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One of the greatest natural spectacles offered by the south of our geography, from November to February, is to contemplate a pasture dotted with holm oaks, cork oaks and quarrels in their moment of greatest splendor, when these fields are filled with the characteristic leg pigs black, whose main source of food is the acorns of these trees during what is known as the Montanera.

It can be enjoyed in corners of the provinces of Huelva, Seville or Badajoz , although the largest continuous pasture in Europe is hidden in the northwest of Córdoba , in the mysterious region of Los Pedroches. An eminently cattle land, located in Sierra Morena , which must be known during the day but also at night, as it is the largest astronomical park in the world. Not surprisingly, it has been declared a Starlight Reserve in 2016. Of course, once there, you should savor whenever possible its excellent 100% acorn-fed Iberian products with the Los Pedroches Designation of Origin.

Charming villages

Although quality cottages and unique little hotels are not lacking, perhaps the best place from which to explore this region is the old Aguas de Villaharta Spa, converted into a romantic and charming accommodation that is part of Rusticae and is halfway Road between Córdoba and Pozoblanco, the capital of the area and its economic engine thanks to COVAP, an exemplary livestock cooperative that has been revitalizing this region, with an extension as large as Vizcaya and Guipúzcoa together, for more than 60 years.

The region has been declared a Starlight Reserve by its skies.

To know this region, itineraries have been enabled that allow combining the enjoyment of the pasture with the knowledge of its monumental heritage, to end up getting lost in the winding roads of this prodigious valley full of beautiful villages such as Dos Torres . Nothing seems to clash around its Plaza Mayor and its parish dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption that keeps inside a beautiful Mudejar coffered ceiling. If it coincides at the time of eating the perfect place is the restaurant of the Los Usías hotel.

Although there is a place that should not be missed is Villanueva , where they say that the soul of Los Pedroches is hidden. It is the most monumental town, highlighting the old Audience located in a 17th century building, now a museum of local history. The church of San Miguel is not wasted either. Not far from it is the Dehesa Interpretation Center, a good place to understand the secrets of this Acorn Valley , which is how the Arabs knew it and where they have information from companies or guides specialized in revealing the peculiarities of This landscape

Ornithological Routes

On the other hand, it is almost mandatory to pass through Pozoblanco , famous for its bullring where Paquirri's death is remembered through a curious monument. It is a good place to try some of the High-Expression products of COVAP, including that 100% acorn ham that got the prestigious Gold Oak in 2018. Do not forget about the cane of prey, a real delicacy, or the singular overrun.

The Iberian ham, a 'delicatessen' forced in the area.

In the north of the region, already bordering Extremadura, there are such important treasures as the Alto Guadiato Reserve, the perfect place to know the ornithological richness of this border region but also a population like Hinojosa del Duque , where the Camino de Santiago Mozárabe and where you can see the Church of San Juan Bautista in the Renaissance style, an informal Cathedral of the Sierra de los Pedroches. Not far from it is the Church of San Salvador , from whose tower one of the best views of this part of Los Pedroches is contemplated.

At night, you have to look for the hermitages, almost always located in strategic places from where you contemplate, if time permits, an absolutely clean sky . One of those windows to the sky is in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Luna , where the Astronomy School holds informative sessions and workshops. With the naked eye you can enjoy the Milky Way and then go glimpsing The Pleiades, which make their appearance on the eastern horizon. It is also easy to see Cassiopeia and Andromeda high in the sky. With binoculars you can even see the Double Perseus Cluster.

Between visits to dryers, tastings of hams and walks surrounded by those privileged pigs, which is what they are called in Andalusia, it is also worth approaching a magical place like the Pantano de la Colada, where as winter approaches, It is filled with cranes. And all within a stone's throw of the Cardeña-Montoro Natural Park and the capital of Córdoba, which always deserves to be rediscovered.

PRACTICAL GUIDE

Drop down

How to get there: For a few years the AVE between Madrid and Córdoba passes through Villanueva de Córdoba, in the heart of Los Pedroches, although it is best to explore the area by car.

Where to sleep: Aguas de Villaharta Spa . Very comfortable, with great gastronomic offer and spa services in its hamman. The La Colada cottage is also worth it . (El Viso) and that of Ventorro de Sales (Pozoblanco).

Where to eat: At Los Usías (Dos Torres), Káran Bistró (Pozoblanco), La Casona de la Abuela and La Cepa Inn , the latter in Pozoblanco.

More information: On the Los Pedroches Tourism website: turismolospedroches.org

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