The Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche are located in the westernmost part of the Sierra Morena mountain range, in the north of the province of Huelva. In the Middle Ages, this region was the setting for many frontier battles with neighbouring Portugal. The historical legacy of those armed conflicts has been preserved in the form of numerous fortresses which comprise the so-called “Banda Gallega” (Galician Strip).

In the 13th century, a time of frequent border disputes with the neighbouring kingdom of Portugal, King Sancho IV (also known as Sancho the Brave) decided to organise a solid line of defensive strongholds. Most of these defecnes were located in the Sierra de Aracena, given the region's strategic position geographic importance. This military plan was known as the "Galician Strip" because many Spaniards from Galicia and Leon had been encouraged to repopulate the area after the Muslims were evicted. It was organised in three semi-circular rings of fortresses established in numerous townships, which were primarily designed to protect the city of Seville from Portugese invaders.

The Castle Route is an excellent way to experience the historical value and heritage of the towns and regions of the Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park. This route can be taken at any time of year. The best option is to use a private automibile or public transport to visit the various towns along the way: Aroche, Cortegana, Almonaster la Real, Encinasola, Cumbres de San Bartolomé, Cumbres Mayores, Cala, Santa Olalla de Cala, Zufre and Aracena. Although there are several possible approaches to this route, we suggest an east-to-west itinerary that will allow you to visit a dozen of the fortresses that were once part of these three historical lines of defence. These castles are spread out across various townships and their state of conservation varies.

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