#MAGICALVILLAGES-Iberian Ham Route: History & Traditions

Arrival at the rural accommodation that we choose for you to enjoy a GENUINE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE ON THE ROUTE OF DISCOVERY, IBERIAN HAM AND THE PASTURE. This journey will immerse you in the history of the discovery of America, the tradition of exquisite Iberian ham and the beauty of the pastureland, revealing the treasures found in each village on this unique route. We start in Medellín, the birthplace of Hernán Cortés and the starting point of our adventure. This historic place takes us to explore the roots of the discovery of new lands. You will arrive at the accommodation we chose, with time to rest from the trip and choose the best outfit for tonight. We will invite you to dine on one of the typical dishes of the region, in a local restaurant. Return to the accommodation to enjoy your well-deserved rest.

After a wonderful night you will go down to breakfast because you have to regain strength for the day ahead. Today we set off to discover the treasures of Medellín. We start by walking along the Puente de los Austrias and the Guadiana River. Long stone bridge of 400 meters and 20 arches over the Guadiana River. It dates from the seventeenth century, but the original was already built in Roman times and, since then, it has been a link of communication between regions. It consists of 20 semicircular stone arches, with 36 varas of span the largest of them and has a length of 430 meters. We continue through the Roman Theater, from the first century, it is the main attraction of the place. It is located at the foot of the medieval castle and has been opened to the public relatively recently, after various excavations and restoration works. We continue to the medieval castle. At present it is presented as a large space divided into two immense parade grounds, separated by a robust curtain that joins the two main towers of the enclosure. The interior of the rooms is strongly evocative: spiral staircases, strong chimneys, narrow embrasures and stone seats transport us to a time when noble life gave comfort to warrior tasks. We will finish the visit of Medellín at the Church of Santiago and Museum Center. Erected at the back of the Roman theatre, halfway between the castle and the town centre, this old parish house the museum centre where you can take a tour of the history of Medellín. After this fantastic historical tour we will invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region, in a local restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Medellín and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Fregenal de la Sierra. It has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest: the Historic-Artistic Site, the Archaeological Site of Nertóbriga, the Dancers of the Virgen de la Salud and the Menhirs of Ardila. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dine on one of the typical dishes of the region in a local restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Fregenal de la Sierra. We will start with a visit to the Castle of Fregenal de la Sierra, inside which there is an eighteenth-century Bullring and a Food Market from 1915. Next, we will continue to the Sanctuary of Los Remedios, a building of great beauty located in the middle of the pasture inside which is the image of the Virgen de los Remedios, patron saint of the town since 1506. To this monumental complex is added the archaeological site of Nertóbriga, located 6 kilometres from the town and recently opened to the public, as well as two museums. The first of these is the Museum of Contemporary Art of Fregenal (MACF) (5) which exhibits the award-winning works of the Eugenio Hermoso International Painting Prize. The second, the Mansion of Miniatures, is a private museum where more than 20 miniature houses are exhibited. We will end our visit with a small Hiking Route along the Huertas de la Rivera Trail. (1 hour – 3 km) The main stream that runs through this area, parallel to the road, has the same name. These orchards were once quite important, since part of the vegetables and fruits that were collected in these lands served as sustenance and as merchandise for part of the population. Lawsuits between farmers were frequent, as a result of the waters that irrigate these fields. We will then invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Fregenal de la Sierra and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Segura de León. Located southwest of Badajoz, Segura de León belongs to the region of Tentudía. There was a Roman villa in the place known as the Torreón, near the sanctuary of Cristo de la Reja. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dine on some of the region's specialties, in a typical restaurant. After a full day return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and set off to discover Segura de León. We begin by appreciating the medieval Castle of Santiago. Built by the Order of Santiago, there are still some sections of the wall that surrounded it, as well as the moat of the gate. Access to the castle was done through a bridge. The promenade runs along the entire wall and from it you can access the towers and the main gate. From it we can see the town that sleeps under his feet. Next, we will visit the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. It is the main religious building that can be visited in Segura de León. It is a temple from the thirteenth century and was remodeled in the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries. On the outside, the peculiar tower attached to the head of the central nave of the Church stands out. It has 3 naves, with important buttresses on the walls and semicircular arches attached. We will end our tour at Plaza de España and City Hall. The magnificent arcades of San Roque street that reach the square are striking. It stands on 3 arches with granite columns in the Mudejar style and they are preserved next to the imperial coat of arms of Charles V of the original construction. Then we will invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Segura de León and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Calera de León. Located on a hill in the last foothills of the Sierra Morena, surrounded by pastures populated by large holm oak groves, olive groves and, in its mountains, extensive pine forests, chestnut trees and oaks. In this town it breathes history and serenity. You will arrive in the afternoon for an unforgettable Hiking Route that runs through the ecosystems of the magical mountain of Tentudía, the highest peak in Badajoz, revealing enclaves of enormous architectural and heritage interest that are fundamental to understanding the history of southern Extremadura, such as the Conventual of the Order of Santiago de Calera de León and the