The Ruta de las Hachas and the Ruta de los Escalones-Carrascal showcase two different sides of Hornachos: one route along the lower slope of the Sierra, ending at traditional buildings, and another through Mediterranean woodland to the Castillo de Hornachos. The town’s buildings also tell the story of different eras and styles—from an Islamic fortress to Mudéjar architecture and historic waterworks.
Landscape and Birdlife
With its Paleozoic rock, Sierra Grande de Hornachos forms the physical foundation of the Zona de Interés Regional. Its shady and sunny slopes are markedly different. The Sierra provides a habitat for more than 220 vertebrate species, including griffon vultures, golden eagles, Egyptian vultures and peregrine falcons. The landscape is therefore not only a setting for trails along the slopes, but also a habitat with diverse birdlife.
Two Routes, Different Destinations
The Ruta de las Hachas is 14 kilometres long and is rated as easy. The stated walking time is one hour, and cycling time is 15 minutes. The route follows the lower slope of the Sierra, passing the Zona de Interés Regional and the valley of the Río Matachel, and ends at the “Las Hachas” estate. There, you can see several traditional Hornachos huts and ovens.
The 4.5-kilometre Ruta de los Escalones-Carrascal starts and ends on Calle San Francisco. It passes through Mediterranean woodland to the Castillo de Hornachos; on the way back to the village, it goes past the Centro de Interpretación de la Cultura Morisca. The starting point for the route to the Mirador de Astroturismo is also on Calle San Francisco, level with the Oficina de Turismo and the Hornachos visitor reception centre. From there, the route follows the Camino de los Escalones.
The routes differ both in their stated lengths and in their described destinations: the Escalones-Carrascal route focuses on woodland, the Castillo and the interpretation centre, while the Ruta de las Hachas crosses the landscape along the Sierra’s lower slopes to the traditional buildings on the estate. Check current route conditions and visitor access before setting out.
Buildings and History
The Iglesia de la Purísima Concepción has a three-aisled basilica layout and an impressive Mudéjar wooden ceiling. Inside are a coat of arms of Charles V and an alabaster baptismal font. The Franciscan monastery of San Ildefonso, also known as the Convento de San Francisco, was founded in 1530 as part of efforts to Christianise the Moriscos. The Convento de San Francisco houses altarpieces and sculptures dating from the 16th to the 18th century.
The Castillo de Hornachos is an Islamic fortress on a high rock above the town, dating from the 9th to the 16th century. Its position above Hornachos and its long historical span offer a different perspective on the town’s history from its churches and monastic buildings.
The waterworks also reveal different facets of the area’s heritage. The Pilar de Palomas is a monumental landmark in the Mudéjar style and one of Hornachos’s most impressive hydraulic structures. Its system channels water from the Valle de los Moros through canals, irrigation ditches and a small aqueduct with vivid red brick arches to a single outlet.
The Fuente de los Moros is a monumental square stone structure dating from the 16th century and built mainly of granite. An inscription dates it to 1583. The adjoining washhouse continued to serve its original purpose for the town’s residents well into the 20th century. Alongside churches and a fortress, the buildings thus offer evidence of historic water supply and everyday life.
Regional Context
Hornachos is one of the municipalities included in the Ruta del Vino y el Cava Ribera del Guadiana. This places the town within a wider regional wine and cava context. The Oficina de Turismo also offers visitors a monumental route through several historic sites; check locally to confirm that it is available.
Discover more destinations: Malcocinado, Esparragosa De Lares, Almendralejo, Montijo, Carmonita, El Raposo, Puebla De Alcocer, Montemolín.
Return to the main travel overview: Badajoz.
