Cañete de las Torres
Cañete de las Torres is a small town town that belongs to Alto Guadalquivir County. It is found in a peaceful rural area about 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of the provincial capital of Cordoba.
Surrounded by olive groves, cornfields and sunflower fields stretching until the horizon, agriculture is the town’s main source of income. However it is still a place worth visiting. One of the most remarkable attractions in town is the so-called Huerto Francés, a traditional town district with narrow lanes and tiny squares.
Thus it is no wonder that especially in the months of spring visitors flock into Cañete de las Torres to marvel at the colorful contrast of the blue sky, the whitewashed walls and the many blooming flowers. For this typical Andalusian charm this living gem received much recoginition.
History
Cañete de las Torres’ history goes back until the Neolithic Age. This is proved by findings giving evidence of the first human settlings in this particular area. Further remarkable discoveries date from the Bronze Age and were made at La Haza de la Virgen excavation site.
The Iberian civilization is attributed to a fortified complex known as Cortijo Real, as well as numerous stone animal figures, coins and ceramic items.
After the Romans conquered the Iberian Peninsula, Cañete de las Torres gained importance, as Julius Caesar used this place to prepare the Battle of Munda. This fight brought the decisive victory against the conservative Republicans, allowing Caesar to return to Rome and rule undisturbed as a dictator.
This being said, there are several theories assuming that it was Caesar who actually founded Cañete de las Torres in 45 BC. Although there is no proof for these theories, it is certain that there are numerous traces of the Roman era, mainly in La Haza de la Virgen, the Callejón de los Moros and the Cortijo El Alamillo. Additionally, in other places remnants of buildings, water pipes, grave sites, coins, mills, agricultural objects and ceramic products have been discovered.
Bricks with rosette reliefs and inscriptions testify to the presence of the Visigoths in this place.
The medieval castle was built during the Caliphate of Cordoba, although the keep as it appears today is the result of extensive 14th century renovations. Due to its location on a border, the town was conquered and reconquered several times until it was definitively taken by Christian troops led by Ferdinand III in 1236/37.
In the centuries to come, the town had several owners until it finally came into the hands of the Dukes of Medinaceli, who had possession until the 19th century.
Sights and Places of Interest
Castle and keep
Opposite the town hall of Cañete de las Torres, there is an imposing tower, which at the time overtopped the massive walls of the castle, built at the behest of Alfonso Fernández de Córdoba in the first half of the 14th century. Today this castle keep is the only structure that survived the times.
Currently, the keep harbors the Municipal Ethnographic Museum, which displays furniture, instruments, old photographs and further items. All these give visitors a glimpse of what the life in Cañete de las Torres used to be at past times.
Hours
Monday - Friday
8.00 AM – 3.00 PM
Previous registration at the following phone number is required: (+34) 957 18 30 00
Parish Church Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Church of Resurrection)
The origins of this church with a nave and two aisles dates back to the 13th century, although its present appearance is the result of renovations that took place during the 15th century.
It is worth mentioning that the church was built in a way that, according to the Julian calendar, on the day of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) the church and the sun are in one line.
La Tercia
One of the most emblematic buildings in town is La Tercia. This is a large 18th century brick structure which is located not far from the Church of Resurrection. Originally the buidling was used for the prupose to collect the tithe and taxes dedicated to the Spanish Crown. In later times it was a municipal granary and, at the time of the Spanish Civil War, a shelter for the local population. Currently, the building is privately owned. Therefore it is visible from the outside only.
El Huerto Francés
Narrow streets and tiny squares are characteristics of the so-called Huerto Francés, a traditional district of Cañete de las Torres. A visit is worthwhile any time of the year.
If you are in the area during the time of spring, you must not muss the opportunity to make a stop and experience the beautiful contrast of blooming flowers and white-washed walls of the simple dwellings, surmounted by the steel blue sky.
Jesús Nazareno Chapel
According to a 19th century document, this plain building was originally known as Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción (Hermitage of the Lady of Conception). With the exception of the stone entrance portal, the entire building is made of plastered stone masonry. The one-aisle chapel’s interior features a wooden Mudejar ceiling panelling.
Virgen del Campo Chapel
As patron saint of the village, the Santísima Virgen del Campo is deeply adored by the local population. Every year on the 8th of September, there is a colorful pilgrimage, during which a Virgin effigy is taken from the parish church to her chapel, where hundreds of the faithful are waiting for her arrival.
The origins of this small chapel go back until the 14th century. Its present appearance dates back to th 16th century. Particularly worth seeing is the baroque dome with its rich plaster ornaments.
Stairway to Heaven
This unique monument is located at the cemetery of Cañete de las Torres. It is a popular attraction for photographers, as it is impressive when the sun goes down as well as on rainy, cludy days. As the cemetery is outside the town, a drive by car is recommended to get there.
Festivals and Traditions
Twelfth Day Pageant (5 January)
Candlemas (1 February)
Andalusia Day (28 February)
Holy Week (5 – 12 April)
Maycross Contest
Calles en Flor Festival (30 April – 3 May) More Information
San Isidro (weekend around 15 May)
Corpus Christi (60 days after Eastery Sunday)
Music Festival Cañeteando (last weekend in June)
Feria Real de San Miguel (funfair)
Living Nativity Scene (Display of the birth of Christ on the main square)
Contact
Town of Cañete de las Torres
Plaza de España 1
14660 Cañete de las Torres (Cordoba)
Tel.: (+34) 957 18 30 00
Email: aytocanete@telefonica.net
Web: www.aytocanetedelastorres.es
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