Bedmar brings together architectural history, prehistory and landscape, offering different reasons to visit. The castles and the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción lead to historic buildings, while PALEOMÁGINA focuses on prehistory. Routes to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Cuadros and natural features along the Río Cuadros add further highlights. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether culture, religious tradition or nature will shape your stay.
Castles and architectural history
Construction of Castillo Nuevo de Bedmar began in 1411 under the direction of the Order of Santiago. The fortress was adapted to the defensive requirements of the artillery era. Castillo Viejo de Bedmar tells another side of the story: its surviving remains recall Bedmar’s strategic role in the Middle Ages in defending the Guadalquivir Valley and protecting Baeza from the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. Both castles were declared Bien de Interés Cultural in 1985. The distinction is useful for understanding them: Castillo Nuevo is notable for its construction phase and defensive adaptations, while Castillo Viejo is notable for its surviving remains and strategic role.
The parish church as an architectural record
The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción combines a Gothic choir and Gothic transept with three Renaissance naves. The tower becomes octagonal in the second building section. The architecture thus displays different forms in a single building, without requiring an extensive knowledge of its construction history. The furnishings also offer specific points of interest: the church contains two 18th-century pulpits and a 16th-century baptismal font. Those interested in church architecture can consider the exterior features alongside the historic furnishings.
Prehistory at PALEOMÁGINA
PALEOMÁGINA is a public institution for prehistoric research in Bedmar. Its visitor program includes popular science talks as well as temporary and permanent museum exhibitions. Topics range from human origins and daily life in prehistory to archaeological work. PALEOMÁGINA thus complements architectural and church history with its own perspective on the past. If a particular talk or exhibition is important to your trip, check the current program in advance.
Pilgrimage and dates
The Romería de la Virgen de Cuadros takes place on the last Sunday in October and has been celebrated since the 16th century. Beyond its artistic and monumental value, the Santuario de la Virgen de Cuadros is significant for processions and pilgrimages. If you plan your trip around the Romería, you can check the event dates in advance. This lets you take account of its fixed connection to the last Sunday in October without assuming a specific calendar date.
Landscape, views and trails
Near Bedmar is the Mirador del Torreón de Cuadros: a watchtower of Arab origin, adapted as a viewpoint, with views over part of the Sierra Mágina Natural Park. The viewpoint is directly accessible via the JV-3.222 road and also via the marked Las Viñas walking trail. This gives you a choice of road or walking access to the same viewpoint. Check local conditions before visiting.
The Sendero Mar de Olivos Sierra Mágina starts in Parque de la Pililla in Bedmar and follows the Camino de Cuadros through mountain olive groves to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Cuadros. Trail conditions and signage can change; check both before setting out. At the Adelfar de Cuadros recreation area, you can park your car and start the Sendero Caño del Aguadero via the main trail. As parking arrangements may change, it is advisable to check in advance. The difference matters when planning your route: the Sendero Mar de Olivos leads to a named destination, while the description of the Sendero Caño del Aguadero specifies access via the main trail.
The Adelfar del río Cuadros is a natural gallery forest and is considered probably one of the largest and most significant on the Iberian Peninsula. The Nacimiento del Río Cuadros, also known as Senda de los Adelfares, is a gallery forest formed by oleanders along the source area of the Río Cuadros. Extensive esparto grass stands characterize the natural area and provide raw material for one of the most significant craft traditions in the comarca.
Culinary connections
Traditional dishes associated with Bedmar y Garcíez include espinacas guisadas, espárragos en salsa and andrajos. For travelers interested in regional cuisine, these names offer specific culinary points of reference, alongside the buildings, prehistory and landscapes that define Bedmar.
Discover more destinations: Sabariego, Campillo De Arenas, Cuevas De Ambrosio, La Hueta, Bélmez De La Moraleda, Sabiote, Chilluévar, Arroyo Del Ojanco
For the overview of the wider region: Jaen.
