Large millstones can still be seen in Molares and its surroundings; they lead directly to the explanation of the town’s name and to a tangible local tradition. At the same time, archaeological traces, a settlement history along a former packhorse trail and named walking routes tell of different periods and landscapes. When planning your trip, it is particularly worth noting the different reference points: Molares itself, Almonaster la Real five kilometres away, and two separate circular routes.
Millstones, mosaics and a distinctive bell gable
The name Molares derives from the millstone used for grinding in mills. Large millstones can still be seen in the town and its surroundings. In front of some houses are traditional “llanos”, mosaics made of stones; such mosaics are also known from villages and hamlets in the Sierra. The millstone and stone mosaic thus represent two different local uses of stone: as a tool for mills and as a decorated surface in front of houses.
The church of Molares was built by the residents themselves in the 1940s. Its slender bell gable makes it the most distinctive building in the settlement. The building’s history and its described form offer two specific points of reference for understanding local architecture: its communal construction and the building’s distinctive silhouette.
The packhorse trail and archaeological traces of the past
Written records of Molares date back to 1579. The settlement developed on both sides of a former packhorse trail that connected Almonaster with Los Romeros and El Repilado. The date of the written records and the development along the historic route illustrate two different aspects of the town’s history: an early written mention and its location on a link between several places.
The earliest finds recorded in the area around Molares are handmade pottery fragments from a prehistoric period that has not been precisely dated. Some tegulae, or Roman roof tiles, attest to a Roman presence in the area. Numerous archaeological finds from different periods have also been discovered. The evidence therefore ranges from an undated prehistoric period to Roman traces; further finds add evidence from different periods.
Landscape along the walking route
The landscape along the official Almonaster–Los Molares walking route includes holm oaks, cork oaks, eucalyptus trees, rockroses, brambles and gorse. If you would like to pay attention to the vegetation while walking, these specifically named species offer useful points of reference. The wild animals listed for the route include foxes, badgers, Egyptian mongooses and wild boar; sightings are not guaranteed.
Two circular routes, two different figures
A route description from April 2026 gives a circular route starting in Almonaster la Real, with several named points. Iglesia Los Molares is listed as a stop at kilometre 8.4. Check trail conditions and signage locally. A route description from 2016 lists the historic circular walk “Los Romeros–AguafrĂa–Fuente del Oro–Los Molares–Los Romeros” as 10 kilometres long. The figures refer to different things: 8.4 kilometres is the position of the named stop on the first route, while 10 kilometres is the length of the historic circular walk.
Getting there and sights nearby
Molares is accessible via the A-470 and is five kilometres from Almonaster la Real. Almonaster la Real is home to a fortified castle dating from the 9th century. The mosque-church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción is also located there and is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Both buildings are therefore in neighbouring Almonaster la Real, not in Molares.
Discover more destinations: Nerva, Santa Olalla del Cala, Jabugo, Cumbres Mayores, SanlĂşcar De Guadiana, Las Delgadas, GibraleĂłn, Niebla
For the main travel overview: Huelva.
