Archaeological remains, buildings from different periods and the landscape along the Río Genil give Benamejí a range of things to explore. Particularly insightful are the protected archaeological site of La Silera, the Renaissance Bridge and the paths along the river. You can tailor your stay to focus on culture or scenery. Before visiting museums or following routes, check the latest visitor and trail conditions.

Archaeology and History

The Yacimiento de La Silera is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category of an archaeological zone. The underground complex, carved into the rock, is thought to have been used to store agricultural produce. Its protected status is established; its specific storage function remains a hypothesis. La Silera is considered unique in Andalusia, as no similar agricultural storage facilities are known.

Benamejí’s origins date back to the 9th century. The earliest settlements are associated with Castillo de Gómez Arias. The castle lies some distance south of the town, in a landscape overlooking the Río Genil. The town’s history and the river landscape are therefore connected from the earliest settlement references, even though the castle itself is outside the town.

The Centro-Museo La Duquesa de Benamejí focuses on historical and romantic banditry. Literature, music, painting, visual arts, theatre and film offer different ways to explore the subject. Check the latest visitor arrangements before visiting the museum. Another thematic trail is the Ruta del Tempranillo: inspired by the legend of the romantic bandit José María El Tempranillo, the route passes through Córdoba, Seville and Málaga. In the province of Córdoba, it connects, among other places, Jauja, Lucena, Benamejí and Palenciana.

The Bridge and Baroque Architecture

The Puente Renacentista Hernán Ruiz II spans the Río Genil on the old road to Antequera. The bridge dates from the 16th century and was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2001. It was designed by Hernán Ruiz II; among his engineering works completed in full, it is considered his only example built entirely from scratch. Its construction period, connection to the river and design history each offer a distinct historical perspective on the bridge.

The Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción is also associated with a clearly defined period: it was built on the orders of Don Diego de Bernuy, the first Marquis of Benamejí, and is considered a representative example of Córdoba Baroque architecture. The church houses an extensive collection of paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Together with the Renaissance Bridge, it illustrates two distinct architectural landmarks in the town.

The Río Genil and La Grieta

The Río Genil crosses Benamejí from east to west in a deeply incised course with pronounced meanders. The western part of the municipality is characterised by rugged terrain and very steep slopes. Along the river, the riparian woodland includes tamarisks and centuries-old alders, elms and poplars, where natural and human-shaped vegetation meet.

La Grieta de Benamejí is one of Andalusia’s significant geological features. Its development came close to causing part of the town to disappear. The viewpoint on Paseo Reina Sofía, also popularly known as La Grieta, offers views of Castillo de Gómez Arias and Puente Renacentista Hernán Ruiz II. The geological feature and the viewpoint are therefore two distinct reasons to explore Benamejí’s landscape.

Walking Route and Activities by the River

The Ruta de las Norias del Río Genil is a circular route through reforested pine woods, olive groves, gardens, orchards and riparian woodland. It leads to the waterwheels of Huerta de las Cruces, Isla de San Miguel and Campo del Castillo, which are said to have Arab origins. The route also includes the PR-A 160, known as the Camping Path, and part of the Paisajes con Historia: Ruta de las Norias del Río Genil trail. These route connections are useful for planning; check trail conditions before setting out.

Activities offered as part of adventure tourism on the Río Genil near Benamejí include canoeing, rafting, bungee jumping and canyoning. In 2024, the Centro de Actividades del Río Genil served as a visitor reception centre for people travelling downstream from Benamejí and El Tejar. Check what is currently available before planning a river activity.

Discover more destinations: Baena, Dos Torres, Aguilar De La Frontera, Pedro Abad, Almedinilla, El Vacar, Ochavillo del Río, El Cerezo

For the main travel overview: Cordoba.