Torre de Alháquime is a town located in the heart of the Sierra de Cadiz and is part of the route known as Pueblos Blancos. A village full of charm and history which, together with its landscapes, its extensive gastronomy and its traditions, make it one of the obligatory stops on the route.
The first signs of population date back to Roman times, specifically the remains of a military settlement on a flood plain of the Guadalporcún river. On the other hand, it was not until the Muslim occupation of Berber origin that the site where the small municipality is now located was occupied. The territory was occupied by Christians and reconquered by the Nasrids at the time of the Reconquest until the beginning of the 15th century. The anthology of ballads also tells us that throughout its history, Alháquime has been a land of bandits. “Currillo el Largo”, “El Vivillo”, “Cencerrito” and “Chorizito” are some of the names that resonate in popular oral tradition and in the press of the time.
Part of the Nasrid settlement in the area, the Old Fortress, which dates back to approximately the 13th century, is still preserved. Despite the obvious Christian influence in its construction, the architectural features and layout place the fortification between the 10th and 11th centuries. Part of the old walls that surrounded the old village and the castle are also preserved, as well as the old keep.
Inside the old fortress is the Castle Square and the Park of the Ancient City Walls, located in the upper part of the town, next to a viewpoint that affords a spectacular panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.
The Cadiz artist Miguel Sevillano took inspiration from the Sistine Chapel to erect his own particular homage, the Art Chapel. A project that was the result of a decade of work and which culminated in the construction of a temple with neoclassical features and decorated ceilings following the same style pattern as Michelangelo’s in his time.
In memory of the bandit José María “El Tempranillo”, a square was built in his name. Located next to the wall, the “El Tempranillo” Square houses the ruins of what is said to be the dwelling where his son was born.
The Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua is a religious temple built in 1775 at the request of the Sevillian archbishop, hence its name. Consisting of three naves, the current chapel was rebuilt at the beginning of the 18th century under the foundations of the old one, which was destroyed by fire and of which only a painting of the Inmaculada Concepción and the image of the infant Jesus remain. The baptismal font, preserved as a relic, and the Painting of the Souls, attributed to Murillo, are the most important pieces that complete this temple.
One of the local landmarks is the Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, donated by a local resident in 1952 and erected on land donated by the Archbishopric of Jerez. Located at the entrance to the village and surrounded by gardens and viewpoints, it is a meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
The old quarter of this town is made up of a labyrinthine network of streets formed by houses with white façades, characteristic of the Pueblos Blancos, which are organized around the old fortress. Another point of interest for visitors is the Vereda Ancha Square, a meeting place for locals and for festivities.
One of the accesses that is still preserved today is the Arch of the Village, which allowed access to the walled enclosure surrounding the fortress. Nowadays it is the main access to the square where the Town Hall and the Parish Church are located.
The Mill of the Trejo Path is a simple route -mostly flat- of 3 kilometers which starts in the town and ends at the mill which gives its name to the path and where the annual Pilgrimage of Saint Juan takes place. The route, which runs along the banks of the Guadalporcún river, is located in the area of Vegas de Abajo, a place of various celebrations, and is also part of the “Route of the Transhumant Inns”.
The Alleys Path is an old track in the municipality that has recently been restored by the Town Hall for use as a hiking route. The route starts in Alháquime and follows a short but uneven route of 1.5 kilometers, finishing at the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. The ancient inhabitants of the municipality used this route as a pilgrimage route or as a shortcut to reach Olvera, a town adjoining Alháquime.
Following the disuse of the CA-414 road, which used to connect Alháquime with Alcalá del Valle, the Town Council has reconditioned the road to serve as a pedestrian or cycle path. The Old Road of Alcalá is an 8-kilometre route that connects the two towns and runs alongside the “Tajo de las Canteras”, allowing visitors to enjoy the views of the village and the valley along the way.
Another of the routes offered by the municipality is the El Zurrón path, a 4-kilometer route that starts in the lower part of the village. The path follows the path of La Espartala and crosses the Guadalporcún river over a bridge, reaching the “Fuente del Pozo”, a historical relic that used to supply water to the villagers. The last stretch of the path is on a slope and ends at the Zurrón fountain, another construction dating from the Arab period.
Alháquime’s tourist offer includes a complete experience dedicated to the famous bandit from Cadiz, who gives his name to a route of his own. The local company Bandolero Tours offers, within the José María “El Tempranillo” Route, the recreation of kidnappings like those that took place in the romantic era. The award-winning product, which has three different versions, takes place at El Rosalejo Landed Estate.
Alháquime once again dresses up for Corpus Christi, where the town fills its streets and façades with flowers and small altars. On the morning of Corpus Christi, Holy Mass is celebrated and then the procession sets off in procession, making stops at the small shrines scattered around the town and erected for the occasion.
