From the Piedra de la Atalaya viewpoint, the 360° panorama takes in Orcera’s town centre, the Plaza de Toros, the Trujala Valley, a sea of olive groves and peaks such as El Yelmo and La Puerta de Segura. The viewpoint connects the town with the surrounding landscape and makes it a distinctive destination for an outing.
Circular route and natural park
The route at Piedra de la Atalaya is easy to walk and takes an estimated 45 minutes. It is a circular route of around 1.8 kilometres, with approximately 110 metres of cumulative elevation gain. The route is signposted and prepared, and can be reached from the Plaza de Toros or the El Convento recreation area. This makes it possible to fit the viewpoint into a limited time slot; check the trail conditions and signage before setting off.
The municipality of Orcera covers 126 square kilometres and lies entirely within the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park. Los Estrechos is a recreation area on the River Orcera in the natural park. The river has a moderate flow all year round. The first section of the GR-247 Bosques del Sur long-distance trail passes through Los Estrechos, offering another starting point for hiking plans.
You can reach Los Estrechos via the fully paved local road between Orcera and the hamlet of Linarejos. At a distance of 2.1 kilometres from Orcera, a gently sloping gravel road leads down to the river. Road and trail conditions can change; check them before travelling and before going for a hike. The information about the viewpoint loop and riverside area can help you choose different focuses for an outing in nature without combining the two destinations into one route.
Access to Amurjo
From Orcera, you can reach Amurjo via the JV-7.033 towards Segura de la Sierra. After about 200 metres, a road branches off to the left towards the site. As road and access conditions on site are relevant, it is advisable to check these details before your visit.
Building history and tradition
Torre de Santa Catalina I is located within the municipality of Orcera and belongs to a group of three Santa Catalina towers between Segura de la Sierra and Orcera. It is believed to be a Muslim structure dating from the late 12th or early 13th century. Its function is thought to have been to keep watch over the surrounding, intricately folded hills. Its location, its place in the group of towers and the cautiously worded historical interpretation offer different perspectives on the building.
The Iglesia de la Asunción also brings together several building phases. It was built in the 16th and 17th centuries as a single-nave church with Gothic and Renaissance elements. At the beginning of the 20th century, it received a monumental 16th-century portal. This came from the former Franciscan monastery of Santa María de la Peña, which no longer exists. The church thus offers a tangible glimpse of how an older architectural element was reused later.
Another aspect of Orcera’s culture is Bolos Serranos, a traditional sport. The first regional tournament of its kind was organised in Orcera in 1969. According to the municipal website, it has been held there continuously ever since; dates may vary. It is therefore worth checking possible tournament dates separately when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Mancha Real, Hinojares, Huesa, Alcalá La Real, Ventas del Carrizal, Las Escuelas, Huelma, Arbuniel.
For the broader travel overview: Jaen.
