Most of the route runs a few meters from the riverbank, so you can see the formation of gallery forest. There are also long stretches of holm oak meadows and some areas of pine reforestation. The numerous species of birds and insects that populate the riverbank acquire special significance.
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You should know that it is a linear path that connects the Cazalla-Constantina railway station with the El Pedroso station, with a distance of 19.3 km and that runs along the banks of the Huéznar river.
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It begins at the El Pedroso railway station, and runs along a narrow path next to the road that goes in the direction of Cazalla-Constantina until reaching the recreational area, next to the old bridge over the bank of the Huéznar, on the road that connects Constantina with The Pedroso. It ascends in the opposite direction to the flow of the river, heading north.
We will leave the El Pedroso cemetery aside. To continue along our path along the river bank.
It is, without a doubt, one of the most photographed points. Without a doubt, a robust architectural work that has been preserved over time.
During the tour you will come across one of the most important industrial milestones of the Spanish Industrial Revolution. And at the beginning of the 19th century, the El Pedroso Iron Factory was founded. Deserving of the Gold Medal at the Industrial Exhibition in 1841, it lost leadership in national steel production while waiting, among other things, for a railway that arrived late, favoring the resurgence of the factories in the Basque Country. In your facilities More than 500 workers and families came to live, representing one of the greatest industrial milestones in the region.
In 1817, a group of 12 merchants from Cádiz and Seville, aware of the potential of the area's mining resources, joined together to smelt iron in the Sevillian region of Sierra Morena. The partners reached twenty. This region, which today faces the challenge of depopulation, more than multiplied the number of current inhabitants. Only El Pedroso had more than 8,500 residents Presenting today a registry of just over 2,000 inhabitants.
This foundry, despite the quality of its raw materials, had to face imposed and unexpected difficulties. Among them, the lack of specialized labor, malarial fevers in summer times and the lack of a communications network that made it difficult to put merchandise on the market.
The international steelmaker Francisco Antonio de Elorza, one of the most important of the time, arrives at El Pedroso to alleviate, as far as possible, the adversities of the factory. To do this, it has Belgian, English or French professionals, who, attracted by Elorza's professionalism, settle in the area with the idea of training the locals. In 1861 there were no longer foreigners in the factory. Workers from all over the country also came here: Extremadurans, Galicians, Basques and Navarrese.
Elorza reorganizes administration and production according to what he learned in his constant visits to European countries and the rest of the national industry. Upon his arrival he finds anomalies, such as the fact that the workers are paid twice as much as in the other Andalusian steel mills. With its tenacity and experience, the Factory reaches the top of Spanish production. Andalusian factories, including this one, represented 85% of national iron.
Cuban prisoners arrived at El Pedroso to serve their sentence in these forges, as witnessed by the research carried out by historian Antonio Villalba Ramos.
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The railway
The long-awaited wait for the railway reduces the ability to put El Pedroso iron on the market. In 1884 the section of El Pedroso, Galleguines, Guadalcanal and Mérida was inaugurated, being quite late to support this industry. This disadvantage meant the fall of the greatest competitor of the Basque steel industry, which was becoming stronger again after the Carlist wars.
This factory, today in ruins and abandoned by administrations, is one of the most important buildings in the industrial history of our country. However, since it is located on a private property, it cannot be visited freely, although you can make appointments through the Sierra Norte Tourism Office by El Pedroso.
It is located a little less than a kilometer and a half from the Cazalla-Constantina railway station, next to the Castillejo resting place. It is a privileged natural enclave that allows you to be in contact with nature. It is located next to the Huéznar River, which in this place divides into two arms forming a small island. Access to the area is via a small bridge.
In this enclave you can enjoy a shaded area and a good temperature in spring and summer. Next to the parking lot, the path of the same name begins, which is another beautiful walk down the river along the bank. Alders, ashes and willows, among others, follow one another in a protective gallery forest that is a must-see in autumn. It is also shelter for a wide variety of birds and otters that feed on the trout and barbel that can be caught in the Molino del Corcho trout reserve.
If you want to know more about the route and see the exact itinerary, click on the following link.
CIF: P4107300H
Telephone: 954 88 90 01
Fax: 954 88 93 13
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