Beautiful mountain municipality located in the midst of a landscape of hills where woods of holm oaks alternate with pastures for grazing and cultivated fields. In addition to the beauty of the landscape, visitors can also take part in hunting activities.

The beautiful surroundings, the hospitality of its inhabitants and the charm of the village have converted it in an attractive tourist destination for visitors who seek to be in contact with nature. Its most interesting monuments are the Parish church of the Divino Salvador, the Hermitage of San Benito and the Casa de la Sierra.

History

Although the first known records that refer to the village date back to the Christian conquest undertaken by Ferdinand III, its origins go back to Roman times.

In the 14th Alphonso XI cited the vilage in his book on hunting, "Libro de Montería".
During the Middle Ages and up to the 17th century it was an important gateway to Castille by way of the road between Castilblanco and Almadén de la Plata.

In the decade of the 50's and 60's its agricultural economy was geared towards the production of palm, which was exported in great quantities to countries of central and eastern Europe.

Places of interest

- Parish church of the Divino Salvador. Remodelled in the 16th and 17th centuries. Inside there are some notable altarpieces, silver work and 17th and 18th century painting and sculptures.
- Casa de la Sierra, 1923. Remodelled in 1984, it is used as an art gallery and is the venue for the annual provincial handicraft exhibit (Certamen de Artesanía de la Provincia).
- Different monuments built in honour of the Palmero, the Pensionista, Cervantes and the Dos Doncellas.
- Hermitage of San Benito. 12 kilometres from the village. Inside there is a statue of San Benito.

Cuisine

Sopeao. Salmorejo. Pestorejo. Rabbit. Lamb giblets. Partridge stew. Venteras. Venison.
Sweets: Gachas (sort of porridge). Pestiños (sort of fritter). Piñonate (candied pine-nut). Tortas de manteca (large biscuits made with shortening). Rosas (the basic ingredient of these sweets is honey).

Festivals

- Festivity of Candelaria, February 2. The neighbours of each street build castles with olive branches which they decorate; at night they are burnt, and the best one receives a prize.
- Water Festival, which coincides with the festivities of the Virgen de Gracia, held the Thursday before the first Sunday of August. Participants of all ages, equipped with a bucket of water, gather at the Plaza Amarilla with the mission of wetting as many people as possible.
- Festivities in honour of the patron saint Nuestra Señora de Gracia, including a well known flamenco festival, during the last week of July and ending on August 1.