Surroundings of the la Quijada del Lobo

We consider ourselves privileged, not only for being surrounded by mountains and the Valley of Los Molinos, but also for our magnificent geographic location, which allows us to visit authentic natural and architectural wonders during the day, such as:

Photographs provided by Juan Sevilla and Photomayenta.

Llerena

Just 8km from our house, you have this monumental city where you can not only stroll through its streets and dine in its bars but also shop in its numerous supermarkets.

As a designated Artistic Historic Ensemble since 1966, this city offers a rich and varied heritage. When it comes to religious architecture, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Granada, an original and interesting combination of artistic styles (13th – 18th centuries) stands out, with its majestic tower and a painting by Francisco de Zurbarán on the inside. Among the other places of interest you can find there are: the Church and Convent of Santa Clara, with its magnificent collection of 16th century frescoes and an interesting museum where you can admire the carving of San Jerónimo Penitente by Martínez Montañés, the Church of Santiago (15th century), the burial place of D. Alonso de Cárdenas, the last Master of the Order of Santiago, the convent of La Merced, a Jesuit church now serving as a Cultural Center, two Baroque buildings, the Hospital and Church of San Juan de Dios (currently a library), declared one of the most unique in Spain.

In terms of civil architecture, Llerena has several palaces, including the Prioral Palace, the Llerena City Museum from the 15th century, with mural paintings considered a milestone of Mudéjar painting, the Zapata Palace, the Maestral Palace, and the Mesa Maestral Palace, all from the 16th century, with interesting Mudéjar-style courtyards. You can also visit the Town Hall Palace from the 18th century, and the Doña Mariana Palace from the 19th century.

When speaking of military architecture, it is necessary to highlight the walled enclosure of the XIV century, which conserves two of its four monumental doors and numerous canvases, one of them located in the Paseo Cieza de León.

Of its popular architecture, the Plaza de España, an arcaded square in the Mudejar style, the predominant artistic style in this city, stands out.

Llerena has a cultural offer that extends throughout the year, but we must highlight events that combine the gastronomy, tradition and heritage, such as the Ruta del Rey Jayón, a journey that takes place on the last Sunday of April, starts in Fuente del Arco and ends in Llerena. We can also highlight "Matanza Tradicional Extremeña y Feria del Embutido", declared as a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, which is held in March, or the event called "Llerena Monumento Gastronómico" that starts during the first weekend of July where in addition to enjoying dinners in historic sites, you can visit a medieval market that is located in Plaza de España. Finally, it is worth mentioning the fair that takes place in September.

Ermita Virgen del Ara y Mina la Jayona

Is Located in Fuente del Arco, just 30 minutes from our house. It is considered the Extremaduran Sistine Chapel. Furthermore, we recommend visiting Mona La Jayona, an ancient iron mine of unique beauty (also in Fuente del Arco) that can be visited on foot as its route mostly takes place outdoors. It was declared a natural monument on September 30th, 1997. Mina La JayonaAn old iron mine, of singular beauty, which can be visited on foot as its route mostly runs outdoors. It was declared a natural monument on September 30, 1997. 30 minutes from our house.

Regina Turdulorum

Nowadays known as Casas de Reina, Regina Turdulorum is a small town just 16km away from our house. The ancient Roman city was mainly dedicated to agriculture and fishing. Apart from the typical structural elements of a Roman city, it has a magnificent Roman Theatre which is very well preserved.

Parque Reserva Natural de Las Quinientas

Is An open-air free zoo located in Berlanga, 25km from our house, where both adults and children can enjoy watching the animals. There is also a playground, adventure activities, and a bar for dining.

