In 1817 S.M. King Fernando VII recognizes and signs a Royal Decree, granting the title of Villa de Algodonales “Town of the most deserving of Spain”. Granting the title of Villazgo and a municipality of 23,000 bushels of land, including the Sierra de Líjar and annexes the farmhouse of La Muela.
Algodonales has 5,630 inhabitants. Its surface area is 135 km² and it is located at an altitude of 370 meters in the extreme northeast, located in the Sierra de Líjar, between the Guadalete and Guadalporcún rivers.
Currently, the economy of the town is based on agriculture (olive trees, cereals, vineyards), as well as livestock and Rural and Adventure Tourism, such as free flight where it has three tracks for the practice of this sport.
HISTORIC HERITAGE
Located on the outskirts of the town is the Hermitage of the Virgencita, a neoclassical and neo-gothic style building, built in honor of the Virgen de los Dolores. The temple is a place of worship and is visited during the Pilgrimage of Algodonales, which takes place on the last Sunday of May.
Dedicated to the invocation of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Patron Saint of La Muela. Inside, you can see the main altar presided by Nuestra Señora del Carmen, dating from the sixteenth century. In addition, on the sides are the images of Saint Elías and Saint José, Patron Saint of the Order of Carmel.
The place where the annual Patron Saint Festivities of Santiago and Saint Ana are held on July 25th and 26th. In addition, during the rest of the year it houses the Caravan Service Area. It has the Municipal Auditorium and a marquee for multiple events. The property has an area of 1.1 hectares.
It was built in the 19th century, in neoclassical style. The walls are made of stone and mud, whitewashed, with a total of eight columns. It fulfilled parochial functions given the rapid extension of the town of Algodonales, in which its image is worshiped.
Throughout three rooms, they will be able to know and go through the local history, from Prehistory, through the Middle Ages and the War of Independence to the Modern Age. It has counted with the participation of neighbors to have a museum made by all so that this memory does not remain in oblivion.
It takes its name from the tree that grows next to it, being one of the most famous fountains of the town. From the base of its white body, matching the houses of Algodonales, a dozen of spouts, pouring the valuable water. It is adorned with a mosaic of tiles in blue letters that boasts the power of its spring. It is also associated with the old washing place, a spot where women used to wash their clothes and which served as a social meeting point
Built in the late 18th century, on the remains of the old parish, it combines several architectural styles. The baroque elements of its façade stand out, as well as an interior where the neoclassical style predominates and which has carvings of great cultural value. Its altarpieces stand out, especially the one in its Main Chapel, and the choir. Its spectacular bell tower is located at one end of the facade, consisting of a square floor in the first two bodies and octagonal in the third, topped by a bulbous spire covered with ceramic.
Dating from the 19th century, fountains and public washing places can be found in different parts of the city center.
Recognition of our neighbor “Francisco Salguero Siles”. Rescuing the past and the memory of this native of Algodonales, repressed for defending democracy and freedom, being mayor of La Muela.
Located in the high part of Algodonales it is used for the supply of the population. It has a trough and an annex building where the old washing places of the XIX century are located. Its crystalline waters emerge from the bowels of the Sierra of Líjar, being filtered through its limestone. It has been restored in 2021.
The building dates from the 1950s, its aesthetics is based on Andalusian regionalist architecture. With a noble façade, it is divided into two sections with a plinth, pilasters, cornices and framing made of stone, as well as plastered and whitewashed walls. The facade is crowned with the municipal coat of arms and three pinnacles. It was restored in 2011.
La Muela is a hamlet of Algodonales, within the municipality. Locality of which it depends administratively and ecclesiastically. It is located at an average altitude of 465 meters above sea level. The nearest towns are Coripe, Algodonales and Zahara. It lives mainly from agriculture and rural tourism. It is a well-known destination for paragliders and is home to one of the largest colonies of griffon vultures in Spain.
Remains of the old monastery of Los Ángeles, founded in 1601 by the order of the Discalced Carmelites. It was the ideal place to practice eremitism, a way of life based on voluntary withdrawal from society, and which was adopted by a certain number of friars in memory of the first Carmelites who settled on Mount Carmel of Palestine, back in 1190-1210. Those friars lived in El Juncal until the old monastery was expropriated and closed in 1835, diluting their memory among the mists of history.
It is a building of the XVIII century. It is preceded by an atrium, closed with railings and a wrought iron gate. Its structure is simple and popular, with a clean facade crowned by two pinnacles and a weather vane. The gabled roof is covered with Arabic tiles. Inside are the images of the Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción y de los Remedios.
