| - Castillo de las Aguzaderas: The most interesting aspect of this castle of Arabic origin which was later reconstructed is that it was built over a watercourse in order to protect the spring which fed the Fuente de las Aguzaderas fountain. It contains a large keep, four square towers on the corners and two semicircular towers on the façade. |
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- Castillo de El Coronil: Built over the foundations of an earlier construction, this 11th century castle is also in Arabic style. Its exterior walls are in perfect condition. |
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- Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de los Remedios: This 18th century church houses the local patron saint, the Virgin of Los Remedios. |
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- Capilla del Cristo de la Veracruz: It contains a crucified Christ attributed to Martínez Montañés or one of his disciples. |
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- Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de Consolación: This church of mudejar origin which has undergone numerous reforms contains one of the finest and oldest organs in Seville. |
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- Casa de la Marcela: Constructed in the 19th century following the style of Italian holiday homes. |
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- Pozo del Morisco: Of Mozarabic origin, its parapet was constructed by hand with uncut stone slabs in the mid 13th century. |
| THE VIA VERDE DE LA SIERRA GREEN ROUTE: The Vía Verde de la Sierra green route runs through of the old Jerez- Almargen railway track which includes a 36 km passable section between the towns of Puerto Serrano and Olvera. Stretching across the provinces of Cadiz and Seville, the route also incorporates the towns of Pruna, Coripe, Montellano and El Coronil. The councils of the towns and villages featured in the route together with the county councils of Cadiz and Seville have set up the Vía Verde Foundation, the body which will be in charge of managing this itinerary formed by old railway infrastructure whose cultural and historical value increases with the passing of time. The route’s elements are perfectly integrated into the surrounding ountryside |
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and are authentic open air museums which offer many opportunities for tourism and leisure activities. |
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The legacy of trains: Although trains never finally got to use the Jerez-Almargen railway track, by the time the construction works were abandoned in 1960, all the stations, viaducts and tunnels had been completed. This impressive infrastructure has now been completely restored and has become one of the main attractions of the Vía Verde. The route features thirty tunnels, the longest of which is that on the Sierra de Coripe (990 m.), four viaducts, and five old stations. The stations of Puerto Serrano, Coripe and Olvera have been converted into traditional hotel-restaurants, whilst that of Zaframagón houses an Interpretation Centre with a Vulture Observatory. The route has four other starting points (with parking areas), recreational or rest areas, signposting, vantage points, fountains, etc. |
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A natural paradise: One of the most distinctive characteristics of this ecotourism itinerary is that it offers a remarkable variety of landscapes raging from gallery forests to riparian vegetation, from plains dotted with olive groves to the sierra with its Mediterranean forest and the ever present rivers Guadalete, Guadalporcún and Guadamanil. This rich diversity of habitats provides a home to a wide variety of animal species, especially birds of prey. The Peñón de Zaframagón Nature Reserve – an impressive rocky outcrop with heights of up to 200 m – is a nesting site for one of the largest colonies of griffon vultures in the whole of Europe. The camera installed in the Zaframagon vulture observatory which is perched on the top of the peñon offers closeup views of the vultures and other birds. The Junta de los Ríos (the confluence of the rivers) and the Chaparro de la Vega (a centuriesold holm oak declared a Natural Monument) are the two other natural landmarks of the Vía Verde. |
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For the more active tourist: Today the Vía Verde green route is a popular for active tourists as the area has natural features which are ideal for outdoor pursuits and offers a good range of services and facilities. The routes are not only limited to the railway tracks, as there are many other paths which can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Following the course of the rivers is also an attractive option, but for those who prefer a more specific route, the surroundings of the Peñón de Zaframagón offers areas of ornithological interest. The Vía can also be followed on horseback (or even by donkey) whilst its viaducts and tunnels are ideal for rappel climbing, potholing, and even aerial sports. |
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A character of its own: Another attractive feature of the route is that is passes through charming towns and villages with unique customs and traditions. The central element of area’s cuisine, a virgin olive oil which is commercialised under the “Sierra de Cádiz” Denomination of Origin, is used to enhance the flavour of dishes prepared with locally sourced vegetables, cured pork products, and game. These delicious culinary creations can be sampled during the most important festive events which are celebrated throughout the year, such as ferias, pilgrimages and the Easter Week celebrations. The culture of bullfighting, traditional crafts and animal herding are also amongst the distinctive elements that shape the identity of the area. |
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