Discover Lucena: Culture, History and Routes

Lucena combines historic buildings and archaeological remains with exhibitions, a cycle route and natural areas within the municipality. If you’re looking for a hotel in Lucena, the focus of your stay can help guide your choice: themes range from architecture and urban history to routes and natural spaces.

Palace Architecture and Urban History

The Palacio de los Condes de Santa Ana is considered one of the finest examples of 18th-century civil architecture in Lucena. The Mora-Saavedra family commissioned its construction between 1730 and 1750. Its architectural features include two courtyards, one of them with an arcade, and a staircase crowned by a vault. The palace houses the municipal tourist information office and the city interpretation centre.

The Necrópolis Judía is a medieval Andalusian cemetery. It was discovered in 2006 during the construction of a bypass and contained around 346 graves. The human remains date approximately to the period between 1000 and 1050 and offer insights into the way of life and burial rituals of the Jewish community of that era. Visits are possible only by prior arrangement and with a guide.

The Church of San Mateo also offers a distinct perspective on Lucena’s architectural history: it is a Gothic-Renaissance building dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Its Baroque tabernacle is considered one of the finest in Andalusia. The cultural route “Lucena al paso: de agrociudad a ciudad media” traces the development of the historic city through its diverse cultural heritage.

Exhibitions at the Casa de los Mora

The Casa de los Mora is housed in a former Dominican convent founded in 1575 by the Bishop of Córdoba. Today, the building hosts the permanent exhibitions “Nuestra Escuela” and “El Bronce en Lucena”. “Nuestra Escuela” occupies two rooms and shows what school was like in the 20th century. Together, the two exhibitions offer insights into different aspects of the city’s history; their names already point to school and bronze as their main themes.

Cycle Route, Trails and Digital Exploration

The Vía Verde del Aceite passes through Lucena. On April 22, 2026, a fully operational bicycle hangar, along with repair, electric charging and bicycle-washing facilities, was reported near the former railway station. Check the latest status before setting out.

The Camino Mozárabe enters the municipality of Lucena from Benamejí via public paths along the Anzur River. Near the town centre, it joins the Vía Verde and continues along it to Cabra. The sections mentioned provide useful reference points for planning your route: the route enters the municipality along the Anzur, and the connection with the Vía Verde is near the town centre.

As of March 27, 2026, the Cueva del Ángel was closed to in-person visits. A 3D virtual tour allows you to explore it digitally. If you’re planning an in-person visit, check the latest access status beforehand.

Natural Areas Within the Municipality

The Reserva Natural de la Laguna Amarga and the Paraje Natural del Embalse de Malpasillo are both within the municipality of Lucena. The Complejo Geoarqueológico de la Cueva del Ángel is described as a site of outstanding heritage, cultural and geological importance in the southwest of the Sierra de Araceli. These natural and cultural heritage themes add further dimensions to the municipality’s buildings and exhibitions, without requiring a particular itinerary.

Local Products

The tourist information office shop at Castillo del Moral sells local ceramics and artisan products. As of July 3, 2026, its range also included olive oils with the Denominación de Origen Lucena designation of origin. If you’re looking for a specific product, check whether it’s still available before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Almodóvar Del Río, Aguilar De La Frontera, Rute, La Celada, Villanueva De Córdoba, La Paz, Pozoblanco, Fuente Palmera.

Go to the main travel overview: Cordoba.