Monastery of the Virgin of Tentudía. The route will take us into the pasture and the world of the Iberian pig, to find as we ascend, the Atlantic vegetation of oaks, chestnut trees and pines, watching birds and contemplating beautiful views. At the end of the afternoon you will arrive at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dine on one of the typical dishes of the region, in a Typical Restaurant. After a full day return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Calera de León. We start by visiting the Monastery of Tentudía. Founded by Master Pelay Pérez Correa, it has its origin in a hermitage erected in the mid-thirteenth century, to commemorate the victory he obtained there against the Almohads. This emblematic monument, which is presented as a crenellated fortress, houses a Mudejar cloister inside, and a church flanked by two funerary chapels, among other rooms. On the main altar, the tile altarpiece by Niculoso Pisano stands out, dated 1518 and considered one of the most important in the Iberian Peninsula. Next, we will make a spectacular visit to the Santiago Convent. Known as the convent of the Knights of the Order of Santiago or the Casa de la Calera, construction began in 1528. This impressive architectural monument stands above the main square of Calera de León and is declared of National Historic-Artistic Interest. It is made up of the parish church and the solemn granite cloister with its noble rooms. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Calera de León and continue to the next Magical Town on our Route, Cabeza la Vaca. It is located in the middle of a small valley, between fields of holm oaks, olive trees, chestnut trees, surrounded by mountain ranges that define its natural environment and the way of life of many of its inhabitants. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Cabeza la Vaca. We begin with a visit to the Church of Our Lady of the Angels. Located in the Plaza Romero de Castilla. Its construction began in the fifteenth century, although it has been carried out over several centuries. From the fifteenth century only the part of the chevet remains. In the seventeenth century it was practically rebuilt, at least its vault. A small tower, completed in the middle of the eighteenth century, is arranged on the façade of the feet. We will continue with our tour and visit the Plaza de Toros. Built at the end of the eighteenth century, an Asset of Cultural Interest in the Monument Category, it gives this town monumentality, but without breaking its aesthetics. Its exterior shape is robust and simple, with its façade whitewashed year after year. It is made of masonry and consists of three doors on its façade: the large or main door, the door of the sun and the door of the infirmary. We will end our tour with a Hiking Route. The Route of the Fountains and Water is approximately 3 km long and lasts one hour. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Cabeza la Vaca and continue to the next Magical Town on our Route, Fuentes de León. This picturesque place captivates with its beautiful fountains, which are a testament to its past and its connection to water. In addition to its natural beauty, it has an old town full of charm. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Fuentes de León. We start by discovering the fantastic Caves of Fuentes de León. Declared a Natural Monument of Extremadura, it is made up of (among others) the Cueva del Agua, La Lamparilla, Sima Cochinos, Los Postes, Los Caballos and Cueva Masero. This 1,020-hectare complex stands out for having a great environmental and, specifically, geological value; in addition to having faunal and archaeological interest. After this adventure we will visit a farm with Iberian tasting. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Fuentes de León and continue to the next Magical Town on our Route, Cumbres Mayores. Built on a leafy hill, it is a cattle and farming village. Between graceful popular houses and noble mansions, the oak groves where the famous Iberian pig is bred appear. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and set off to discover Cumbres Mayores. We start by visiting the Castle-fortress of Sancho IV El Bravo. We are in front of one of the most outstanding symbols of Cumbres Mayores. Its construction is dated 1293. Its entrance impresses the senses, being flanked by its two towers of majestic height and crowned by a perfect barrel arch. Its simplicity and robustness make the elegance of the medieval past of the place indisputable. We will continue with our tour and visit the San Miguel Arcángel Parish Church. This church is located within the urban center, in the Plaza de Portugal, in the highest area of the town, and is liturgically oriented from East to West. The interior is arranged in a rectangular plan with a single nave and a polygonal apse, of great depth and raised on a podium. We will end our tour admiring the Doorway of the Convent of Santa Clara. Only the façade that reflects a Late Gothic style of the fifteenth century of one of the most important convent buildings in Cumbres Mayores is preserved. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Cumbres Mayores and continue to the next Magical Town on our route, Puerto Moral. Puerto Moral, in the heart of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche. Traditionally, it has been said that the town arose around an inn located on the Camino de San Salvador, which linked Aracena with the Vía de la Plata. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and set off to discover Puerto Moral. We start by visiting the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul S. XIV-XV. The parish church is the main religious and artistic building in Puerto Moral. The Junta de Andalucía declared it an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC). Within its walls, it houses interesting altarpieces and the images of the titular saints, co-patrons of the town and the Virgen de la Cabeza, also patron saint and Perpetual Honorary Mayor, in whose honor the two main festivals of Puerto Moral are celebrated. We will continue to the Barranco 'La Madrona' Recreational Area. It is located to the south of the town of Puerto Moral, right at the entrance to the town. On its perimeter are the two restored rodezno mills. One of them has even been equipped with a recreation of the machinery with which the milling was carried out. This area has a series of wooden bridges that allow the visitor to observe the details of the course of the ravine, which runs between "puddles" and waterfalls, in the middle of a modest karst model. After this walk we will visit the Recreational Area El Jardín Botánico 'Los Nogales'. It was born from an initiative to value the lands of the municipal ejido. Now, this space, which can be walked freely, has been endowed with various native species of trees, shrubs and other plants, including some aromatic and medicinal ones. