Paymogo
Paymogo is located west of the province of Huelva, only several kilometres from Rio Chança, the natural border between Spain and Portugal. To the east is Santa Bárbara de Casa and south is Puebla de Guzmán. Paymogo has approximately 1290 inhabitants.
HISTORY
It is suggested that Paymogo was formed in the middle of the thirteenth century when it was conquered by the Templars, who came to the peninsula from the Holy Land during the mid-twelfth century.
Records show the original population was located in a nearby place known as Paymoguillo. From 1503 to 1787, the population increased due to economic development of honey and wax production. Between 1704 and 1708, coinciding with the War of Succession, Paymogo along with other surrounding towns, suffered Portuguese invasions leading to the construction along the border of various castles and forts to protect and defend against enemy invasions.
During the nineteenth century, another economic increase occurred due to the exploitation of pyrite mines located in Romanera and Huerta Falsa, although this operation did not last long due to lack of capital, forcing the community to seek new commercial horizons to channel its economy. Agriculture and livestock began to take place, predominantly pig breeding which proved most effective with the amount of oak trees whose acorns are a necessity in the Iberican pig diet.
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Castillo Santa María Magdalena
The church dates back to the fifteenth century and the tower from the eighteenth century. It is set amongst the crumbling ruins of the old castle, built in the fifteenth century and rebuilt during the wars with Portugal in the mid-seventeenth century. At present it is considered of Cultural Interest and in 2000, through the intervention of a Workshop School,certain parts of it were recovered. Located on Calle Don Manuel Marquez.
Ermita de San Sebastián
Constructed in the seventeenth century, the small and simple chapel has the image of the town's patron, San Sebastián that was restored in 1997. Located
Pósito, reconvertido en la actual Biblioteca Municipal
The name suggests it was originally a village granary in the early eighteenth century and was then restored as a girl's public school. The original structure had been preserved and during restoration some parts were not even touched. It is currently the public library. Located on CalleDr. Jose Maria de Soto.
Casa de Manuel Maria de Soto Vázquez
This house constructed in the seventeenth century belonged to the heirs of the de Soto family. Writer Manuel Vazquez Maria de Soto, author of "Aromas de la Sierra", prefaced by Diego Martínez Barrios (1933) was born in this house.
Ermita de la Santa Cruz y Dehesa Cabezo de la Becerra
Finca de Pagos de Sierra, frontera natural con Portugal
It is a large area of over 6,000 hectares that until a few years ago was devoted entirely to the cultivation of cereals. It is a continuous landscape of eroded hillocks, with no trees, and slight vegetation. Located
Rivera de Malagón
Rio Chança
The natural border with neighbouring Portugal offers a scene of incredible natural beauty where inhabitants from Paymogo would smuggle bread in from Portugal during the Civil War. A wide variety of medicinal plants and herbs can be found in the area. Located
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
Leaving Paymogo, westwards to Portugal, approximately 6.6kms, is Rio Chança. The bank offers a hiking trail, which is one of the endogenous resources currently underused, contrasting with the opposite bank, the end of the neighbouring country of Portugal, which contrary to our fields, has abundant vegetation. The route begins at the point at the first traces of road and the only direction is to follow the course of the bank, passing three mills. The road can sometimes get lost, so one may have to wade through the banks, with due caution depending on amount of water. The length of the route is about 14km.
There are several walking routes available in the area not only for hiking, but for horse-riding and mountain biking.
GASTRONOMY
Gastronomy in Paymogo include dishes such as caldereta de cordero (lamb stew), migas, salmorejo (cold tomato and garlic soup), revoltillos and gurumelos (wild cep). Sweet treats include rosas de miel, pan pobre, engñamaridos, borrachos, gañotes, coscaroñes, bollos de pascua and tortas de chicharrones.
HANDICRAFTS
Paymogo produces some lovely products such as woven chairs using reeds collected from the banks of the river, baskets and even embroidery. It is also very well known for the bakeries that produce breads and sweet treats using traditional methods.
FESTIVALS
Cabalgata de Reyes
The 3 Kings is celebrated on the evening of the 5 January.
Feria Gastronómica Transfronteriza del Gurumelo
Usually celebrated in March, this fair is to celebrate the variety of wild ceps found in the area, amongst other produce.
Romería de la Santa Cruz
A pilgrimage celebrated on the first Sunday in May dating back to 1956 with a procession and lasts up to 4 days.
Pirulitos de San Juan y San Pedro
Each street dresses a large pole in colourful material, paper and other ornamental objects and is celebrated with music and dancing.
Jornadas Ecuestres
Celebrated in July, equestrian events are organised for anyone and everyone to participate in.
Verbena de Santa María de Magdalena
Celebrated the 22 July in honor of the patroness.
Motocross "Villa de Paymogo"
Celebrated the last two weeks of July.
Festival de Flamenco Joven de Andalucia
Flamenco festival celebrated in July since 2000.
Feria de Verano
The annual summer fair is celebrated on 13 September.
Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Celebrated on the 10 October with processions and cultural events.
LOCATION
Paymogo is situated 82km from Huelva. To get there, one must take the A-497 passing by Aljaraque. Sigue el A-5077, merging onto the A-492, passing Tariquejo. Turn off onto the A-499, passing Villanueva de los Castillejos and Puebla de Guzmán until you reach Paymogo.
