Navahermosa

The quaint hamlet of Navahermosa in the Sierra de Aracena ©Michelle Chaplow
The quaint hamlet of Navahermosa in the Sierra de Aracena

NAVAHERMOSA

by Saskia Mier

Navahermosa is a small hamlet tucked away in the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, belonging to the municipality of Galaroza.It is ideal for lovers of rural tourism, especially hikers, with routes of varying steepness surrounded by beautiful countryside. It has around 60 inhabitants.

HISTORY

The history of Navahermosa is very similar to that of Galaroza: the lands were occupied by the Moors between the eighth and twelfth centuries. During the thirteenth century, the land belonged to Portugal and Castille until 1267 when the Treaty of Badajoz signed Galaroza to the Kingdom of Castille.

During the Middle Ages, Galaroza belonged to the jurisdiction of Aracena and became independent in 1553 along with the villages of Fuenteheridos, Las Vegas, and Las Cañadas y Corte Brullo, as well as Navahermosa and Las Chinas within its municipality.

The inhabitants of Navahermosa strive to maintain the village's charm and beauty, which is why Navahermosa is so popular for rural tourism. This helps the village to avoid the challenge of depopulation, which has affected neighbouring villages such as Cortegrullos or Las Cañadas.

THINGS TO SEE

Iglesia Virgen del Rosario
The church is a single rectangular building with transversal arches and a vaulted rectory, dating its construction to the last third of the 16th century.In the 18th century, the façade of was built, framed in the second transverse arch, with entrance and steeple decorated with original carved and shaped bricks. Located on Calle Rosario.

Plaza Marcelino Moya
Plaza dedicated to the drummer Marcelino Moya

COUNTRYSIDE WALKS

Navahermosa is also ideal for lovers of rural tourism, especially hikers, with many paths of varying steepness surrounded by beautiful countryside. There are at least 40 routes available and can all be easily accessed from Navahermosa; popular routes include from Galaroza to Jabugo, and El Telenque de Navahermosa, which includes Valdelarco and Telenque Recreational Area. A variety of flora and fauna can be observed in the area including critically endangered bird species such as the red kite, Egyptian vulture, black stork and the black vulture. Mammals such as the marten, genet, mongoose, deer and wild boar can also be seen. 

 

 

 

GASTRONOMY

The gastronomy of Navahermosa is based on the Iberian pig, like so many other villages in the Sierra de Aracena. Popular dishes includecaldereta, made from potato, pork liver and pork ribs. Migas made with potatoes, wine, garlic and sardines; wild ceps are also popular.

FESTIVALS

Corpus Christi
The festival last all weekend with musical performances and outdoor bars in the streets. A procession leaves the church on Sunday, through the streets and stopping at the houses of the sick, as well as provisional altars which some villagers place at their doors.

Virgen del Rosario
Celebrated on the first Sunday in October and has an emotional procession of the patron that travels through its streets stopping at houses, similar to Corpus Christi. Afterwards, everyone is invited to a copa (glass of wine or beer) with an orchestra.

LOCATION

Navahermosa is located 11km from Huelva. To get there, take the N-435 passing Valverde del Camino. Turn right onto N-433 passing Galaroza, and then left onto HU-3113 to Navahermosa.

Booking.com
Hover the cursor over aracena to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.