At Cerro de las Cabezas, tangible evidence of Fuente Tójar’s long history of settlement comes together: almost the entire walled perimeter has been preserved, along with residential structures, a street and cisterns. The settlement was inhabited from the Bronze Age to the late Roman Imperial period. For a stay focused on cultural history, Fuente Tójar offers several points of interest: local history in the museum, traditions and art in public spaces each provide their own perspective.
Local history in the museum and in tradition
The Museo Histórico Municipal de Fuente-Tójar traces the town’s history in three exhibition rooms, from its first inhabitants to the present day. This timeline extends beyond the documented period of settlement at Cerro de las Cabezas and continues to the present. Following the latest renovation, completed in 2020, visitors can use an audio guide. Check whether it is available before your visit.
The Danzantes are also part of the local cultural scene. They dance on 15 May during the procession in front of the image of Saint Isidore, the town’s patron saint. In 1963, they received the First National Prize for Ancient Dances in Madrid. If you want to visit Fuente Tójar for this tradition, 15 May is a specific date to consider when planning; also check that year’s programme.
Another cultural feature can be seen in the architecture of the Iglesia Parroquial de Ntra. Sra. del Rosario: it has a single-nave layout with a transept. The nave forms the main lengthwise space, while the transept runs across it. This makes it possible to understand the church’s described layout without an extensive technical vocabulary.
Views and routes through the municipality
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. The views and seating area give the site two distinct uses for spending time outdoors. Check whether the picnic area is available before your visit.
The Ruta de los Barrancos is a circular walking and cycling route through the municipality. It passes the settlement of Cerro de las Cabezas, which was first Iberian and later Roman. The circular route thus combines an outdoor activity with a specific historical point of interest.
The Ruta de arte urbano offers another way to experience art, with seven graffiti artworks. This 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 whether the app is available for your device before travelling.
Festivals and communal meals
The Fiesta de La Alcaparra takes place on the second weekend of August. If you are planning your trip around this festival, check that year’s programme. The celebration includes a communal meal for all participants. Those who buy a ticket at a symbolic price receive an earthenware jug and plate.
The celebration of San José also includes a day outdoors and a communal barbecue. The two festival descriptions have different emphases: the Fiesta de La Alcaparra features a communal meal and ticket-linked earthenware, while San José involves spending time outdoors and barbecuing. When planning your trip, you can consider which of these festival formats better suits your plans.
Discover more destinations: Belalcázar, Fuente del Conde, Zambra, La Celada, Bujalance, Adamuz, Cardeña, Villa Del Río.
For the broader travel overview: Cordoba.
