Benamahoma - Pueblos Blancos

Benamahoma is a district belonging to the municipality of Grazalema, located just 13 kilometers from the town. Benamahoma is located in the western foothills of the Sierra of the Pinar, inside the Sierra of Grazalema Natural Park, which provides the surroundings of the village with unique natural landscapes.

The routes and paths that run through the surroundings of the village make Benamahoma a unique destination due to the charm of its landscapes.

The town of Benamahoma stands out for the importance of its orchards and its horticultural production. Traditionally in the Sierra of Cadiz, the town is known as “the vegetable patch of Benamahoma”.

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GASTRONOMY

LOCAL FESTIVITIES

ROUTES

HISTORIC HERITAGE

Historic Heritage

Streets and Fountains

A vantage point of white and intense greens, Benamahoma, the town of the “sons of Mohammed”, as the Arabs called it, is one of the jewels of this landscape of exuberant nature, traditions and culture that is the Sierra of Cadiz.

Few pleasures are comparable to those of strolling through its streets and squares in search of those traces that, still latent, speak of its past, of those disputes that centuries ago confronted Moors and Christians.

Examples are the Algarrobal Fountain, located in the highest part of the Real Street; or the Three Streams Fountain, which in the past was used as a public washing place.

Cultural Center of Benamahoma – Moors and Christians Historical Collection

The Centro Cultural de Benamahoma brings together in the rooms that make up its permanent exhibition all the cultural vestiges of those peoples who have settled in the area. In addition, the Historical Collection of Moors and Christians brings the famous local festivity to all its visitors.

The Center has visiting hours for those visitors who want to know in depth the history of the Villa (Thursday to Sunday, 12:30 to 14:00).

Andalusia Square

The Andalusia Square, located on Real Street, is a small avenue with an Arabic atmosphere that offers spectacular views. It has an ornate central fountain flanked by Nasrid arches.

Chapel of Saint Antonio de Padua

The Chapel of Saint Antonio de Padua, located in the central street of the town, is witness every year of one of the most anticipated festivities of Benamahoma, the Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos. The temple houses the image of the patron saint of the village, which every year is the object of devotion of the Benamahometanos. The chapel, of small size, is crowned by a dome of intense gilding and decorated with elements of different architectural styles.

Ecomuseum of Water

At the source of the Majaceite river is the Ecomuseum of Water, an old mill with wheels on its sides of great symbolism for the relationship of the town with the presence of water. In the surrounding area there are also oil and flour mills, wool working machines and local vegetable gardens.

Fountain of the 3 Jets

The Fountain of the 3 Jets is an emblematic corner of Benamahoma, just 200 meters from its source, from which comes its flow. The water, which flows from the 3 channels that gives its name to the stone structure, comes from the spring of El Nacimiento and is channeled to a trough. In former times it was a place of meeting and gathering as a public washing place, in addition to providing water for the houses of the village and to water the livestock.

Saint Antonio de Padua Church

Located near the old cemetery and the bullring stands the main basilica of the town, the Church of Saint Antonio Padua. It has a single nave, inside which rests the image of the patron saint, donated by the Sevillian parishioners in the eighteenth century, a carving of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores and another of the Resurrected. It emphasizes the sobriety of its architecture, crowned with two bells that give the warning in the religious celebrations.

Cemetery of Benamahoma

On the way to the Pinsapar we can find the Cemetery of Benamahoma, located in the middle of a grove of trees that welcomes visitors to the graveyard. Generations of inhabitants rest in a scene of peace and tranquility, surrounded by a natural environment full of pine trees. Inside, there is a chapel where visitors can worship their loved ones.

Routes

Pinsapar

The title of one of the 50 natural wonders of the world is more than justified, as the Sierra de Cadiz is home to a large number of flora species. From cork oaks and holm oaks to willows and ash trees cover the landscapes of the enclave. Undoubtedly, the Sierra de Grazalema has as its main protagonist the Pinsapar, which connects the town with Benamahoma. It is a walkable road that is home to the world’s largest concentration of Spanish firs, a type of fir tree with an intense green color and pyramidal shape that gives the landscape its characteristic touch.

