, highly recommended for its good home cooking stews and especially for their prices.
Well, I hope that you can come to Spain and, concretely, to this area. You will be welcome.
Till next time, kind regards,
Luis.
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