View of Moclín, Granada and its Moorish castle

Explore the past and present of Andalusia with the Route of the Caliphate

Andalusia

Castles on hills and walled towns invite you to travel back to Al-Andalus. From Granada to Cordoba, there is a route that Muslims traveled in the Middle Ages and that is classified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. It is the Route of the Caliphate, and it invites you to travel through the history of Andalusia.

This area of Spain speaks of battles between Moors and Christians, of ancient culture and modern traditions, spanning 10 centuries of history. Nearly 200 kilometers long, it is one of the best routes for visiting Andalusia and a destination for all ages.Here are some places and historical facts that this route through Andalusia reveals:- Monuments : In the province of Granada you will see the Arab bridge of Pinos Puente and the Nasrid castle of Moclín. Córdoba is home to the Luque Fortress, the Lucena Castles, Priego de Córdoba and the Muslim remains of the old town of Baena. In Jaén, you will see the Castillo de la Mota in Alcalá la Real.- Gastronomy with Arab heritage: Some culinary recipes have their origin in Muslim culture. Albónndigas (meatballs), migas (fried breadcrumbs) and arroz con leche (rice pudding) are all dishes that can be enjoyed now just as they were by the caliphs 1000 years ago.  

Top left: Rice pudding and dates © Parador de Carmona. Top right: Nazaríes Boxes – Arab craftwork in Granada. Below: Priego de Córdoba Castle © Priego de Córdoba City Council

- Traditional crafts: artisan craftwork is an activity present in the towns of the Caliphate Route, which the Arab culture left as a legacy. Many Spanish words, such as aceite (oil) and escabeche (pickling brine) were inherited from this civilisation.The Caliphate Route can be completed with a hiking excursion. So if you do this route through Andalusia, we recommend you wear good footwear and take a walk through the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park. As you walk along, you will hear the course of history flowing in the background.

Bailon viewpoint in Zuheros, Subbética mountain range.