LA PUEBLA DE LOS INFANTES
by Saskia Mier
La Puebla de los Infantes is very well known within the hunting community due to it being home to one of the most important caza mayor (large game) hunting reserves in Spain, El Coto de El Aguila. It has about 3,100 inhabitants.
HISTORY
The discovery of archaeological remains in the area of Puebla de los Infantes suggests settlements for very remote times. A Celtic settlement called 'Celsita' stood here until it was transformed into a military camp by the Romans.
The Visigoths called the settlement 'Cañebolo', which remained during the Muslim dominion. In 1982, an important pre-Roman archaeological site unearthed a hundred pieces of gold and silver, which are now exposed in the National Archaeological Museum.
The Castilian conquest realized by Fernando III of Castile in 1247, allowed La Puebla de los Infantes to grow. In 1594, La Puebla de los Infantes was part of the Kingdom of Seville in the Sierra de Constantina.
During the seventeenth century, specifically in 1654, Luis Jiménez de Góngora y Castilla, received the title of Viscount of La Puebla de los Infantes, a title created by Felipe IV, elevated to Marquis of La Puebla of the Infants in 1716.
Hotels
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THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de las Huertas
The Mudejar church was built between the end of the fifteenth century and beginning of the 16th century. Its' slender stonework tower dates from the time of the Catholic Monarchs, Castilian in appearance, it was finished after the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. It was restored during the eighteenth century giving it a Baroque style. Located in Plaza de la Iglesia.
Castillo
The castle built in the mid fourteenth century shows Gothic and Mudejar styles. Built in the highest part of the area, it was a military defence and some original walls and towers can still be observed due to the excellent conservation work. Located in Plaza Castillo.
Ermita de Santa Ana
Mudejar chapel dating to the end of the fifteenth century, seen in its structure of transverse arches typical of the Sierra Norte. It was later restored in the eighteenth century. Located in Plaza Santa Ana.
Iglesia de Santiago
The first Mudejar church to be built in La Puebla de los Infantes, dating to the third and fourteenth century. The last of the restoration works were carried out in the eighties and nineties of last century, however have not been very successful. Located in Plaza de Santiago.
Lavadero Público La Pilas
A public wash fountain dating to the first half of the nineteenth century. Originally used as a warehouse, watering hole for animals and local water supply. Women would meet here every day to wash clothes and become a very social event and vital in Andalusian culture. Located on Avenida de Andalucía.
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
Visitos to La Puebla de los Infantes can enjoy the local walk routes surrounding the José Torán Reservoir, either on foot or by bicycle. Routes include Ruta Lora del Río-La Puebla de los Infantes-Lora del Río, Ruta Subida al Santo, Ruta Angorilla-Turruñuelo, Ruta de la Fuente de la Mujer-Sierra del Lobo, Camino de las Cañuelos, Ruta del Mirador del Vértice Geodésico and Sendero Molino de Sofío.
GASTRONOMY
Due to the rich hunting culture in the area, it is not surprising that most typical dishes of La Puebla de los Infantes include game meats, such as, perdiz con pimiento de pique (partridge with peppers), venado en adobo (marinated venison) and tagarninas con habas (wild thistle with broad beans). Another dish worth trying are faisanes (boletus), a type of wild mushroom served grilled or stewed in olive oil, garlic and chilli. Sweet treats include gachas (porridge), arroz con leche (rice pudding), leche frita (fried and sugared custard), as well as honey pastries like gañotes, pestiños, roscos and flores.
FESTIVALS
Cabalgata Reyes Magos
Three Kings procession celebrated on the evening of 5 January.
Carnaval
Celebrated in February.
Las Candelas
Celebrated the first weekend of February, associated with Roman festival of Lupercalia.
Semana Santa
Holy Week.
Romería a Nuestra Señora de las Huertas
Pilgrimage celebrated the first Sunday in June.
Feria en Honor a Nuestra Señora de las Huertas
Celebrated the 15-18 August.
LOCATION
La Puebla de los Infantes is located 83km from Seville. To get there, take the A-4 east leaving Seville. Take exit 506, merging onto the A-457 towards Lora del Río. Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and the 1st exit at the next roundabout. At the third roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A-431. Turn right onto the SE-6102 and continue on until you reach La Puebla de los Infantes.
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