Monasterio de Tentudia

Is This church-fortress is located in Calera de León, at an altitude of 1104m. Tradition recounts that a battle against the Muslims took place in this location during the reign of Fernando III el Santo (1217-1252). Fernando III el Santo As the Christian troops were gaining ground, at the request of his leader, Pelay Pérez de Correa, the master of the Orden de Santiago, implored the help of the Virgin with the following invocation: "Santa María, detén tu día!" ("Holy Mary, stop your day!"). orden de Santiago As the sun miraculously stopped, the Christian troops were able to achieve victory and defeat their enemy. Hence the name of the sanctuary "Detente día", which has become "Tentudía" in gratitude for the intercession of the Virgin, the hermitage of St. Mary of Tudia was built. This place of interest is only 45km away from our house.

Cascada El Martinete

In San Nicolás del Puerto, there is a spectacular route along the waterfalls of the Huéznar River, with picnic areas and barbecue spots, perfect for a refreshing swim. In the town of San Nicolás del Puerto, there is also a natural swimming pool. Connected to Cerro del Hierro by the Greenway of the Sierra Norte, which is 18km away. It's located 50km from our house.

Cerro del Hierro

In Constantina, the natural monument Cerro del Hierro is located 60km away from our house. It is a paleokarst of great beauty and scientific and didactic interest, apart from being a paradise for climbing enthusiasts. There is a Greenway that can be explored on foot or by bicycle and connects it with the Martinete Waterfall.

Teatro Romano de Mérida

Spectacularly preserved, this place's construction was promoted by the consulate Vipsanius Agrippa in the ancient Roman city of Emerita Augusta, capital of Lusitania (now Merida). It was built during the years 16 to 15 b.C. It was declared World Heritage Site in 1993, apart from being chosen as one of the 12 Treasures of Spain. It takes a little over an hour from our house to get there.

Jerez de los Caballeros

The city of the Templars, located 89km from our house.

Córdoba

Córdoba, It was an important Roman city and one of the main Islamic centers of the Middle Ages. It is known, among other things, for the enormous Mosque dating back to the year 784 AD. It is located 158 km away from our home.

Trujillo

Trujillo, is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. It is an hour and 50 minutes away from our home.

Cáceres

Cáceres, declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. It is an hour and 50 minutes away from our home.

Seville

Seville, a monumental city indeed, with its renowned Plaza de España, cathedral, Giralda, Torre del Oro. Located just an hour and a quarter from home.

Activities

"Hiking and mountain biking"

There are many trails for hiking or mountain biking enthusiasts, with different levels of intensity and distances.
One of the most famous one is the 'Rey Jayón' trail. You will find some more relevant information about this in the ASTOLL (Tomillo and Orégano Hiking Association of Llerena).
There are companies that specialize in bike rentals as well as organizing routes.

Bird watching and kayaking

The nearby Interpretation Center of the Arroyo Conejo reservoir, considered the home of a large population of waterfowl, classified as internationally important, also hosts the jarabugo, a species of fish in danger of extinction.

The Arroyo Conejo Interpretation Center is a place to enjoy various activities, including birdwatching. The center provides binoculars and a lookout area for this activity.

In the center, a large part of the variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles found in the Special Protection Area (SPA) where we are located are represented. Among the most relevant bird species that you can spot are the colonies of black-headed gulls, the stone curlew, and the gablack vulture, an endangered species, as well as winter concentrations of common crane.

Additionally, it is an ideal place for water-based activities such as kayaking (you can rent the kayaks).

Rock climbing in Zafra and Cerro del Hierro

The most famous climbing schools in the area are those in Zafra and Cerro del Hierro, offering routes of various difficulty levels. There are also companies dedicated to introducing beginners to this sport.

Canyoning and Speleology

There are companies in the area that specialize in providing these exciting experiences, taking you to Barranco de las Calzadillas or the Risco Blanco stream canyon in Almadén de la Plata.

As for caving, you can visit nearby caves in the Sierra de San Miguel, in Llerena, and also those of Cerro del Hierro.

Skateboarding and downhill longboard

For four-wheel enthusiasts, we have our own mini skateboard ramp. There is also a skatepark in Llerena, and the lightly trafficked roads of the Valley of the Mills make them perfect for downhill rides.

Horseback riding

You can go horseback riding or arrange riding lessons at the equestrian arena with various companies in Llerena that specialize in these activities.

