Puerto Moral

This small village is situated within the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, 12km east of Aracena, surrounded by cork oak woods © Michelle Chaplow
This small village is situated within the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, 12km east of Aracena, surrounded by cork oak woods

PUERTO MORAL

This small village is situated within the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, 12km east of Aracena, surrounded by cork oak woods. It is perfectly positioned to enjoy views of the Sierra and especially the reservoir of Aracena. The population is around 300.
There is a water theme that greets you as you enter the village, with an old fuente abrevadero (fountain trough).

HISTORY

Puerto Moral can trace its history back many centuries, with archaeological remains dating from Roman and Visigothic times, as well as dolmens in the vicinity. It is said that the village arose around a bar/café called "Venta del Moral"on the road linking Aracena with the Via de la Plata.

You can see archaeological remains of Copper and Bronze Age burial sites, such as the mounds of Los Llanos, and dolmens from the Chalcolithic period in the Paraje de San Salvador. Dolmens and tombs on sites within Gomera and Monte Acosta, as well as the archaeological site of Cueva de la Mora (in La Umbria), show these lands were occupied more than four millennia ago.

Roman and Visigothic remains have been found in the San Salvador area from the fifth to the seventh century. After the Roman and Visigothic eras, these lands passed to Castille in the reign of Alfonso X. In 1817, the village title was awarded to Puerto Moral by King Fernando VII.

The Church of St peter and St Paul In Puerto Moral. © Michelle Chaplow
The Church of St peter and St Paul In Puerto Moral.

THINGS TO SEE

Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo
The Gothic/Mudejar/Renaissance church, located on Calle Virgen de la Cabeza, is also known as Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza (Our Lady of the Head). Dating from the end of the 15th century and beginning of the 16th, the church's exterior is built in Mudejar style, of grey stone. The old part of the interior, the presbytery, is late Gothic;many valuable pieces of art can be found inside including the statue of the Virgen de la Cabeza
from the 15th century. There is a mirador next to the church.

Painted tiles - Puerto Moral ©Michelle Chaplow
Painted tiles - Puerto Moral

Ermita de San Salvador
The seventh-century chapel stands on an ancient Paleo-Christian and Visigothic sanctuary to the north of the village. There are significant remains of columns and stone blocks, some representing Visigoth crosses.

El Charcón Hondo
A beautiful waterfall situated at the entrance to Puerto Moral (HV-3102).

Molino de Rodezno
The restored flour mill is located on the Barranco de la Madrona stream, further on from El Charcón Hondo.

Jardín Botánico "Los Nogales"
Botanical garden with indigenous plants and flowers. Situated further upstream the Barranco de la Madrona, from the Molino de Rodezno.

Fuente - Abrevadero
The preserved fountain produces fresh spring water, used originally for animals. Located on Calle Real.

Embalse de Aracena
An essential feature of the local environment, this 840-hectare artificial lake can be seen from miradores (viewing points) near the village. The embalse de Aracena (Aracena reservoir - also pantano or presa) is divided between the towns of Aracena, Zufre and Puerto Moral - it is 5km from the village, which is the closest to it. The reservoir is used for fishing, swimming and some water sports, and is an ideal picnic spot, as well as simply being appreciated for its beautiful setting. Outside the village, on the HU 8130 at km 5, there is a mirador with views to the embalse.

Mirador de las Huertas
A viewing point overlooking the village vegetable plots. Located on Calle Molino.

Mirador al Embalse
A viewing point near to the Ermita de San Salvador with spectacular views of the reservoir of Aracena 5kms away. Located at the end of Calle de la Era.

COUNTRYSIDE WALKS

Around the town you can find several short and long-distance hiking routes. Recommended routes start in Puerto Moral and head towards the reservoir, via the track to the Ermita de San Salvador which also travels to Santa Olalla, La Umbria and Higuera de la Sierra. Arriving at the reservoir, you'll see a recreational ground where walkers can rest and even have a swim. If you would like to stay the night, the best place is a local farm/campsite called "El Molino".

 

 

 

 

GASTRONOMY

The gastronomy of Puerto Moral is similar to the rest of the Sierra, based on local produce, especially the Iberian pig. Local dishes include sopas de caldillo (offal soup) and ajo-gañán (potato, red pepper and cod stew). During the holidays, it is very common to make sweets like butter cakes and pastries dipped in honey.

HANDICRAFTS

Due to the abundance of cork oaks, cork is a major staple in the area. Every nine years cork (bark) is stripped off the trees, pressed and packaged. It is mainly used as stoppers in wine bottles, although some craftsmen of the area collect leftover pieces of cork and make products such as bowls, spoons etc.

FESTIVALS

Feria de Ganado de Silla y Tiro
Celebrated on the first Sunday of April, the Feria is a livestock fair - a tradition leftover from the old agricultural markets which were so key to rural life until just decades ago.

Fiesta de la Alcaldesa
Celebrated on the last Sunday of July on honour of the village's patron saint, La Virgen de la Cabeza.

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LOCATION 

Puerto Moral is 119 km north-east of Huelva. To get there, take the A49, leave at exit 75 heading towards Trigueros. Then take the N435 and the A461.

 

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