Historic Public Washing place, integrated in the monumental set of our emblematic High Fountain Alta and its source, its trough, Square and Public Walk. It is a privileged location, in the high part of the town, where these waters emanate that have supplied neighbors and visitors for centuries.
The “Juan Ramón Jiménez” Library was built in 2001 on the site of a former Civil Guard station. It has in its upper part a leisure area for retirees and rooms for activities of local associations.
It starts at the access path to the Mogote; it runs along the north side of the Sierra of Líjar, with stunning views of the Zaframagón Rock and enjoying a large area of strawberry trees and the flight of vultures below us. It ends in the gorge of the source.
Path of the Cross departure from Algodonales. It runs along the south side of the Sierra of Líjar, in continuous ascent in its first section, up to the highest area, where the Sierra of Grazalema can be seen. During the route we will observe old lime kilns. It is a path of rocky sections and steep slopes.
It starts in the center of the village and runs along the stream of “La Muela”, arriving at the foot of the Sierra of Líjar, where we would link with the various roads or trails that run through it. It passes next to small vegetable gardens. We can find majestic holm oaks or ancient gall oaks.
The Fountains Trail is named after its beginning, near the Algarrobo Fountain and ends at the High Fountain. The trail runs along the south side of the Sierra of Líjar, through limestone and pine forest.
River path that runs along the left bank of the Guadalete, being a dirt road between tamarisk trees and groves of large dimensions. Variant: in the Pasada de Madrigueras it is possible to make a circular route with departure and arrival to Algodonales. La Ponderosa-Pasada de Madrigueras-Bridge of the Nava.
This trail runs along the northern slope of the Sierra of the Pinar between a forest of Spanish firs, unique fir that led to the declaration of Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park. The Sierra of the Pinar is a barrier against the clouds coming from the Strait of Gibraltar, which gives this mountain range the highest rainfall in the Iberian Peninsula. As altitude is gained, the vegetation is different. This is known as vegetation floors. When approaching the summit, the vegetation disappears, leaving the rocky area uncovered. In this area you have to be extremely careful, piles of stones as a signpost, mark the way and some paint marks to reach the summit.
It rises in the Cortijos Promenade, crossing the Muela Stream, crosses the lane of ascent to the Mogote. We continue along the road passing through the area called “Los Peñones Gordos” until we see the ruins of the old “El Juncal” Carmelite convent, we will make the climb along the northern slope of the Sierra of Líjar until we reach the recreational area of La Muela.
The Algodonales-Los Nacimientos Path runs from the highest part of the municipality to the recreational area located almost at the top of the Sierra of Líjar. Along the way visitors can observe different pine and holm oak trees. One of the charms of the Sierra is the possibility of free flight activities throughout the year.
The Sierra of Líjar is an important geographical landmark in the area, with a clear predominance of limestone dating from the Jurassic period. Between Algodonales and Olvera, situated on the opposite slope, is La Muela, a district of Algodonales. Most of the routes that run from the municipality cross the foothills of the Sierra, some of them leading to its highest point, known as “El Mogote”.
The Carnival of Algodonales is celebrated between late February and early March, beginning with a Carnival Opening Speech. The program is completed by costume contests, parades through part of the town and continues with groups, chirigotas, floats, costumes and public performances. The wit and humor is a special feature of the Carnival of Algodonales.
The Fair and Festivities of Santiago and Saint Ana are held between 25 and 26 July and its duration is 4 days. They are days of great atmosphere and popular participation, where the citizens of Algodonales actively participate in one of its best festivals in honor of their patrons, Santiago and Saint Ana.
During this celebration, which takes place at the fairgrounds of the municipality, all citizens can enter to participate in the multitude of activities that take place both day and night, in addition to dancing with the different musical groups that attend.
Throughout these days the queens and ladies of honor of the festivities are elected.
On the first day of this fair, the lighting is turned on and a parade is held, with the participation of giants, big-headed figures and a music band, which will also go out every morning to play reveille through the most central streets of the town.
One of the most important traditions and religious festivals in Algodonales is Holy Week.
The processions begin on Palm Sunday and end a week later, on Easter Sunday. Many of the faithful walk through the center of town. The processions are accompanied by the Santiago and Santa Ana Music Ensemble, although sometimes it is the devotees who sing saetas from the balconies of their homes.
On the last Sunday of May every year, the traditional Pilgrimage of the Virgencita de la Sierra is celebrated. Pilgrimage accompanied by horsemen who, through the trail, move to the Bridge of La Nava to settle in this natural place in a meeting of total fraternity and festivity.