ASTRONOMÍA – CARTA ESTELAR TENTUDÍA

From our house, you can enjoy a spectacular night sky without light pollution, making it a wonderful place for stargazing.

Astronomy enthusiasts are familiar with the nearby mountain, La Capitana, a former astronomical observatory now in a state of abandonment but retaining its architectural beauty. It is located between Llerena and Guadalcanal. Nearby, you can enjoy a fabulous viewpoint with views to the south of the Extremaduran plateau and the entire Sierra Norte de Sevilla.

Tentudía Stellar Letter arises as a result of the passion and hobby of Víctor M. Guareño, an architect by profession, for astronomy and its dissemination. Hence its name, winking at those “planes of the sky”, at those star charts.

From a hobby transformed into a passion, to a reality, which aims to become an opportunity for the visitor and resident of Extremadura to be able to enjoy leisure and culture in a way that is close, close and within everyone's reach.

We are part of the “Extremadura Good Night” program of the Government of Extremadura, with its support, and we have the Tourism registration number OA-BA-00079.

Extremadura has two territories that have received the Starlight Tourist Destination certificate. Throughout the community, and therefore, from Casa Rural La Quijada del Lobo, there is one of the cleanest skies free of light pollution in Europe and it is one of the few areas on the planet where stargazing is a privilege; We have one more monument above our heads to fall in love with in Extremadura.

OBSERVATIONS WITH TELESCOPE

The activities will last approximately 2 hours. With the help of an astronomical laser pointer, we will observe the sky with the naked eye, where we will learn to orient ourselves in it, to recognize its main constellations in each season and we will delve into the past learning the mythological stories that are associated with each of them.

Depending on the month, we will contemplate with amazement some planet in our solar system, the impressive Moon with its craters and mountain ranges, and we will delve with the telescope into deep sky objects such as open and closed clusters, double stars, nebulae where stars are formed and born. and even nothing more and nothing less than a galaxy!

We will end up becoming aware of the size of the Universe and the position we occupy in it.

The observations can be accompanied with tasting of Iberian products, tasting of cava or wines and even with live music from saxophone or string instruments, making the activity an authentic experience.

CHOCOLATE MORO

The story of Fernando and Ángeles began in 2011 in Nicaragua and the idea of producing chocolate at home arose due to the difficulty of obtaining a quality bar. Among other findings, their research led them to the “bean to bar” movement. This movement designates a way of making chocolate on a small scale. Currently in Spain there is a small but growing number of companies dedicated to making this type of chocolate.

Having started by visiting farms and cooperatives to better understand the harvesting, fermentation and drying process. Its production processes have been evolving and perfecting, as well as its learning and the quality of the final product. It is very important for them that the cocoa they obtain is always made following ethical and sustainable criteria, maintaining a direct relationship with the products and a fair payment for the price of the cocoa.

Since then, without ceasing to be interested in the world of cocoa, they have been evolving in their production process.

Already settled in Llerena, since 2019 they have been making their own chocolate in a completely artisanal way, where they opened their workshop/workshop, importing their raw materials directly from countries classified as the best producers in the world. No chemical processes are used in the production of Chocolate Moro and they maintain the techniques learned first-hand in the Central American country where this project arose.

Currently its main interest is directed at the introduction of local products of Extremaduran origin in combination with its chocolates, such as paprika with salt, picota cherry and acorn liqueur.

In 2022 they presented their star product, the fig bonbon filled with ganache, at the Academy of Chocolate based in the United Kingdom, which won the International Bronze Award and in 2023 they presented their paprika with salt tablet, awarded with the International Bronze and its acorn liquor tablet awarded the International Gold Award. These awards give them the passion to continue improving quality and encourage them to make better chocolate.

As they are the first and only bean to bar manufacturers in Extremadura, they are proud to explain and bring the wonderful world of cocoa to their customers through visits and tastings of their products, in their workshop or at private events, so that the public knows the difference between a commercial chocolate and a bean to bar chocolate.