Visit Zuheros
Zuheros is a white village, 'pueblo blanco' of Andalucia. It is considered to be one of the most attractive of the white villages with its attractive position nestled in the hills of the Sierra de la Subbetics.
Explore Zuheros
Spain this Way comment: Whilst in Andalucia you should be sure to visit one of the white villages and Zuheros is fairly close to Cordoba and also to Jaen.
The Andalucia region is famous for its 'pueblo blancos', the white villages and Zuheros is a particularly pretty example. Its gleaming white buildings under the blue Mediterranean sky are surrounded by the green hills of the Sierra de Subbetics and dominating the village are the ruins of the Castle of Zuheros.
The castle of Zuheros was originally an Arab castle built in the 9th century when the area was under Muslim domination. When it was conquered by Ferdinand III in the 12th century its tower was added and it became a medieval fortress. In the 16th century a Renaissance palace was added by the Lords of Zuheros. Sadly the castle was abandoned in the 18th century and its stone used to construct houses in the town.
Also dominating the skyline of the village is the church of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios built in the late 16th century and with a Baroque altarpiece. Its belltower was added in 1795.
There is also an archaeological museum in Zuheros and this has various artefacts from the surrounding area and particularly from the nearby Cueva de los Murcielagos (cave of bats). Exhibits include ceramics from the Neolithic period and Copper and Bronze Age items.
The Cueva de los Murcielagos is an important Neolithic site. Inside the caves there are paintings from the Upper Palaeolithic period and these include paintings of horses, men, bears and schematic neolithic goats. The caves are open all year round every day except Mondays. Visits are by guided tours only and numbers are restricted to 30 at a time and so it is best to book in advance.
The surrounding hills are popular with walkers and the old railway line has been transformed into a 'via verde' or green route, the Via Verde de la Subbetica, for walkers or bikes. The rocky hillside is full of wild flowers including lovely irises and the valleys are filled with olive trees making walking and cycling in the area a treat.
A popular time to visit Zuheros is during the cheese festival which takes place every year at the end of September. The main summer festival with a procession from the church of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios takes place on the 15th August.
Where to visit nearby?
Baena is an attractive town in the area and is known both for its Holy Week celebrations when teams of drummers descend on the town and also for its excellent olive oil.
Luque is another pretty white town and is dominated by its medieval castle and also has an attractive Renaissance church.
The wonderful Mezquita at Cordoba is well worth visiting, as is the old town of Cordoba and its Roman bridge.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Cordoba guide and the Andalucia guide.
Photos of Zuheros
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Map of Zuheros and places to visit
Zuheros places to visit
Cordoba
Cordoba is home to the Mezquita, the most beautiful of all the Mosques constructed by the Moors in Spain
Cordoba guide
Mezquita of Cordoba
The Mezquita of Cordoba is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world and is considered one of the top treasures of Spain.
Mezquita of Cordoba guide
Almodovar del Rio
Almodovar del Rio is most visited for its castle, the Castillo de Almodovar which featured in the 7th Game of Thrones series.
Almodovar del Rio guide
Granada
Granada is the home of the fabulous Alhambra and Genaralife. These should be on everyone's bucketlist!
Granada guide
Alhambra Palace
The Alhambra Palace is the most popular attraction in Spain and is a beautiful Moorish complex of palaces and gardens.
Alhambra Palace guide
...or see all our recommended places to visit in Andalucia