Moguer
This is an attractive white-washed village, located on the banks of the Tinto river. Starting from the Plaza del Cabildo in the centre simply taking a stroll round the busy streets is a pleasure.
First take a look at the elegant eighteenth century Italianate Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). In addition you will see numerous monuments such as the castle fortress. The city centre is built around this fortress. Alas only some walls fronts and two large towers remain standing.
Niebla
North of Moguer and 47kms east of Huelva lies the walled, millenary town of Niebla, hidden behind 2km long red-ochre walls. Located at the top of a hill it overlooks the Rio Tinto and its walls, complete with 50 towers and five gates cover the city’s perimeter, Castillo de los Guzmanes.
It is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns of Andalucia. The city within the confines of the walls preserves some of its ancient layout and has some remarkable buildings. The warren of streets is a pleasure to explore and in the heart of the old town the quaint Iglesia Santa Maria de la Granada, an old Byzantine cathedral combines the features of a catholic church and an Arab mosque in one building. Beyond this do not miss the Roman bridge and aqueduct.
If you continue to travel further north you will come across the longest of Spains mountain ranges, the Sierra Morenawhich extends almost the whole way across Andalucia from the Portuguese border to Linores. These hills are covered with oaks, pine and chestnut trees with dramatic cliffs, enchanting villages and bustling market towns such as the areas capital Aracena.
Aracena
Clustered beneath its hill-top Templar castle is the market town of Aracena. The main square is Plaza del Marques de Aracena. The castle is reached up a steep road from Plaza Alta, a handsome cobbled square that used to be the old town centre.
Beneath the castle hill lays a maze of caves attracting numerous tourists every year. A total of 2,130 metres of galleries, of which 1,200 metres can be visited. La Gruta de las Maravillas (cave of the marvels) features 12 chambers and 6 lakes with wonderful rock formations. This cave is a cavity created by water and includes the beautiful chambers such as the Diamond Chamber, Great Lake Chamber, Chamber of the Nudes, and God’s Glasswork Chamber. The last chamber is known simply as La Sala de los Culos (room of the buttocks).