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Puerto Moral and continue to the next Magical Town on our Route, Higuera de la Sierra. Gateway to the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, Higuera de la Sierra is a mountain village, white with lime and flowers, with a municipal area of 24 km2. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover the Higuera de la Sierra Bullring. Attached to the hermitage of Santo Cristo, it dates from 1887, where the famous bullfighting festival of Higuera de la Sierra was celebrated. It is a square of popular architecture that, due to its enclave and beauty, is one of the great heritage attractions of the town. The bullfighting roots of the town have come together in this square where the great figures of national bullfighting have passed. We will end our tour by visiting the Interpretation Center Museum of the Cavalcade. This center has become the town's tourist office and attracts hundreds of visitors every year eager to learn about the most emblematic cultural manifestation and ethnological recreations. In its facilities you can enjoy six rooms that welcome you to move back in time and make you feel the spectacularity with which Higuera is decorated every January 5. You can also find in the building a shop selling local products and souvenirs of the Cavalcade. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Higuera de la Sierra and continue to the next Magical Town on our Route, Cortegana. To discover the "Magic of Cortegana" is to travel with the senses and the soul open to know, feel, live the experience of a living village in the Sierra de Huelva. A people that has been surpassing itself in the different stages of history. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and set off to discover Cortegana. Watching over Cortegana is its Castle. Of medieval origin and declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, it played an important role as a border castle in the so-called "Galician Band" which, along the border with Portugal, defended the Kingdom of Castile and the city of Seville. Completely restored and visitable, it adds the interest of magnificent views of the town centre and the mountains. Next to the castle is the Hermitage of the Virgen de la Piedad, Patron Saint of Cortegana, originally from the thirteenth century; It is a beautiful and simple temple that was probably the first Christian presence in these lands. Already in the urban area, we find the Church of the Divine Savior (XIV century), parish church of Cortegana, surprising for its large dimensions and the presence of different architectural styles that have enriched it with the passage of history; it is worth highlighting among the many works of art that it houses inside, the lavish iron grille, among which the extraordinary seventeenth-century pulpit stands out, considered one of the best in all of Andalusia and which gives the temple an extraordinary size. Cortegana also has important civil buildings of notable interest, among which the "Casa Mudéjar" from the fifteenth century stands out, converted into a sample of the simple life of another era. The Plaza de Toros from 1854 (one of the oldest in Spain), the Gran Casino and the Nuevo Casino from the early twentieth century. Walking through its streets you will be able to appreciate stately facades such as Casa Estrada and enjoy the different historical fountains that will surround you on its water route. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Cortegana and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Minas de Riotinto. It is a unique place where mining and history meet in an extraordinary landscape. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Minas de Riotinto. We start our tour at the Mining Museum of Riotinto, where we immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of this region. We learn about the formation of the Tinto River, the impact of mining, and the lives of the people who worked here. We stop for a moment to admire the exhibits and understand how this place has shaped its surroundings. From the museum, we head to the English Quarter of Bella Vista, an area that seems to transport us to the nineteenth century. We walked through its quiet streets, admiring the Victorian houses and the Anglican church. We imagine how the British who came here to work in mining lived. It is like being in another world, in the heart of Andalusia!, We continue walking towards Corta Atalaya, and the view that awaits us leaves us speechless. In front of us stretches one of the largest open-air craters in Europe, with its ochre and reddish tones that seem to have come from another planet. We stop to take photos and learn about the importance of this mine, which was key in the history of mining in Spain. After cutting Atalaya, we continue to the Peña de Hierro, where the landscape continues to surprise us. Here, we find a small reddish lake, one of the most visible traces of mining activity. We explore the nearby galleries and enjoy the contrast between nature and industrial vestiges. We continue our route to the viewpoint of the Tinto River. The reddish waters of the river, the result of the high concentration of minerals, offer us an impressive view. We take a moment to enjoy the surroundings and reflect on the interaction between human activity and nature. Finally, we return to the urban center with an appetite that asks for something special. We went to eat in a typical restaurant. After lunch, we say goodbye to Minas de Riotinto and head to the last Magical Town on our route, Palos de la Frontera. The Cultural and Historical Heritage that defines this municipality is unbeatable to immerse yourself in the great feat of the Discovery of America. Do you dare to discover it? You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Palos de la Frontera. We start by visiting the Muelle de las Caravelas. Get to know the reproduction of the 3 ships in which Christopher Columbus and the rest of the crew sailed towards the Indies and which ended up being the Discovery of America. Next, we will visit the Church of St. George the Martyr. National Monument since 1931. In it, the sailors who left for America, on August 3, 1492, celebrated mass before embarking, leaving through its well-known Puerta de los Novios. We will finish our Route of the Discoveries with a fantastic walk in the Celestino Mutis Botanical Park. With 12 hectares and species from the 5 continents. It highlights a large number of exotic plants and above all its large greenhouse with a large tropical forest. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant and we will say goodbye to this magnificent Magic Route.