Los Pedroches
Oak pastures, granite and starry skies in the north of the province.
Key points
- Los Pedroches is the area in the north of the province, with 17 municipalities on a large granite batholith.
- Its landscape is the dehesa: scattered holm oaks over pastures where Iberian pigs are raised. It has its own designation of origin for ham.
- It is a Starlight Reserve, a destination for stargazing far from light pollution.
- Pozoblanco, about 77 km from the capital, is the main town.
Dehesas, granite and clear skies
North of Córdoba the Sierra Morena opens into an undulating plateau covered with holm oaks. The dehesa is not a "natural" forest but a landscape managed for centuries to combine livestock, acorns and wildlife. In autumn and winter, during the montanera, Iberian pigs feed on acorns in the open air, and in spring everything turns green.
Villages worth a stop
- PozoblancoThe area's commercial capital, with a bullring, livestock fairs and good restaurants.
- Hinojosa del DuqueIts huge Renaissance church of San Juan Bautista is known as the "cathedral of the sierra".
- BelalcázarA 15th-century Gothic castle of the Sotomayors and a convent of Santa Clara.
- Torrecampo and PedrocheGranite villages with chapels, towers and wide views.
- Villanueva de CórdobaA good starting point for touring the area and its farms.
- CardeñaGateway to the Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park.
What to eat
The star is Los Pedroches Iberian ham, with its own designation of origin, accompanied by shoulder, loin, chorizo and blood sausage. Cheeses and honey also stand out. There are Iberian routes with visits to curing sheds and farms: ask at the area's tourist offices. More dishes in food and drink in Córdoba.
Stargazing
Low population density and clear skies have made the area a Starlight destination. There are observatories and astrotourism activities; choose moonless, cloudless nights and bring warm clothes even in summer.
The Mozarabic Way passes through
The Mozarabic Way of St James crosses the area from south to north, through villages such as Alcaracejos and Hinojosa del Duque. It is a good excuse to walk one stage through the dehesa. See more in tourist routes.
Getting there and when to go
Pozoblanco is about 77 km from the capital by road. Best in spring (green pastures) and autumn (montanera and pleasant weather); in summer the daytime heat is strong.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see in Los Pedroches?
Pozoblanco, Hinojosa del Duque (the "cathedral of the sierra"), Belalcázar castle, Torrecampo, Pedroche and the oak pastures, plus Iberian ham routes and stargazing.