Rute is located in the south east of the province, in the Sierra Subbetica mountains, which is part of Sierra Subbetica Natural Park, with its high limestone peaks and valleys of holm oaks, gall oaks and white poplars on river banks. Olive cultivation is the main agricultural activity here. Within its boundaries stands part of Iznajar Reservoir, which provides the landscape with a most scenic touch.

The village stretches at the foot of the Sierra de Rute, and consists of steep streets of clean, whitewashed houses, which are attractive and blend into their surroundings to perfection. Rute is famous for producing liqueurs and brandies.

History

Its origins are probably Arabic. The Roman headstones and graves found in the village bear testimony to its antiquity, and there are two prehistoric sites: La Cueva Negra and El Camorro.

Rute was under Moslem control until 1240, when it was conquered by Ferdinand III. It was subsequently lost and reconquered by Alfonso XI, who colonised the village with Christians. During the Castilian civil wars around the year 1315, the village was left unprotected and consequently attacked and captured by Ozmir, who held it until 1341. It was later lost yet again before being conquered for the last time by Ramir Sanchez de Barrionuevo, to whom it was awarded by King John II (1434).

Ramir Sanchez moved the site of the village to its present-day location.

Ramir Sanchez's son lost control over Rute through his disloyalty to the Crown, and in 1466, Henry III gave the village to Diego Fernandez de Cordoba, Count of Cabra, in return for his support in the capture of Ecija; Juan Fernandez of Cordoba, dean of Cordoba Cathedral, received the village as an entailed estate along with the Lord of Baena and the Counts of Cabra and Sesa.

Heritage

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church (Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís) (18th century).

Barrio alto district.

St. Catherine's Tower (Torre de Santa Catalina) (18th century).

Town Hall (Ayuntamiento).

St. Sebastian's Church (Iglesia de San Sebastián).

St. Peter's Chapel (Ermita de San Pedro) and Virgen del Carmen Chapel (Ermita de la Virgen del Carmen) (18th century).

Painting of La Virgen del Pópulo, by Antonio Mohedano (16th century).

A wealth of reredoses and images dating back to the 17th century.

Archaeological remains:
- Remains of the Visigoth fortress (fortaleza).
- Watch towers (torres vigía).
- Zambra archaeological site.

Cuisine

Jamón (cured ham). Embutidos (cured meats). Sopilla (a type of soup). Sopa de espárragos trigueros (asparagus soup). Sopa de pimiento y tomate (pepper and tomato soup). Sopa de gato con pimientos y tostones (large-spotted dogfish soup with peppers and croutons). Olla de cardillos (thistle stew). Tortilla en salsa de almendras (omelette in almond sauce). Conejos en pimientos y vinagre (rabbit with peppers and vinegar). Potaje de perdiz (partridge stew). Chivo al cabañil (kid). Zorzales fritos (fried thrushes). Coñarras de bacalao y patatas pera (cod with potatoes).

Sweets: Papuecas. Porridge with figs. Turrolate cakes. Candied pine kernels. Alfajores (made from honey, almonds, hazelnuts, sugar, flour, grated bread and natural spices). Crumbly polvorones. Ring-shaped de olla cakes , ring-shaped fritters, ring-shaped cakes made with wine, milk or brandy liqueur).

Sweet and dry aniseed, punch, creme de menthe, coffee, chocolate, orange and mint liqueurs, gin and pacharán (a type of sloe gin).

Festivals

Carnival, Rute's streets are filled with locals in fancy dress.

Holy Week (Semana Santa), dates vary.

St. Mark's Festival (Fiesta de San Marcos), 25 April, families and groups of friends traditionally spend the day eating together in the country.

Cross Festival (Fiestas de la Cruz), first Sunday in May.

Virgen de la Cabeza Festival (Fiesta de la Virgen de la Cabeza), second Sunday in May, featuring a procession of the statue of the Virgin.

San Isidro Open-Air Festival (Romería de San Isidro), third Sunday in May.

Virgen del Carmen Festival (Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen), 11 to 15 August.

Royal Fair (Feria Real), 24 to 28 August, the local council organises a wide range of events, the highlight being an attempt to bring back the traditional troubadour's contest, which has a long history in the village