Her golden age was the 18th century, rich due to textile industry, taffeta, velvet and silk, Priego was rich and it gave rise to the spectacular Priego baroque, displaying a beauty that has made it known as the capital of Andalucian baroque. Churches were rebuilt, new elements added and beautiful monuments constructed.

We will be visiting 2 of the most beautiful of the many baroque churches. The Iglesia de la Asunción houses one of the gems of Spanish baroque, the Sagrario de la Asuncion, the sacristy which has been declared a national monument.

The spectacular fountain, which has been declared a national monument, La Fuente del Rey is made up of 3 pools and is surrounded by 139 fountain heads with a continual flow of water from a spring.

The Historical museum submerges us in the rich past of Priego. The Casa museo de Niceto Alcalá Zamora y Torres is a very interesting museum which was the birth place of the president of the second republic. It was donated by his daughters to the town. Apart from being a political document it is also interesting as a beautiful 19th century house.

The Carnicerias Reales is a beautiful 16th century meat market. In 1972 the old town, Barrio de la villa, was declared a site of historic interest. It is the old arab quarter, an idyllic place with winding streets and small squares, white lime walls hung with colourful flowers, lovingly looked after, takes you back a couple of centuries.

We can recommend lunch at the Balcon del Adarve which has a fantastic view from the cliff with the same name, which used to be part of the defence system of the town, and looks out over the peaceful Andalusian landscape.

There are two more national monuments: the castle, an arab fort and the Fuente de Salud. In the past Priego was famous for its textiles, nowadays it is famous for its olive oil. We will visit the head office of the Vizcántar Olive oil for a degustation class. This olive oil has won several prizes. We will learn about the smell, taste and tactile facets of olive oil, what makes an olive oil outstanding or deficient, profiling an olive oil, describing an olive oil on the basis of its sensory qualities.

They will also show us their line of olive oil cosmetics, olive paste and olive jam. An experience not to be missed!

One of the coffee stops will be in beautiful farmhouse with a museo de custumbres.