El Saucejo, famous for its fountains and its hamlets
El Saucejo is in the heart of the Seville’s Sierra Sur, on the banks of the River Corbones. The town is famous for its fountains and its hamlets, Navarredonda and La Mezquitilla. Although it was not until the 19th century that the town was officially founded, the area was inhabited since prehistoric times. The most significant ruins can be found on the outskirts, at the Los Baldíos Ibero-Roman Site.
El Saucejo is situated in a unique setting, on the foothills of the Sierra de Cádiz, in central Andalusia. During the Middle Ages, it bordered with the Kingdom of Granada. The Fuente del Moro, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, is a hydrologic gem and all that remains from its Arab past.
Admire the historical heritage of the town and its hamlets to learn more about its history. Above all, enjoy its beautiful natural setting. Many people come to El Saucejo to hike and cycle.
Cured meats and dishes using fresh local produce are local specialities. They taste even better if you sample them during the festivals. Be sure to try the bread. They still make it the traditional way.
Would you like to know more? Come and find out.
Getting to El Saucejo
If you travel by car from Seville, the fastest route is the A-92 motorway until Osuna. Take exit 82 towards the A-451, and in a few minutes, you will reach your destination.
This town does not have a train station; the nearest one is in Osuna. Nevertheless, you can get there by bus from the Prado de San Sebastián Bus Station in Seville.
Getting around
This town and its streets are ideal for exploring on foot. However, your best bet is to go hiking in its natural surroundings or explore the hamlets. You can also bring your bike and discover its beautiful scenery.
Reasons to visit
- Discover the natural spring fountains that have afforded this town its well-deserved fame. Fuente del Moro is the oldest fountain, declared a Site of Cultural Interest.
- Hike or cycle through El Saucejo’s natural surroundings and discover the Los Baldíos Site, where you can explore the ruins of a Roman wall.
- Do you want to take a souvenir home? You will find beautiful leatherwork and esparto products made by local artists.
- Come during Holy Week and experience the re-enactment of the death of Jesus on Good Friday by the ‘Passion and Resurrection’ Association. You are sure to be moved by it.
- Are you a flamenco enthusiast? Go to the Festival de Cante Grande ‘Antonio Álvarez’ in August. The best Spanish performers come together in this town.
- Be sure to come for the festivals in honour of Saint Mark, the patron saint, and partake in the Biggest Artichoke Competition and the Carrera de Autos Locos.
- If you like music, do not miss a special event at the end of November. On World Music Day, the town organises over ten performances, from rock to classical music.
- Would you like to enjoy a day in the countryside? Spend your day at the Vado Yeso Recreational Area, by the River Corbones.
What to see
The San Marcos Evangelista Church bearing the name of the town’s patron saint stands in the town centre. This Baroque temple is in a small square where you can see one of El Saucejo’s fountains. A two-minute walk from here is the Town Hall, a 19th-century building.
The Hacienda de San Pedro is located on the outskirts. Parts of the building are in ruins. This homestead is the origin of what is today the town. These lands belonged to the Duchy of Osuna, and the haciendas were built for agricultural purposes.
Once you have seen this local monument and symbol, head to the hamlet of Navarredonda, one-kilometre away. You can visit here the Shrine to San José, a remarkable baroque temple. However, its most famous feature is the Cuatro Caños Fountain, where the water flows over a stone wall.
The other hamlet, La Mezquitilla, is about two-kilometres from El Saucejo. The famous Fuente del Moro, the only trace of its Muslim past, is located here. Some argue that it could have belonged to a mosque, hence the name of this hamlet. You can also visit the Shrine to the Inmaculada.
To finish, walk around El Saucejo and discover the Los Baldíos Site. Concealed by the vegetation, you can make out the ruins of an ancient Roman wall.
Places to visit
- Shrine to the Inmaculada Concepción and Mezquitilla hamlet
- Town Hall
- Patriarca Señor San José Church (Navarredonda hamlet)
- Mezquitilla Fountain (Fuente del Moro)
- Plaza de la Iglesia Public Fountain
- San Marcos Evangelista Parish Church
- Hacienda San Pedro
- Alberquilla Municipal Theatre
- Cuatro Caños Fountain (on the outskirts of Navarredonda)
Surroundings
El Saucejo is 109 kilometres from Seville in the Sierra Sur region. It is located in the upper basin of the River Corbones and includes the hamlets of Navarredonda and La Mezquitilla.
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