Orce combines a long archaeological perspective with the Fuencaliente thermal spring and events with a range of different themes. The prehistoric settlement of Cerro de la Virgen spans several periods; the Centro de Interpretación Primeros Pobladores de Europa “José Gibert” also explores climate, flora and fauna. Fuencaliente offers a different focus: it is a thermal spring with a public swimming pool, gardens and a recreation area. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing archaeological attractions from event dates.

Archaeological layers of time in Orce

Within the municipality of Orce, the Cuenca de Orce is an archaeological zone designated a Bien de Interés Cultural and forms part of Andalusia’s historical heritage. Its numerous sites provide important insights into the context of the first spread of hominins beyond Africa. This means the focus is not on just one site, but on a broader archaeological context.

A specific chronology is represented by the prehistoric settlement of Cerro de la Virgen: it stretches from the Copper Age through the Bronze Age to later Roman, Byzantine and medieval settlement phases. This long sequence makes clear that the history of settlement cannot be reduced to a single period. The site also includes four lines of walls, a Copper Age water channel and numerous preserved residential structures. These architectural remains add concrete forms of settlement to the chronology.

Prehistory and how it is presented

The Centro de Interpretación Primeros Pobladores de Europa “José Gibert” offers an imaginative journey 1.5 million years into the past. It also explains what the climate, flora and exotic fauna of the Granada Geopark were like. Alongside the sequence of human settlement phases, environmental conditions are also a central theme. Guided tours are available for tourist and school groups; arrange the practical details in advance.

An interpretation center is located in a cave house and is dedicated to the life and work of the German archaeologist Wilhem Schülle. Its subject connects the archaeological perspective with the work of a researcher. Together, the different themes show that Orce’s past can be explored through both settlement remains and periods of time, as well as through the presentation of research and the environment.

Fuencaliente Thermal Spring

Fuencaliente is a thermal spring in the floodplain of the Río Orce. Its water emerges at a constant temperature of 21°C throughout the year. The spring has been developed into a public swimming pool with gardens and a recreation area; the temperature refers to the water as it emerges from the spring. Fuencaliente is open year-round, and admission is free. Before your visit, check the latest access information and the condition of the facilities.

Events and dates

Since it was first held in 1999, Orce’s Mercado Medieval has taken place every year on the first Sunday in August. The Feria Ecológica del Altiplano is also held in Orce every year, bringing together farmers, livestock breeders, local producers, institutions and visitors. The program for the 2025 edition included tastings of traditional tomato varieties and a large market for organic products.

The program for the 2026 Festival Audiovisual Internacional Origen also included wine tastings. The events therefore differ in the specific occasions mentioned: the Mercado Medieval has a recurring annual date, while the program for each travel year provides guidance for the Feria and the Festival. If an event is to determine your travel dates, check the latest dates and program details in advance.

When looking for a hotel in Orce, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: archaeological layers of time, the interpretation centers, Fuencaliente or an event date. The calendar is especially important for the festivals mentioned; for a visit to the thermal spring, the latest access information and the condition of the facilities are practical points to consider when planning.

Discover more destinations: Peligros, Zafarraya, Fonelas, Otívar, Churriana De La Vega, Galera, Santa Fé, Gualchos

For the broader travel overview: Granada.