Discover Aroche: Castle, Turobriga and Nature

If you are as interested in historic buildings and archaeological traces as you are in protected landscapes, Aroche offers a range of themes for your trip. The historic town centre was designated a Conjunto Histórico (Historic Site) in 1980. The castle, religious buildings and Roman finds bring its long history to life particularly vividly.

Castle, city walls and historic buildings

Aroche Castle was built in the 12th century during the Almohad period as the qasaba of the Andalusian settlement. It had a perimeter of about 1,200 metres, three gates and outer bastions used to position artillery. The castle is protected as a B.I.C. (Property of Cultural Interest) under Spanish heritage law. Restored sections of the city walls are accessible and provide access to the battlements; visiting arrangements may vary.

The bullring stands inside the Islamic castle, on the site of the former parade ground. It is still in use: bullfights and other cultural performances take place there in August as part of the Feria de Aroche. The programme may vary from year to year. This offers a chance to consider the square’s present-day use alongside its former purpose.

The Priory Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción offers a different historical perspective. It was built in 1483 at the behest of the Catholic Monarchs. The Ermita de San Mamés adds an example of resettlement architecture: the Gothic-Mudéjar building dates from the mid-13th century, was enlarged in the 14th century and contains late-medieval wall paintings from the 15th century. The Ermita del Cristo de la Humildad y la Paciencia is a chapel in the popular style of the 17th century, built beside the former Santa Clara town gate.

Roman traces and museums

Arucci Turobriga was founded under Augustus towards the end of the 1st century BC, around 15 to 10 BC. Turóbriga is the only archaeological site of its kind in Huelva Province that is open to visitors. As visiting arrangements can change, check current access details before your visit. The Festival de Diana combines guided tours of Arucci Turobriga with costumed scenes depicting everyday Roman life; dates vary with each edition.

The Archaeological Museum in Aroche was founded in 1958. Most of its exhibits come from the Hispano-Roman city of Turobriga. The La Cilla Museum displays archaeological materials from prehistoric times, as well as from the Roman, Islamic, Christian medieval and modern periods. It also houses one of the most important collections of Roman epigraphy in Huelva Province. Another collection there comprises more than 2,000 rosary items from around the world. Aroche thus brings archaeological evidence from different periods together with a collection devoted to a quite different subject.

Festivals and planning your visit

The events also offer a variety of experiences. During the Noche de las Velas, candles illuminate the fortress and other places in town; the programme includes historical reenactments and music. New locations are added each year. The Romería de San Mamés takes place at the end of May at Llanos de la Belleza and lasts two days; exact dates may vary from year to year. If you would like to combine your trip with an event, check the dates for the relevant edition.

Aroche’s tourist office offers guided visits to the castle, church and museums. Check the arrangements for these visits before travelling. This will help you decide whether to explore the historic sights independently or take a guided tour.

Protected landscapes and a hiking trail

Aroche is one of the municipalities within the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park. Las Peñas is one of the two natural areas in the municipality. Peñas de Aroche is a protected mid-mountain area of holm oak and cork oak forests. Its well-preserved rockrose stands are important for the breeding of the cinereous vulture. Sierra Pelada y Rivera del Aserrador also extends into Aroche; the area is protected as a natural area and designated both ZEPA (Special Protection Area for Birds) and ZEC (Special Area of Conservation).

The area’s landscapes also include the banks of the Chanza and Alcalaboza rivers, which cross the municipality; both rivers eventually flow into the Guadiana. One specific way to combine your stay with a hike or bike ride is the PR-A 1 Cortegana–El Hurón–Aroche trail. The route reaches Aroche and was officially approved and signposted in 1994. You can travel along it on foot or by bicycle; check the trail’s condition and access before setting out.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: La Palma Del Condado, Punta Umbría, Almonaster La Real, Zalamea La Real, Trigueros, La Nava, Minas De Riotinto, El Granado.

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