THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE TOWN
Ermita San Isicio
The Ermita San Isicio (Hermitage of St Isicio) has its origin in a legend that at the dawn of Christianity, one of the seven Apostolic Men, Hesiguio or Isicio, brought the faith to Cazorla, establishing his episcopal seat there. He was revered as the Patron of the town. In 1535, a plague hit the town, killing people and livestock. The situation was so desperate that locals prayed to their Patron Saint, San Isicio, and as result they believed that the plague stopped and so on May 15th each year, the town holds a procession to the chapel.
Located on Camino de San Isicio.
Ermita del Ángel y San Miguel Arcángel
This hermitage (or chapel) of the Angel and St. Michael the Archangel, popularly known as the hermitage of the Angel of Cazorla, is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city. It is located on the road linking the town with the foothills of the mountains along the banks of the Cazorla River. The building had been abandoned, serving other functions very different from those of worship but recently, locals have worked to preserve it and, where possible, improve its appearance. It is of architectural interest as at first, it was an open construction on the four large pillars, covered by a low vault in the manner of the traditional ‘humilladeros’ (outdoor shrines). It served as a place of prayer for walkers at the exit and entrance of the town. Later, it underwent further architectural design and construction, including that of a bell tower, and became a chapel under the invocation of the archangel. Given the architectural design it may have its origin during the 16th century, as it is similar to the construction of the nearby Iglesia Mayor de Santa María. Subsequently, the rest of the building could be from an advanced moment of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century.
Located on Camino Ángel.
Ermita de San Sebastián
This chapel, together with the possible ‘humilladero’, is the oldest example of religious hermitage architecture. The interior has a single height and is covered by a slightly pointed half-barrel vault. Above this vault stands the roof, a recent but still unfinished project. The remains of its altarpiece can still be seen inside.
Located south-east of the town.
Castillo de las Cinca Esquinas
The Castillo de las Cinca Esquinas (Castle of the Five Corners) also known as the SalvaTierra Castle, can be seen from most areas of Cazorla. It was built in the last third of the 14th century on the remains of an old Arab fortification, probably by Archbishop Pedro Tenorio. It is a contemporary of the Torre del Homenaje del Castillo de la Yedra built to reinforce the defence of the capital and prevent possible attacks by the Nasrids of Granada. Given the existing ceramic remains, and the architectural elements used, it is thought that both the eastern and central enclosures are from the same period. The type of fabric used, as well as the ashlar and stonework on its walls, determine its contemporary age, possibly from a time in the middle to the end of the 12th century, coinciding with the Almohad domination of Al-Andalus and with the Christians very close to the north. The western enclosure with the tower is the most interesting architecturally. The stone used and the type of ashlars differ significantly, both in size and stonework. The tower stands out as an irregular pentagon and is two stories high. This construction presents architectural characteristics closer to the Christian period during the 14th century. Almost certainly unfinished as a whole, but perhaps it served along with the rest of the fortress as a place of defence for the Christians from the Muslim incursions coming from the west, in the Quesada area.
Located south of the town.
NATURAL AREAS
Jardín Botánico
The Botanical Garden is one of two similar botanical gardens in the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura, and Las Villa Natural Park, the other located in Siles. The garden in the Vinegar Tower is larger and contains most of the woody species of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura, and Las Villa Natural Park, including the endemic ones with samples of more than 300 species. These botanical gardens are informative and are designed for more educational purposes.
Opening Hours
October to April: 10.00 - 14. 00 hrs and 15.00 - 17.00 hrs.
May to September: 10.00 -14.00 hrs and 17.00 - 19.00 hrs.
Closed Mondays.
Free Entrance.