To the southeast of the province of Córdoba, in the heart of the Sierras Subbéticas region, is the city of Priego: one of the most stately and beautiful in all of Andalusia. This is helped by the fact that its municipal area is included in the Sierra Subbética Natural Park, where olive trees abound and the relief stands out for strong limestone elevations and valleys populated by holm oaks, gall oaks and white poplars. A natural beauty that in the city is finished off with a set of streets and secluded corners, stately homes and architectural and sculptural monuments within an urban structure with an irregular layout.
The capital of Cordoban baroque
Two aspects stand out especially in Priego. On the one hand, water due to its abundance and, on the other, the baroque, which is the predominant architectural style. We can find samples in fountains such as the King's or the Health's, also in the Church of Las Angustias and in that of San Pedro, the convent of San Francisco and that of San Juan de Dios, the Hermitage of Aurora or the remains of the Castle.
The origin of Priego seems to be Roman since it is believed that the Roman city of Baxo or Bago was formerly located on these lands. Later, the Arabs and the reconquest would pass through there. Even in 1370 it would no longer belong to the Crown and would become the Lordship of the House of Aguilar, run by Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba.
Matias Callone
However, it was with industrialization during the 18th century that the works of art that make it the capital of Cordoban Baroque that it is today were built in this municipality. And we are not exaggerating when we say that it is the most monumental town in the entire province.
In addition to contemplating baroque art in its maximum splendor, Priego asks you to take a leisurely walk next to the castle or along the narrow and winding layout of the Muslim quarter of the Villa. Feel the continuous flow of its fountains, the smell of its streets, soak up the tranquility of the white of its houses…
Matias Callone
The sweetest place in Andalusia
But, that's not all, because Priego is also one of the places where you can eat the best desserts in Andalusia. Its most famous snack is turrolate. This typical sweet from Cordoban subbetica began to be made at the end of the 17th century and, as its name indicates, it is a combination of nougat and chocolate.
It is made from cocoa and almonds or peanuts, sugar and cinnamon. It is shaped like a cylindrical bar and is manufactured in various sizes and qualities. In times past it was a common gift to newly given mothers, so eating it is also related to good luck and good news. Although it can be taken alone, perhaps its ideal accompaniment is with a loaf of bread with local oil.
The Panther
Although, if you are more salty, you will like to know that in Priego they have their own French fries with Designation of Origin. They are those from San Nicasio, made with natural fried potatoes, sustainably grown and free of GMOs. Although their secret is found in the extra virgin olive oil with which they are made since it has the Priego de Córdoba Designation of Origin and is manufactured by Almazaras de la Subbética, a cooperative producer of the award-winning best extra virgin olive oil in the world (Rincón de la Subbética).
The olive varieties used in this olive oil are picudas, picuales and hojiblancas. While the oil from San Nicasio potatoes is a juice with greenish-gold tones, highly fruity and aromatic. This exclusive recipe is completed with Pink Himalayan salt.
Cover photo | Matias Callone
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