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Cardeña is a town in the north of the province of Córdoba with a population of just over 1,400 inhabitants, at an altitude of 821 meters above sea level. The municipality of this beautiful town includes the small towns of La Venta del Charco and Azuel. The population trend, as in most towns in Spain, has been declining, with a loss of almost 500 inhabitants since 1979. It's worth stopping by its bakeries selling bread and typical local pastries, as well as traditional cured meats, and of course, enjoying a few beers while enjoying its gastronomy.

Cardeña is a small but historically and naturally important municipality in the region. It is located in the northeast of the province of Córdoba and is part of the Parque Natural Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro, a protected natural area. Cardeña is an ideal place for a break by bike, good food and nature worth seeing. Perfect for a bike tour with a culinary break in picturesque surroundings! The region was sparsely populated for a long time and was strategically used as a border area between Christian and Muslim dominions in the Middle Ages. During the reign of Charles III (1759-1788), Spain encouraged the settlement of remote areas. As a result of this colonization policy, several small villages were created in the Sierra Morena, including Cardeña.

Aldea del Cerezo, a small, historic settlement in the Parque Natural Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro, offers excellent conditions for exceptional stargazing. The region is part of the Reserva Starlight Sierra Morena, which is known for its exceptionally clear night skies with little light pollution. This award guarantees optimal conditions for nighttime sky observation. The secluded location of Aldea del Cerezo, far from major cities, minimizes light pollution and allows an unobstructed view of the firmament. The surrounding landscape with its rolling hills and open spaces offers ideal vantage points for astronomy enthusiasts. In the area around Aldea del Cerezo, one can not only explore the impressive architecture and history of the settlement, but also take the opportunity to admire the clear night skies and observe the stars in an incomparable setting.

This district belongs to the municipality of Almodóvar del Campo (Ciudad Real). Between the end of the 19th century and the middle of the 20th, this population center served to house the workers of the silver mine that was 600 meters deep. At its peak, the Minas del Horcajo had 4,500 inhabitants. Today there is only a half-ruined church, remains of old facilities, and some rural and holiday houses that continue to serve. The route that connects this small town with the town of Conquista is more than interesting, the first to appear when crossing the border with Andalusia, through the province of Los Pedroches, being one of the 17 towns in the Comarca de Los Pedroches, period pass of the Al-Ballut cycling route. In the same way, this town is the protagonist of the Kilometer Zero route, on its journey from Madrid to Tarifa, connecting Castilla La Mancha with Andalusia. Along the way, you cross a private farm, but the track is totally public, and its passage is allowed as announced by the signs. It is usual that the guards of this farm want to escort you, to make sure that you do not get lost or that you do not leave the marked path. They are generally friendly. But this time I found a car with 3 women inside who tried to dissuade me from cycling on the track by saying "You shouldn't go this way, blablabla...". It is probably a slogan of those who try to put gates to the field and bother those who visit the mountain. The estate in question is owned by the Duke of Westminster, perhaps that is where the suspicion comes from. Royalty and its royal things...

Very close to the border with Andalusia, in Sierra Morena, and within the Natural Park of Valle de Alcudia and Sierra Madrona, is the municipality of Fuencaliente. It is famous for housing the cave paintings of Peñaescrita and La Batanera, declared a National Monument. It also owes its name to the hot spring that rises below the church of the Virgin of Baños, and which in its day attracted many pilgrims called for the healing power of its waters.

A good place to stock up on water before entering the Natural Park that bears the name of this town. In the center, in the Plaza de la Independencia Local you will also find some bars and a shop with local products.

In the middle of the Cordoba mountains, here you can enjoy nature, rural tourism, the stars and gastronomy.

Enjoy the incredible views!