The Corpus Christi of Algodonales is more than a celebration, it is a sign of identity. The streets are decorated with sedges, bouquets, oleanders, brooms and flowers. From the balconies hang bedspreads and shawls. Neighbors prepare altars that surprise us in every corner. In the Corpus Christi Festival, our town dawns multicolored, with the Constitution Square decorated entirely with flowers with allegorical designs. Culture, gastronomy, customs and traditions, aromas, beautiful landscapes and good atmosphere await you in Algodonales Corpus Christi on June 19. These are days of great atmosphere and popular participation, where the citizens of La Muela are actively involved in one of its best festivals with the election of Queens of Youth and recreational activities.
The Virgen de los Remedios Fair is a festival that is celebrated on August 15, the day of the Virgen de los Remedios.
That day the Cabezadas Street and Diaz Crespo Street are decorated with lanterns and several performances take place in the Remedios Square. The party lasts until the wee hours of the morning.
The Fair and Festivities of El Carmen of La Muela are held in the Andalusia Square of the town in honor of the Patron Saint of La Muela from June 13 to 16. These are days of great atmosphere and popular participation, where the citizens of La Muela are actively involved in one of its best festivals with the election of Queens of Youth and recreational activities.
This pilgrimage is held in honor of the Virgin of Fatima, the second weekend of May where the participants make a pilgrimage to the Recreational Area of La Muela with the celebration of a mass.
The Historical Recreation is a great event in which during the 1st and 2nd of May each year recreates the confrontation that had the inhabitants of Algodonales before the invasion of the French people during the War of Independence, armed conflict that took place in Spain between 1808 and 1814. The recreation takes place around the main square of the town and the Church of Saint Ana, being the neighbors and associations themselves who are responsible for giving life to the characters and in turn, organize the various food and craft stalls that can be visited during these days. This celebration has been held since 2005 to remember and pay tribute to their brave ancestors, through the representation of everyday scenes of the time and the battle itself against the French army, all without missing details of costumes, decorations and even replicas of the weapons used.
The municipality of Algodonales produces a wide range of products, including quince jelly, sugar beet and extended high quality meat products. However, the undisputed star of local production is Extra Virgin Olive Oil, considered to be one of the best organic products in the world.
Among the typical recipes of Algodonales’ gastronomy, we can find toasted soups with asparagus, tagarninas stew, porridge or ‘boronía’, a typical local stew. In terms of confectionery, the ‘gañotes’, an Arabic origin dessert, stands out.
Built in the late 18th century, on the remains of the old parish, it combines several architectural styles. The baroque elements of its façade stand out, as well as an interior where the neoclassical style predominates and which has carvings of great cultural value. Its altarpieces stand out, especially the one in its Main Chapel, and the choir. Its spectacular bell tower is located at one end of the facade, consisting of a square floor in the first two bodies and octagonal in the third, topped by a bulbous spire covered with ceramic.
Located on the outskirts of the town is the Hermitage of the Virgencita, a neoclassical and neo-gothic style building, built in honor of the Virgen de los Dolores. The temple is a place of worship and is visited during the Pilgrimage of Algodonales, which takes place on the last Sunday of May.
Dating from the 19th century, fountains and public washing places can be found in different parts of the city center.
The Sierra of Líjar is an important geographical landmark in the area, with a clear predominance of limestone dating from the Jurassic period. Between Algodonales and Olvera, situated on the opposite slope, is La Muela, a district of Algodonales. Most of the routes that run from the municipality cross the foothills of the Sierra, some of them leading to its highest point, known as “El Mogote”.
The Fountains Trail is named after its beginning, near the Algarrobo Fountain and ends at the High Fountain. The trail runs along the south side of the Sierra of Líjar, through limestone and pine forest.
River path that runs along the left bank of the Guadalete, being a dirt road between tamarisk trees and groves of large dimensions. Variant: in the Pasada de Madrigueras it is possible to make a circular route with departure and arrival to Algodonales. La Ponderosa-Pasada de Madrigueras-Bridge of the Nava.
In the heart of the Sierra of Cádiz, close to the Sierra of Lijar, the town of Algodonales is located. The municipality is close to other towns too such as Jerez, Ronda and Seville.
From Seville, the most recommended route is the A-376 and then the A-375.
From Cádiz, the Carretera of Antequera or A-384 is the quickest route to reach the town.
From Jerez de la Frontera, follow the A-382 and the Carretera of Antequera or A-384.
From Malaga, take the A-357 to continue along the Antequera Road or A-384.
From Ronda, the A-374 is the quickest way to Algodonales.
As for the intercity bus service, the company Comes has a bus service to Algodonales from Cádiz and Ronda (Málaga). In turn, DAMAS has a line that reaches the municipality from Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, Malaga and Ronda. You can consult all the information about routes and timetables on their websites.
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