Aracena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aracena
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 Aracena
Location in Province of Huelva
Aracena
Location in Andalusia
Aracena
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community |  Andalusia |
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| Province | Huelva | ||
| Comarca | Sierra de Huelva | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 184 km2 (71 sq mi) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 8,040 | ||
| • Density | 43.70/km2 (113.2/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
Aracena is a charming town and municipality. You can find it in southwestern Spain, in the province of Huelva. In 2012, about 7,814 people called Aracena home.
The town gets its name from the Sierra de Aracena mountains. These mountains are part of a larger system called the Sierra Morena. Aracena is the biggest town in the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park. In 2006, Aracena was named a "Tourist Municipality" for Andalusia. This was a big deal, as it was the first town in the Huelva province to get this special title!
Contents
Exploring Aracena
Aracena has many interesting places to visit. Two of the most famous are Aracena Castle and the Priory Church. They are often called the Castillo-Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores.
Aracena Castle
Aracena Castle was built a long time ago, between the 13th and 15th centuries. It stands on the remains of an even older castle. The oldest parts of the castle show a mix of late Gothic and Mudéjar styles.
The castle was first built in the 13th century during the Islamic period. It had strong walls and a main tower called the "tower of homage." This tower helped protect the inside of the castle. Over time, people started to live around the castle. This is how the town of Aracena began to grow.
For many years, Aracena grew from Castle Hill into the valley below. It was first connected to Seville. Later, in the 17th century, it became a feudal estate. This means it was controlled by powerful counts, like the Count-Duke of Olivares. After that, it was under the Count of Altamira, who even held the title of Prince of Aracena.
The fortress includes the alcazaba, which is like a citadel. It has a watchtower, a water tank, and strong walls. Other towers and a fence line also protect the castle. Inside these walls, medieval homes once stood.
Priory Church
The Priory Church is a very important building in Aracena. It is the oldest church in the town. When Aracena was given to the Knights Templar, they allowed this church to be built. It has a beautiful Moorish style.
The church is known for its clay sculptures made by Pedro Vazquez. It is named after the local patron saint, Nuestra Señora del Mayor Dolor, which means 'Our Lady of the Greatest Suffering'. The church has three main sections, all the same height. It also has a choir area and a special Mudéjar-style tower.
Another church in town is the church of Santa María de la Asunción. It was built in 1522.
Grotto of the Marvels
Below the hill where Aracena Castle stands, you'll find the amazing Gruta de las Maravillas. This is one of the most spectacular cave systems in all of Spain! It first opened to the public in 1913. The caves have a total of 2,130 meters of underground passages.
Inside, you'll discover many caverns and lakes connected by narrow paths. Colorful lights make the unusual rock formations look even more magical. There's also a geological museum in the complex. People say the caves were found by a boy who was looking for his lost pig!
Ham Museum
If you visit Aracena, you can also explore El Museo del Jamón de Aracena. This is the Ham Museum of Aracena! It has seven rooms that tell the story of the famous Iberian pigs. You can learn about the history, cultures, and traditions surrounding them.
Gallery
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Casino of Aracena.
See also
In Spanish: Aracena para niños
