Fuente Tójar: Archaeology and Tradition

Fuente Tójar can be explored through its archaeology, local history and recurring traditions. The Cerro de las Cabezas is central to a long history of settlement; the Danzantes and the Fiesta de La Alcaparra provide further cultural occasions. This picture is complemented by a municipal museum, a route featuring graffiti artworks and a viewpoint at the highest point of the town. You can therefore shape your stay around whichever aspect interests you most: archaeological remains, local history, art or festival culture.

Archaeology at the Cerro de las Cabezas

The settlement at the Cerro de las Cabezas was inhabited from the Bronze Age to the Late Roman Imperial period. Almost the entire walled perimeter has survived; residential structures, a street and cisterns have also been preserved. Together, these features paint a picture of a settlement with various architectural elements and a long period of habitation.

The Ruta de los Barrancos also passes by the settlement. It is a circular hiking and cycling route through the municipality of Fuente-Tójar. These are two distinct points of interest for planning your visit: the circular route describes a trail for hikers and cyclists, while the Cerro de las Cabezas represents the settlement's history. The features described help put the town's archaeological significance into context without losing sight of the settlement's long period of habitation.

Museum and local history

The Museo Histórico Municipal de Fuente-Tójar has three exhibition rooms that trace the town's history from its first inhabitants to the present day. It therefore complements the narrower focus on the settlement at the Cerro de las Cabezas with a broader account of local history. Visitors can use an audio guide following the most recent renovation, completed in 2020. Check the current availability of this service before your visit.

Another architectural feature is the Iglesia Parroquial de Ntra. Sra. del Rosario. Its nave is single-aisled and has a transept. A single-aisled nave has one main space; the transept crosses it. The two terms therefore describe different parts of the floor plan and provide a specific point of reference for the church's architecture.

Danzantes and festivals throughout the year

On 15 May, the Danzantes dance in the procession in front of the image of Saint Isidore, the town's patron saint. In 1963, the Danzantes received the First National Prize for Ancient Dances in Madrid. The date, procession and award place the tradition in its historical and temporal context. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the specific programme details before travelling.

The Fiesta de La Alcaparra takes place on the second weekend of August. It includes a communal meal for all participants. Anyone who buys a ticket at a symbolic price receives a clay jug and a clay plate. The festival details make both the date and the special format of the communal meal relevant to planning your trip; check the current year's programme.

The celebration of San José also brings people together, with a day in the countryside and a communal barbecue among its traditions.

Art, a circular route and a viewpoint

The Ruta de arte urbano consists of seven graffiti artworks. The number may change if the route is expanded. The Fuente Tójar AR tourism app provides information about the artworks and is available for Android and iOS. Check the app's current availability before travelling. This gives you both the scope of the art route and a related source of information to help plan your visit.

The Mirador de la Canteruela is at the highest point in Fuente Tójar and offers views of the town and the Subbética. There is also a picnic area at the viewpoint, with stone tables and chairs. If you plan to have a picnic there, check the condition of the area locally before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Córdoba, Añora, Villafranca De Córdoba, La Paz, Benamejí, Villanueva De Córdoba, Ochavillo del Río, Santaella.

For the broader travel overview: Cordoba.