Castro del Rio

A municipally owned and operated hostel, supported by donations, located in a traditional house in the center of Castro del Río at Plaza Castilla del Pino, 2.
Number of beds: 12, number of rooms: 2, bunk bed/bed distribution: 6 BUNK BEDS, living room, number of restrooms: 1, number of showers: 1, washing machine, dryer, clothesline, heating, refrigerator, microwave, and bicycle storage available in the lobby

It is very important that we keep the facilities clean after we use them.

Source: Castro del Río City Council.

Identity and Geography

• Location: It is located in the eastern countryside of the province of Córdoba, in the middle valley of the Guadajoz River, about 42 km from the capital.
• Distinguishing Features: The municipality is known for its olive wood crafts, its status as a “Cervantine city,” and its well-preserved walled heritage.
• Nature: The area is notable for its ornithological interest, as it is home to one of the province’s most important colonies of lesser kestrels and serves as an ecological corridor for migratory birds.

Heritage and Culture

• Barrio de la Villa: A historic settlement with a fortress-like character, designated a Site of Cultural Interest, which preserves walls dating back to the Almohad period (12th century).
• Cervantes' Legacy: Miguel de Cervantes was imprisoned here in 1592, an episode considered a possible inspiration for *Don Quixote*.
• Castle-fortress: A 14th-century structure featuring an imposing keep.
• Parish Church of the Assumption: Built on the site of an old mosque, it still has the minaret as its bell tower.
• Crafts: It is a national leader in olive woodworking, with workshops that still operate according to guild principles

Traditions and Cuisine

• Highlights: Holy Week, the Ars Olea craft fair in the fall, and the Snail Fair in June.
• Cuisine: Based on olive oil with the Baena Designation of Origin (D.O.) and products from the annual pig slaughter, such as albondigón and albóndigas castreñas.

Services for Pilgrims

• Lodging: It has a municipal hostel exclusively for pilgrims, as well as a variety of hostels and rural inns.
• Additional Information: Castro del Río offers a wide variety of hotels and private tourist accommodations. The complete, up-to-date list of hostels, hotels, and vacation rentals can be found on the official website at www.turismo.castrodelrio.es

• Health and Safety: The municipality has:
  • Health Center (C/ Mariano Fuentes, 6) +34 957 37 96 76 (with emergency services) +34 957 00 17 37
  • Local Police (C. Don Andrés J. Criado, 1) +34 957 372 377
  • Civil Guard ( C/ Llano de Almagro) +34 957 370 119