Historical Buildings
Walking the streets of Cortegana you will be able to see various examples of heritage buildings which have lasted until now in an excellent state of conservation. The religious buildings have particular relevance. The Parish Church and the Chapels represent milestones that ennoble and beautify the urban area of our town, as they consolidate details of identity and sociability among the inhabitants. However, the building that has most historical value and which represents as no other, the town of Cortegana, is our beloved Castle
The current aspect of Cortegana’s Medieval Castle is the result of an ongoing historical project which includes renovations, restorations and modifications at various times in its existence. It appears that it was first built in the XIII century, although the Keep dates from the end of the XV century, during the time of the Catholic Kings.
It forms part of the Banda Gallega, military fortifications which were constructed to protect Seville from Portuguese incursions.
It is one of the most visited monuments in Huelva province and has great national heritage protection as it was declared a Place of Cultural Interest by the Junta de Andalucía on 29th June, 1985.
Nowadays it is a popular tourist attraction.
Opening Times
Tuesday to Sunday 11.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 18.00 (Winter)
and 17.00 to 19.00 (Summer)
Mondays closed, except if Monday is a public holiday, when the Castle will be closed on Tuesday
Inside the outer castle wall and situated in the north-eastern sector, is the Chapel of Our Lady of Piety. The origin of the sanctuary should possibly be put at the XIII century as another example of the many repopulation chapels that were erected throughout the region after the Christian reconquest. We know that it was the first parish church in the town, as evidenced by Rodrigo Caro in 1634, and was originally consecrated to Our Lady of the Castle, according to Juan de Ledesma in 1633.
Opening Times:
Tuesday to Friday 9.00 to 12.30 and 16.00 to 18.00.
Sábados y Domingos: de 9.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 18.00.
Horario de Verano: de 8.30 to 12.00 and 19.00 to 21.00.
Mondays closed, except if Monday is a public holiday, when the Castle will be closed on Tuesday
In the centre of Cortegana is the most significant religious building in our town, the Parish Church of the Divine Saviour, situated in the square of the same name.
Declared a Place of Cultural Interest by the Junta de Andalucía, its current aspect is the result of different construction processes which started in the first half of the XIV century. At that time, once the population came to settle in the valley, a Gothic-Mudejar temple began to rise, with characteristics that were clearly influenced by Seville architecture, although there were local variations. The “Portada del Perdón” (Forgiveness Portico) is the principal access point and dates from this time.
Construction continued through several centuries, finally ending at the close of the XVIII century. The tower, with a square base, was built of exposed brick and was crowned with four rectangular bays, one on each side, and a spire with a weather vane.
Chapel of San Sebastian, popularly called “El Santo” (the Saint’s) is an example of Gothic-Mudejar architecture which began to be built in the first half of the XVI century. At this time it consisted of the presbytery, covered with a dome with Gothic cross-vaults and moulded transverse arches.
At present it is the seat of the Hermandad de la Vera Cruz ( the Brotherhood of the True Cross) and since 2019 houses a splendid Nativity scene. It is a Napolitan Nativity scene, composed of original pieces, some dating from the end of the XVII century and originating in Naples itself.
The Chapel of Jesus of Nazareth, also known as “Calvary Chapel”, is situated at the exit from Cortegana on the Camino del Hurón, completing the longitudinal axis of the town centre, joining in turn the churches and chapels of the town.
It has a very modern look, the result of its reconstruction in 1974 . Inside one can see the extraordinary carving of Our Lord Jesus of Nazareth, which preserves the head and hands of the sculpture made in 1607 by Blas Hernández Bello, sculptor of the Martínez Montañés school.
The Cortegana Bullring, built in 1854, is considered to be one of the oldest in Spain. It is situated in the “Peñalta” neighbourhood, one of the higher areas of the town, opposite the Castle hill.
Near the source of the River Chanza in Cortegana, an architectural treasure dating from the XV century opens its doors to show us the typical way of life in Mudejar times.
It is a small house constructed in the XV century and was continuously inhabited until the 1990s. It is a humble dwelling that consists of three spaces that subdivide the house according to traditional design.
The whole building still has its original chalky sand floor in all the rooms and part of the old roofing. The different items which decorate the rooms have been donated by neighbours and may be just the same as those used 500 years ago by its first residents.