OBEJO
Obejo's annual religious festivals alone make the village worth a visit, with the Romeria de San Benito pilgrimage, and Los Danzantes de Obejo, a display of dancing which accompanies the village's patron saint on a procession to the chapel. The small Cordoban community has around 2000 inhabitants.
HISTORY
The lack of written sources prior to the Re-conquest makes the origin of Obejo difficult to determine. Various archaeological investigations have discovered Iberian remains, Moorish coins and Roman artefacts. Historian Ramírez de las Casas-Deza suggests that the founders of Obejo wanted to live discreetly in a place remote from all commerce and communication, in order to safeguard the mining wealth of the area.
The Moors left three castles during their occupation of the area; Castillo de Ubal, Castillo de Lara and Castillo de Peñaflor. Of the first, only the remnants of towers can be seen today, whilst Lara and Peñaflor indicate that this must have been a human settlement of great importance, serving military control of the route that ran through Mogávar and Pedroche to La Alcudia.
The Christian Re-conquest was delayed when the troops of Fernando III El Santo took time to discover Obejo after the capture of Córdoba. The village was reconquered in 1237, and six years later the King donated it to Córdoba, under whose jurisdiction Obejo was therefore placed. The Castillo de Obejo was one of those that Fernando III delivered to the jurisdiction of Córdoba in 1242.
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Parroquial de San Antonio Abad
This church dates to the thirteenth century and was subject to major renovations and extensions during the seventeenth century. It is located on Calle Iglesia.
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Castillo de Peñaflor
Though outside the main village, Peñaflor Castle is located within the municipality of Obejo. The few remains of the castle can be found south east of Obejo, off the CH-1, on the left bank of the Guadalbarbo River.
Castillo de Ubal
This castle occupies an impressive hillside viewpoint 700m high and its few remains can be seen from a small square next to the parish church. Archaeological testimonies suggest that the Castle of Ubal has existed since the Caliphate era. It must have been a human settlement of great importance, controlling the route that ran through Mogávar and Pedroche to La Alcudia. The castle is located north of Obejo.
Ermita de San Benito
This chapel dates to the eighteenth century, and is located east of Obejo, off the A-3176.
Iglesia de Santa Bárbara
The building which originally occupied this spot is believed to have been built in the time of the English miners, since there are baptismal records dated in 1918. It was most likely a Protestant chapel used by the English for their religious acts. After falling into a state of disrepair, it was demolished in the 1970s to build the current church in its place. The site is located south of Obejo, in Cerro Muriano, on Calle Carretera.
NATURAL AREAS
Obejo and its surrounding areas provide numerous opportunities for the nature lover; by simply following the course of the Guadalbarbo River, one can discover indescribably beautiful landscapes and biological richness.
Paraje de los Conventos
Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Morena, the personality of the Paraje de los Conventos is determined by its impressive rocky headlands, olive groves and unaltered Mediterranean forest, which is has a record of mystery and legend as the place chosen by Mozarabic monks for retirement in order to isolate them from the hustle and bustle of the world. This is by far the best place in the Obejo area for bird watching.
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
Ruta del Cerro del Pico de la Perdiz
This linear route begins next to the A-3176 road, passing the Ermita de San Benito and running alongside the "Camino del Calderín". It is about 7 miles in total and affords amazing views from the natural Pico de la Perdiz viewpoint. The route can be explored on foot, mountain bike or horseback.
HANDICRAFTS
Obejo's most prominent traditional craft is lace. The Women's Institution of the village continue to produce this local speciality today.
GASTRONOMY
The hunting and fishing opportunities in Obejo, as well as the wealth of forest fruits in the area, have all given rise to an excellent and varied gastronomy in the village. Typical dishes are escabeches de pollo (pickled chicken), conejo (rabbit), perdiz (partridge), cochifrito de lechón (suckling pig), albóndigas de lomo (pork meatballs), venao en salsa (venison), jabalí al ajillo (garlic boar), sopaipas (pasties), tortas gachas (meat stew), ajos con uvas (cold almond soup served with grapes) and lomo de orza (stuffed pork loin). The local sweet treats are also a must; buñuelos de San Benito (stuffed donuts), hornazo de Semana Santa (honey pastry), roscos fritos (fried donut rings), leche merengada (cinnamon and milk pudding) and dulces de manteca (lard cakes).
FESTIVALS
Cabalgata Reyes Magos
Three Kings procession celebrated on the evening of 5 January.
San Antonio Abad
Celebrated the Sunday closest to the 17 January. The traditional dance, Danza de las Espadas, is performed.
La Candelaria
Celebrated the 2 February.
Carnaval
Celebrated in February.
Romería de San Benito
Celebrated the Sunday closest to the 21 March.
Semana Santa
Holy Week (dates vary each year).
Quema de Judas
Celebrated on Resurrection Sunday.
Feria de San Benito
Celebrated the second Saturday of July.
Tradición de las Gachas
Celebrated the 1 and 2 November.
NEARBY VILLAGES
The neighbouring villages to Obejo are Villaharta and Villaviciosa de Córdoba. The city of Córdoba itself is also very close.
