 One of the oldest and most cherished traditions of Alájar is this pilgrimage which takes place over two days. The Poleo (the spurring of the horses) is held on September 7, and consists of a climb on horseback from Alájar to the Peña (Rock) de Arias Montano, at whose feet and under whose care appears to be the town. On the rock dedicated to the great humanist and councillor of Felipe II, in addition to the chapel we find a calm and beautiful environment, and a stunning viewpoint from which the distant sea can almost be seen, as well as most of the Sierra de Aracena. The pilgrimage itself starts early on the 8th. Not only from Alájar, but also from neighbouring towns (Aracena, Linares, Fuenteheridos, Galaroza ...), journey their respective brotherhoods to the Shrine of the Peña de Arias Montano. The Simpecado (ornate wagon which carries the Virgin Lady) leaves Alájar at 8am to the sound of rockets, as with all pilgrimages in Andalusia. Accompanied by drummers and pilgrims on foot and horseback it is the first to reach the sanctuary not only because of the short journey (just 3km) but also in order to welcome the other brotherhoods as they arrive along the morning. |
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At midmorning the brotherhoods start to arrive and make their presentations before the Hermitage, with plenty of traditionally dressed horsemen. By midday all of the brotherhoods are at the Shrine and amidst the reunions of the pilgrims, the Virgin de los Angeles (Our Lady of the Angels), a small but very unique sculpture, is paraded in procession.
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Recommendations
{Tab=How to get there}Coming from Seville you can’t get lost, taking the N-433 towards Rosal de la Frontera (traditional route between Lisbon and Seville) we will go through some very beautiful scenery and enjoy a wide, comfortable and safe road.
In little more than an hour we will be in Aracena, and if we go through the village, close to the Cave of Wonders we will find the exit for Alájar, just a few kilometres away.
Interactive town map
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CLICK ON THE ICONS FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND DOUBLE-CLICK ON THE MAP TO SEE MORE DETAILS
{Tab=Walking}Alájar is a very small town, almost a village, but is full of little spots that deserve to be discovered. There is no risk of getting lost, so ... lose yourself and walk the town from top to bottom. You will find places to rest, and neighbours to guide you.
{Tab=Monuments}The church of San Marcos or the Santuario de la Peña de Arias Montano are the inevitable recommendations.
There are other options, as well as the recommended restaurants, many of which are between 300 and 500 years old, the mills, etc...
{Tab=Of Interest}Starting in Alájar there are many possible routes for hiking:
- along the river in a very gentle walk during which we will find abandoned mills from the 18th and 19th centuries
- the climb to the Peña de Arias Montano, and from there to Fuenteheridos
- from Alájar to Linares de la Sierra, a route with some hills and a distance that requires some physical preparation, or to be hiked during the cooler hours of the day
- the climb to the Cerro (Mountain) de San Cristóbal
- from Almonaster towards Cortegana, a route with some hills and a distance that requires some physical preparation, or to be hiked during the cooler hours of the day
{Tab=Surroundings}Aracena, capital of the region, is a monumental town and has the same charm as so many towns of this mountain range. Almonaster la Real, which conserves not only its Arabic fortress, but also the mosque within it, and is still used as a Muslim shrine although it is open to visitors.
Galaroza and Cortegana are also beautiful and historic towns.
Useful advice
Tapas
Any bar or restaurant can be a cause for joy, go with your instincts... and your sense of smell.{Tab=Restaurants}El Padrino. A true temple of mountain food and Iberian pork meats with a varied wine cellar. It is an old farmhouse that belonged to Benito Arias Montano in 1527, and was the residence of Cardinal Cienfuegos in 1755. The old chapel is the current dining room, and the whole house has been patiently and tastefully decorated by its owner.
La Botica. An old olive oil mill dating from 1641. It subsequently become a wine cellar, stables and a lemonade factory. Today it’s a good place to eat.
El Molino. It’s a place to meet to eat and to have coffee, to chat, and end up with the first drinks of the night. It is an old mill, a spectacular untouched space: direct from the past.
{Tab=Accommodation}The Casa Rural Molino de Alájar is worth the effort, although there are much less professional options that can be found by asking the local people themselves.
As for a hotel, the Aracena Park in Aracena stands out, some 15 minutes by car from Alájar.
{Tab=Coffee and Drinks}El Molino is not only a restaurant but also a meeting place for locals and visitors, which gets livelier as the night wears on or when the congregation decides it to be necessary (any excuse is valid)
Parking
Throughout the year there are no problems for parking in Alájar, but the festivals are a cause for crowds. If you can not get there early, you may have a small problem (see Interactive town map).{Tab=Travelling with children}Children will find these mountains an idyllic setting, with many attractions and hardly any risks. The proposed hiking routes are suitable for children from 4 years old, but if they get tired they will have to be carried because it is not easy to push a stroller on the trails or on particular streets of the town, with their beautiful cobbles.