Between the end of February and the beginning of March, the traditional Carnivals are celebrated in the town. The parades, costume contests and the musical groups fill the streets of the municipality during these days. Finally, it is the famous “Chorizada” that puts the finishing touch to the festivities, where locals and visitors can taste chorizo and wine, two of the municipality’s typical products.
The Pilgrimage of Saint Juan is one of the most eagerly awaited celebrations, marking the start of the summer. Held between 22 and 24 June, the saint is carried on a float accompanied by songs and cheers to the Trejo Mill. The rest of the day is spent in festivities, with open-air dances, sports competitions, musical performances and dances. At night the traditional candles are lit and the celebrations continue.
One of the most eagerly awaited traditions during the summer period is the Festival of Saint Roque, in honor of the patron saint of Torre Alháquime. Every year, in mid-August, the town is decorated for the festivities, which last several days and include activities such as the procession of the patron saint, dances, musical performances, open-air dances and sports competitions.
Holy Week is one of the most devotional moments in the Torre de Alháquime calendar. The village lives one of its most emotional weeks, walking the streets of the town with the imagery of the brotherhoods. The most eagerly awaited day by the inhabitants of Alháquime is Sunday, when the “Carrerita de San Juan” takes place, in which the image of the saint is carried by women to the image of the Virgin to announce the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Afterwards, the image of the Resurrected Christ meets the other two processions and concludes with a “dance” of the three carvings, accompanied by the shouts and applause of the people of Alháquime.
The local gastronomy is based on vegetable garden products, mostly of local origin, for the making of typical dishes such as scrambled eggs, soups, stews or vegetable soups. Among the most outstanding dishes are gazpacho, onion ‘migas’, pig’s trotters or olla traqueá, a variety of stew whose name derives from the movement of the pot when it was moved from the village to the fields, where it was served to the day laborer. Oatmeal, an appetizer served cold as an accompaniment, country soup and the famous ‘hornazos’ are other dishes that make up the Torre de Alháquime menu.
Particularly noteworthy are the cured meats, sausages and homemade sweets such as ‘torrijas’, Spanish bread rolls and ‘pestiños’, as well as the recognition throughout the region of its watermelons and melons.
Between the end of February and the beginning of March, the traditional Carnivals are celebrated in the town. The parades, costume contests and the musical groups fill the streets of the municipality during these days. Finally, it is the famous “Chorizada” that puts the finishing touch to the festivities, where locals and visitors can taste chorizo and wine, two of the municipality’s typical products.
One of the most eagerly awaited traditions during the summer period is the Festival of Saint Roque, in honor of the patron saint of Torre Alháquime. Every year, in mid-August, the town is decorated for the festivities, which last several days and include activities such as the procession of the patron saint, dances, musical performances, open-air dances and sports competitions.
The Pilgrimage of Saint Juan is one of the most eagerly awaited celebrations, marking the start of the summer. Held between 22 and 24 June, the saint is carried on a float accompanied by songs and cheers to the Trejo Mill. The rest of the day is spent in festivities, with open-air dances, sports competitions, musical performances and dances. At night the traditional candles are lit and the celebrations continue.
Holy Week is one of the most devotional moments in the Torre de Alháquime calendar. The village lives one of its most emotional weeks, walking the streets of the town with the imagery of the brotherhoods. The most eagerly awaited day by the inhabitants of Alháquime is Sunday, when the “Carrerita de San Juan” takes place, in which the image of the saint is carried by women to the image of the Virgin to announce the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Afterwards, the image of the Resurrected Christ meets the other two processions and concludes with a “dance” of the three carvings, accompanied by the shouts and applause of the people of Alháquime.
Alháquime once again dresses up for Corpus Christi, where the town fills its streets and façades with flowers and small altars. On the morning of Corpus Christi, Holy Mass is celebrated and then the procession sets off in procession, making stops at the small shrines scattered around the town and erected for the occasion.
The Cadiz artist Miguel Sevillano took inspiration from the Sistine Chapel to erect his own particular homage, the Art Chapel. A project that was the result of a decade of work and which culminated in the construction of a temple with neoclassical features and decorated ceilings following the same style pattern as Michelangelo’s in his time.
Torre Alháquime is a municipality located in the north-eastern corner of the province, nestled in the Sierra de Cádiz. It borders Olvera, Setenil de las Bodegas, Alcalá del Valle and Ronda.
From Seville, the most recommended route is via the A-92.
From Cádiz, take the A-384 to reach the town.
From Jerez de la Frontera, follow the A-382 and the A-384.
From Málaga, take the A-357 to continue along the Carretera de Antequera or A-384.
From Ronda, the CA-9120 is the quickest way to get to Torre Alháquime.
Comes has a transport line to Torre Alháquime from Cádiz and Jerez de la Frontera. In turn, DAMAS has a route that reaches the municipality from Jerez de la Frontera, Malaga and Ronda. You can find all the information about routes and timetables on their website.
