Benamahoma - Spain | Captivating White Village of Andalusia

Benamahoma is one of the several hidden gems of Spain, a seductive white village situated in the magnificent interior of Western Andalusia, a beautiful and picturesque land of the Southern Iberian Peninsula which transmits at first sight something of magic with more than pleasant sensations.

With its approximately 600 inhabitants that shining gem part of the municipality of Grazalema is situated at approximately 70,0 kilometres from Jerez de la Frontera in direction of another local marvel called Arcos de la Frontera.

The area is ?greatly highlighted by wild, rugged high plateaus with scenic peaks dominating picturesque hamlets totally surrounded by a captivating natural frame in which pine forests, scattered olives groves give a more significant, coloured accent.

The history of that centre is highly fascinating, the origin of its name is dated the 8th century linked to the conquer of Andalusia by the Moors despite centuries before the Tartessians and much more the Romans established stronger influences.

The denomination of that centre derives from the Arab Ibn Mohamed meaning Home of Mohamed, the venerated prophet son of Allah, the God of all the Muslims, all that is closely linked to those over seven centuries of rule started in 711 century.

Benamahoma is located in a spectacular position at the foot of El Pinar, a Sierra which takes that name by the presence of several pine forests scattered all around that mountainous territory considered?one of the most scenic of the interior of the province of Cadiz.

The core of the village consists in a captivating group of picturesque whitewashed houses erected along a maze of narrow streets, a very appealing image which immediately transport the visitor in a suggestive past evoking that unmistakable Moorish charm which left indelible traces in the local architecture.

Many structures were elevated on rectangular or irregular square plans highlighted by charming flowered patios decorated with Azulejos Mudejar, those traditional handmade, painted tin-glazed ceramic tileworks, emblematic details of the architectural decorative elements of Andalusia.

You can start the visit in Calle La Venta, important street crossing Benamahoma from west to east not far from the stream Rio del Bosque also known as Majaceite, in this place you will enjoy magnificent views of the local sierra.

Continuation in a pleasant walk along two main streets called Calle Real, the Royal Street and Calle San Antonio, St. Anthony Street consisting in the main arteries both close the heart of Benamahoma totally inspired by the presence of white houses and charming patios.

An iconic highlight is definitely the Manantial de la Fuente del Nacimiento,the Source of?the Birth, a spring water situated in the highest point of the local boundaries forming the course of the river Majaceite.

Since ancient times it has always been emblem of life for the local population becoming a more than fundamental source when it started to be used by the Moors for that famous established irrigation system which generated the cultivation of different kinds of products.

Extremely linked to that important,vital resource explaining its history I suggest you to visit the Ecomuseo del Agua, a exhibition highly interesting introducing the visitor all the chronological stages of the considerable value of the water in that Andalusian land.?

The?Ecomuseo del Agua is also sensitive to narrate the times of the first Arab-Berber channels created on the local soil using determined technique of tests of the surface, works which permitted the water to be delivered to specific territorial sections subdivided in different spaces.

Continuation with the Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua representing the Parish Church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua who is also the Patron of the community.

The beauty of that construction is highlighted by its scenic position dominated by rugged heights with the presence of a small, charming courtyard developed at the entrance of the religious complex reachable by a small red brick step.

On the roof you will notice a fine belfry subdivided in two sections surmounted by a sort of small pediment topped by a cross.

The interior has a nave, despite it shows a very simple image is at the same time very attractive with a pleasant hallway leading to the altar established in a splendid, fine apse developed beneath an arcade forming a pleasant niche with a big crucifix flanked by the statue depicting St. Anthony.

The previously mentioned river Majaceite is another local attraction for its picturesque, sinuous course flowing in the National Park of the Sierra de Grazalema.

It is the main tributary of the Guadalete river, meeting other streams such as Tavizna, Ubrique, Caballo, Astillero, Garganta de Echevarria,? Zorra, Mazorcán, and Benajimas.

During its descend it forms in the municipalities of Algar and San José del Valle, the Embalse de los Hurones, a reservoir established in 1964 and another one called Embalse de Guadalcacín occupying the territories of those two centres but also those of Arcos de la Frontera and Paterna de Rivera.

In addition that waterway is well known for a battle which took place on its shore in 1836, an event linked to the First Carlist War which saw the troops of the Infante Carlos, Count of Molina, son of King Carlos V facing the Liberals army supporting Queen Isabel II of Spain.

In the local boundaries there is a special route along that river of immense beauty highly suggested, pretty easy also for families with children.

It is a special walk bordering that watercourse, very relaxing enduring approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, a trail totally enclosed between the Majaceite and beautiful forests is simply spectacular, rich of poplars, elm and ash trees.

That path is characterised furthermore by a very interesting local fauna, because you can see there otters, different species of birds such as Bonelli's Eagles, Hawks, Peregrin falcons, owls and Griffon Vulture among others.

The river is rich of trout and it offers great natural attractions such as small, picturesque waterfalls, wonderful bends, captivating? small inlets and some stunning gorges.

A very pleasant detail is that during that fantastic excursion you will move from sunny open points to hidden corners in the shade of several trees or walking next to high rocky spurs,

?Benamahoma is strongly linked to its secular history deeply rooted with folklore and historic past.

One relevant event is called Moros contra Cristianos, Moors against Christians celebrated?every year in the village remembering the old times corresponding to that famous period in which the Catholic Kings and the Moors fought in that land.

That traditional Festival always has a very intense participation including with many people coming from other Spanish areas, celebrated on 02nd and 05th of August yearly evoking a battle in which the local inhabitants wear medieval costumes corresponding to the 15th century.

The historic representation has as protagonists locals who perform the Spanish Sovereigns with their soldiers focused to obtain the historic reconquest of those lands while others represent the Arab-Berbers rulers ready to defend their domain in that corner of Andalusia.

In that live and contemporary replica related to a historic clash,the Christians wear uniforms and?garments of Crusaders and Templar Knights with sables, swords, shields while the Moors are protagonists wearing the traditional Berber Burnus, Ashlan clothes with scimitars.

The show consists in a series of duels, body-to-hand battles, fencing, all that with a large audience.

Moros contra Cristianos historically represents a very old festival because according to historic documentations probably the first official edition took place in the early 16th century.

A special feast is also celebrated in honour of St. Anthony of Padua, Protector of the village who as main Religious figure occupies a relevant position in the event with the presence of his venerated image. ?

That Saint is also remembered in a notorious Romeria consisting in a mass celebrated in the Church of Benamahoma with a Religious procession which takes place in June.

That event is highlighted by the participation of many people walking for about 2,5 kilometres from the village reaching an area called Los Llanos.

Despite its reduced size Benamahoma is very captivating, if you are planning a tour in Andalusia and concretely in the province of Cadiz do not miss this very lovely and attractive white village.

?

Link : https://www.andalucia.org/en/benamahoma

Where to Stay | Recommended Accomodation

Casa el Callejon de Benamahoma - https://turismo.grazalema.es/index.php/la-guia/casas-rurales/287-101-casa-el-callejon-1

Casa Benapaulino - https://www.benapaulino.es/