This itinerary covers the Cordovan countryside where we come upon the medieval castles of Montemayor and Espejo, surrounded by their villages, symbols of lordly power; next is the castle of Lucena with its Torre del Moral where Boabdil was imprisoned; then the ruins of the citadel of Cabra; the fortress at Priego with a handsome keep; or the castle at Iznájar, of Islamic origin looking out over the Genil from its privileged position.
This route, furthermore, is dotted with quite a few observation towers, especially in the neighbourhood of Cordova.
The Castle of Montemayor, originally constructed by the Moors, stands on a commanding hill overlooking the village. It played a significant role during the reconquest and was a formidable obstacle for Christian troops until its fall in the 1480s. The castle was later used as a refuge during the Morisco rebellion in 1568 and the Peninsular War in the early 19th century.
The Castle of Espejo, built in the 13th century, dominates the village from its hilltop position. It was constructed by Pay Arias de Castro after the Christian reconquest and has been a symbol of feudal power ever since. The castle is now owned by the Ducado de Osuna and is open to visitors by reservation.
Zuheros is known for its picturesque setting and the remains of its medieval castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle was built during the Moorish period and later expanded by the Christians.
The citadel of Cabra, now in ruins, was an important defensive structure during the Islamic period. It was later used by the Christians during the reconquest and played a role in various historical conflicts.
The fortress of Priego de Córdoba, originally an Arab fortification, was significantly expanded during the Christian reconquest. The castle features a grand keep and offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape.
The Castle of Iznájar, of Islamic origin, is perched on a high ridge overlooking the Genil River. It has a triangular design and has been a significant defensive structure throughout its history, changing hands multiple times during various conflicts.
The Castle of Lucena, known for its Torre del Moral, was the site where Boabdil, the last King of Granada, was imprisoned. The castle has a rich history and now houses the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of Lucena.