Resting Place Stream Route

The Resting Place Stream Route links Benamahoma with the Llanos del Campo Recreational Area by means of a short and easy-to-walk path. A promenade of barely one kilometer that allows you to visit the ruins of the Susto mill or the Resting Place Fountain, remains of constructions from past centuries.

Llanos del Berral Route

The Llanos del Berral Route is considered a must for those who love hiking and nature. The panoramic view of the Sierra del Pinar is unique from this enclave, a path that runs through groves of oaks and carob trees of a difficulty suitable for beginners and professionals. The itinerary ends at the source of the Charcones stream, which pours the water it collects from the Sierra del Albarracín into the valley of Tavizna.

Turret Route

The Turret Route starts in the vicinity of Benamahoma towards El Torreón, a unique geological balcony overlooking the Sierra of Cadiz. Along the route we will be able to see different species of birds of prey, as well as mountain goats, since this is their natural habitat. During the ascent we will appreciate changes in the vegetation, typical of the limestone territories. The route requires considerable effort to complete, although, with extreme caution, we will be rewarded with unforgettable scenery.

Tesorillo Route

The Tesorillo Route starts at the Llanos del Campo Recreational Area. This is a short, low-difficulty itinerary that runs through quiet spots in direct contact with nature. The song of the charcoal burners will accompany the walkers along the route, which was once a place of great transit among the inhabitants of the different municipalities that make up the Sierra of Cadiz.

Llanos de Rabel Route

The Llanos de Rabel Route is perfect to enjoy without much effort and allows you to enter the Spanish fir forest that reaches the Pine Forest Sierra. A landscape that mixes streams and springs with local fauna and flora.

Majaceite River Route

The Majaceite Route is, undoubtedly, an itinerary of great importance for the history of the region, since, along its route, which connects Benamahoma and El Bosque, we can find traces of ancient settlers. This trail, of great ease, runs along the banks of the river that gives its name to this route, populated by a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Local Festivities

Moors and Christians Festivity

The traditional Moors and Christians Festivity is one of the most eagerly awaited historical events in the Benamahoma community. On the first weekend in August, the town travels back to the 15th century, at the height of the conflict between Muslims and Christians, through its re-enactments. An intense and emotional three-day tribute to the history of the town, which has been declared of Tourist Interest in Andalusia.

Resurrected Bull of Benamahoma

The Resurrected Bull of Benamahoma puts the final touch to the town’s Holy Week. The release of the animal takes place at midday, when it runs through the streets under strict security measures.

‘Cocías’ Soups Competition

Stale bread, onion, garlic, olive oil, water, salt and bay leaf are the basic ingredients of one of the most rooted and stimulating dishes of the rich and varied gastronomy of Benamahoma.

Dish of peasant origin, which is enjoyed in this contest held every year during the month of March in the town, organized by the Moors and Christians Association and the City Council of Grazalema.

Living Nativity Scene

The Living Nativity Scene of Benamahoma is one of the most important festive events in the town. The celebration begins with a Christmas ‘Zambombá’. In the streets of the town several Christian scenes are recreated: the arrival of the Virgin Mary and Joseph to the inn, the birth of Jesus and the arrival and adoration of the Three Magic Kings.
All this in a Christmas atmosphere, in which associations, neighbors and businesses of Benamahoma turn to transform this corner with costumes and props of the time.

Pilgrimage of Saint Antonio

On 13 June the Pilgrimage of Saint Antonio takes place, in honor of the patron saint of the town. A festivity that begins with the departure of the patron saint from the namesake church to be carried in procession accompanied by the whole town. The pilgrimage passes through all the streets of the town and culminates in a get-together with music and food in which the whole town gets involved until the early hours of the morning.

Gastronomy

Mushrooms

The geographical location of Benamahoma is conducive to the appearance of mushrooms. For this reason, the Conference of the Cagarría is held every year, with trips to the countryside, a tapas route, photography competitions, tastings and culinary demonstrations, all with this exquisite product as the main subject.

Sopa Cocía

The ‘Sopa Cocía’ is a peasant origin dish considered to be one of the main sources of sustenance for farm workers. It comes in different varieties, from the more traditional ones based on peppers and tomatoes, to other recipes that include ingredients such as game or asparagus. Such is the recognition of this dish in Benamahoma that during the month of February there is a popular competition among the locals to see who can cook the best ‘sopa cocía’.