The last human settlement left countless remains of schematic cave painting, as well as innumerable Iberian exvotes found in dug refuges localized at the quartz crests of Despeñaperros Mountain. One of the most important Iberian Sanctuaries is Collado de los Jardines.
The battle called Navas de Tolosa took place near this area. This fact made this region become the main entrance for Christians to the Moorish southern lands in order to conquer them. In this warlike scenario, the king Alfonso VIII ordered to build a hermitage in honour of the Saint Cross for commemorating their victory against almohades. Our visitors can enjoy the Castles and Battles’ Route.
