The main attraction of this village is its beauty and originality is terms of its environment and its urban centre. This is elevated with a steep incline downwards from the castle to the course of the river, something that gives the village a unique disposition on different levels.
On the lower parts of the town the locals have used the country rocks as foundations to build their houses. We’re talking here of a really exceptional example of houses that have literally been constructed using the natural rocks as protection. They are not caves as the houses have not been excavated into the rocks but have been marked out by a wall that uses the natural rocks as one of the lateral retaining walls.
To see this at its best, it’s recommended to visit the upper part of the village where, from the ancient viewing platforms in the historic centre of the village, one gets a fabulous image of the perspective below. Later, go down to the lower part of the village to see the houses from below - it’s a unique spectacle that is almost guaranteed to move anyone by the sheer imagination used by the original settlers of the village. The usual questions are asked: Will this last forever? The answer is immediate: Of course, these houses will last for many years! At least that’s the theory……
Monuments
Fortress – XII – XIII century. Medieval military architecture
The castle is located in the higher part of the village. It was captured from the Arabs on the 21 September of 1484 and still conserves its tower, a unique example of the ancient castle. In its hey-day the castle had three defensive towers. The whole area of the rocky outcrop on which the castle is built was originally surrounded by a wall which defended the most conflictive places of access.
The castle is an open area and entry is free and not controlled by a regulated timetable.
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. XVI century. Arquiteture and Art Gothic and Renaissance
The church was begun between the last years of the XV century and the first decade of the XVI century. The architecture is late gothic with covered arches. On the interior the church conserves various images amongst them, and historically important, the Christ Crucified (XVI – XVII century). This was a gift of the Catholic Kings to mark the first official mass.
The church isn’t open to the public except during working hours.
Old Consistorial House. XVI century
Built during the beginning of the XVI century this building is particularly interesting for its rich mudejar tracery, on the inferior band of which can be read an inscription about the date when Setenil was conquered by the Catholic Kings – the 21 September of 1484. Nowadays, this building is home to the tourist information office.
Archaeology
 Acinipo
Although the majority of the archaeological remains of roman there are important prehistoric remains, the oldest of which date from the Neolithic period and continue into the Copper and Bronze Ages. The roman ruins include a spectacular amphitheatre.
Entry to the area is free. It is closed on Monday. Between Tuesday and Sunday the timetable is from 1000 to 1700 hours.
And if you like walking, we recommend the Ruta de los Bandoleros (the Bandit Route) which leaves Setenil and arrives at the ruins mentioned above. The route is around 11 kilometres long and leaves from the El Almendral College.
Texto cedido por la Oficina de Turismo de Setenil
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