Marco Topo in Grazalema and Benamahoma

Discover Grazalema and Benamahoma through play

The Marco Topo game in Grazalema and Benamahoma takes us into the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema, a privileged natural environment with spectacular scenery that is known as the rainiest area on the Iberian Peninsula. Marta, dressed as a bandit, guides us through Grazalema's most surprising corners. Marco's sister chose this outfit because many bandits found refuge in the nearby mountains during the 19th century. Every year Grazalema stages the historical re-enactment Blood and Love in the Sierra, set in 1832 and telling the story of El Tempranillo, a key figure in mountain life at the time. On the Grazalema route, Marta shows us the special features that have earned the village a place among the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain. We explore its white cobbled streets of Moorish origin, characteristic Andalusian vernacular architecture, fountains, churches, small squares, museums and viewpoints overlooking nearby mountains and Spanish-fir forests. Game locations include the Arco de la Villa, the old entrance gate to Grazalema, Plaza de España, Fuente Nueva and Fuente Abajo, as well as the churches of San Juan, San José and La Encarnación. At the Blanket Factory, we also discover the importance of the textile industry to the local economy. On the Benamahoma route, Marco Topo introduces the mission and acts as guide, this time dressed to take part in the Moors and Christians festivities. Each year this celebration transports visitors back to the Middle Ages, when the area lay on the frontier between the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada and Christian territories. The whole village takes part in staging the clashes between the Moorish and Christian sides, including spectacular mock battles. The Benamahoma route takes us to the source of the River Majaceite and shows us the village's fountains and irrigation channels as examples of the importance of water here since the Muslim period. A visit to the Water Ecomuseum and a walk along the Majaceite river trail complete the experience, revealing irrigation systems, old mills, natural aquifers and historic water works. The game also takes us through the streets of Benamahoma, stopping at charming places such as Plaza de Andalucía and Plaza de las Huertas, as well as the Church of San Antonio de Padua, patron saint of the village and a key figure in the Moors and Christians festivities.