The starting point for our Rural Walk to the Hermitage of the Virgin of Ara begins next to the parish church of Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción in Fuente del Arco. The Hermitage of the Virgin of Ara is loc... (plus +)

The starting point for our Rural Walk to the Hermitage of the Virgin of Ara begins next to the parish church of Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción in Fuente del Arco. The Hermitage of the Virgin of Ara is located at the foothills of Sierra Morena, on the slopes of the Sierra de la Jayona, in a place of great landscape and historical value. The construction of the sanctuary dates back to the late 14th and early 15th centuries, highlighting the beautiful Mudejar arches, the bell gable, and the adjoining buildings that served the temple. Its interior consists of a single nave covered with a barrel vault, highlighting the extraordinary mural paintings from various periods that decorate the entire nave, the presbytery, and the shrine, which is why it is known as the 'Sistine Chapel' of Extremadura. These paintings make this building truly unique. The Hermitage is renowned for being completely decorated with mural paintings from various periods, especially in the nave, presbytery, and shrine, which is why it is known as the 'Sistine Chapel' of Extremadura. Throughout the route, you can enjoy the typical landscapes of the area, such as its endless valleys and rugged mountain ranges on the horizon. Landscapes adorned by pasturelands, olive groves, and Mediterranean scrubland, from the northern foothills of Sierra Morena that contrast with the wide cereal plains of the neighboring Campiña located further north. The fauna that can be spotted throughout the route is very diverse: Jackdaw, Common Starling, Red-billed Chough, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Short-toed Snake Eagle, and Black Stork, among others. It is important to note that there are a few kilometers that will be done alongside the road, so special care should be taken with children. TYPE OF ROUTE: Linear LENGTH: 11 km ESTIMATED TIME: 3 hours DIFFICULTY: Easy PATH TYPE: Urban layout, path, forest track, and road ELEVATION GAIN: 382 m.
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