Aracena, Mountain municipality in Sierra de Aracena, Spain.
Description
Aracena is a mountain town in the Sierra de Aracena in the Province of Huelva, nestled at around 700 meters elevation. The settlement sits within oak and chestnut forests and contains the Gruta de las Maravillas, a limestone cave system with chambers and pools.
History
The town grew from prehistoric settlements and passed through Roman and Islamic periods before being conquered by Sancho II in 1231. This conquest turned it into a strategic stronghold for Christian rule in the region.
Culture
The Priory Church of Nuestra Señora del Mayor Dolor shows how two different cultures shaped the town through its preserved minaret from earlier times. When you walk through this church, you can see and feel how Christian and Islamic architecture blend together in one building.
Practical
To reach the Gruta de las Maravillas, you head through the town center where visitor information is available. Trails wind through the surrounding forests, and small local shops sell regional ham, cheese, and other traditional food products made nearby.
Did you know?
Inside the Gruta de las Maravillas lies an underground lake that glows green on certain days depending on how light hits the water. This color shift happens because of minerals in the water and deposits on the cave walls.
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Gruta de las Maravillas
317 m
Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park
7.9 km
Castillo de Aracena
196 m
Aracena Reservoir
10 km
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores
195 m
Plaza de toros de Campofrío
13.9 km
Ermita de Santa Eulalia
13.1 km
Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
75 m
Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora del Carmen
403 mZona Arqueológica de Santa Eulalia
13 km
Iglesia Parroquial de San Marcos
9.3 km
Aracena's Bullring
569 m
Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo
7.3 km
Iglesia Parroquial del Espíritu Santo
9 km
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
7.4 kmCastillo de Cobullos
16.8 km
Plaza Doña Elvira
455 m
Iglesia del Convento de Santa Catalina Mártir
252 m
Church of Our Lady of Grace
5.6 km
Centro Histórico de Alájar
9.7 km
Cabildo Viejo
12 m
Centro Histórico de Los Marines
5 km
Fuente del Concejo
560 m
Centro Histórico de Fuenteheridos
7.9 kmEl Castillejo
6.2 km
Lavadero del Puerto
5.5 km
Centro Histórico de Aracena
0 m
Centro Histórico de Corteconcepción
4.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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