Alborazor Road

The site, situated on one of the banks of the “Las Angosturas” area, occupies a privileged location in terms of both its strategic position and its scenic be...

The route: The area, situated on one of the banks of the “Las Angosturas” landscape, occupies a privileged location both strategically and in terms of its scenery. Evidence of this is the human presence dating back to prehistoric times and the numerous Roman artefacts that have been found, some of which are housed in the Municipal History Museum of Priego de Córdoba. Along the route, we come across two examples of traditional rural architecture, the Cortijo del Guirri and the Cortijo del Alborozor, witnesses to times gone by and to a way of life now practically extinct, linked to daily labour and human adaptation to the environment. The fertile outcrops of clay and loam fostered subsistence farming, of which we now find patches of olive groves and the occasional abandoned threshing floor where grain was once winnowed. Traditional architecture in rural areas is characterised primarily by its adaptation to the environment and its functional and practical nature. In the Subbética region, there are numerous scattered farmhouses which, in keeping with these characteristics, are situated in the most suitable locations for agriculture and livestock farming, and close to springs or wells. The building materials used consist of raw materials readily available in the area: limestone, gypsum, lime and sand mortar, clay, poplar or black poplar beams, reeds, curved ceramic tiles, etc. The thick walls were constructed from limestone set with mortar or gypsum. This type of wall served to insulate the interior of the dwelling from the elements, thus providing protection from the cold in winter and the heat in summer. This function was aided by the whitewashing of the wall surfaces, which was carried out or renewed once a year, thereby also protecting the exterior from the erosive effects of rain and other inclement weather. From a landscape perspective, the route treats us to views to the south of Priego de Córdoba, flanked by the highest peaks in the province. A panorama that inspired an Iberian sanctuary and a Roman settlement in the immediate vicinity. The southern panorama of the Sierra Horconera and Sierra Alhucema reveals the silhouette of the highest peaks in the province of Córdoba. Like a giant of dolomitic rock, the range stretches northwards, offering glimpses of river valleys and mountain passes where marl-limestone formations provide rich, palatable pastures. These mountain passes have historically been an essential route connecting the southern slope of the range with Priego de Córdoba and Carcabuey. Puerto Mahina, at an altitude of over a thousand metres, bears millions of traces left over centuries of livestock and human movement. Puerto Cerezo, much higher still, is the natural pass that separates the Sierra Alhucema from Pico Bermejo (1,474 m). La Tiñosa (1,570 m) is the highest peak in the province of Córdoba. Looking at these massifs, we can imagine the colossal forces that drove this terrain up from the seabed to exceed 1,500 metres at this point. At the foot of this mountain range lies Priego de Córdoba (the town of water and the Baroque). It is precisely by taking advantage of the discontinuity between limestone (permeable) and marlstone (semi-permeable) that springs such as the Fuente del Rey emerge. This spring gives its name to one of the best-known spots in Priego, famous for the sculptures that adorn the pond, such as the lion fighting the serpent or Neptune and Amphitrite riding in a chariot as they surge from the waters; waters that have flowed continuously and uninterruptedly from 139 spouts for centuries and whose flow is scarcely diminished, even in the worst periods of drought. Observing this panorama helps us to understand the dynamics of rock and stone and how these elements have shaped the landscape and, of course, the way of life of its people. Processes that occur beneath the visible landscape unfolding before our eyes. Mediterranean vegetation is limited to a few stands of holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia) with scrub of mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) and terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus). Near the Alborozor farmhouse, naturalised specimens of sumac (Rhus coriaria) hint at the importance this plant once held in the area’s tanneries. At the end of the path, as is often the case, presiding over the farmstead, we find magnificent specimens of walnut trees (Juglans regia) beside the Molineros stream, which served to shield the area from inclement weather and the erosive effects of rain. Not far from here lies the Azores spring, a natural spring whose surroundings have been developed and which we can visit as a complement to our route. Simply continue along the tarmac road we left at the start of the route. The Azores spring with water for a millstone, half a short league to the north. From Córdoba, follow the N-432 towards Granada until past the 351 km mark, where you should take the exit onto the A-433 towards Priego de Córdoba. Once past the 14 km mark, take the exit to the left towards Azores. About 220 metres further on, you will reach the start of the route. From Córdoba, follow the A-45 towards Málaga until you pass km 55, where you should take exit 56 towards Lucena (north) via the A-318. Follow this road until km 47, where you should take exit 47 towards Cabra (east) – Alcalá la Real via the A-339. Continue along the A-339 until you pass the 26 km mark, where you should take the exit on the right towards Jaén, via the A-333. Continue along this road until you pass the 15 km mark, where you should turn right towards Azores. After approximately 220 metres, you will reach the start of the route.