Spain - Andalusia, Montoro

Montoro is a typical Andalusian ‘pueblo blanco’ (white village) which is perched on a bluff above the Rio Guadalquivir with its whitewashed houses. It is a quite historical town, with an Iberian, Greek, Roman and Moslem past. In the Roman era the town was called Epora. It became an important fortified town under the Moors; after changing hands between Moorish and Castilian kingdoms the town was finally conquered by King Fernando III and became its present name Montoro.

Montoro offers some fine historical sights (churches and city hall) around or nearby the central square Plaza de España. Another emblematic sight is the bridge over the Guadalquivir, connecting the old town with the neighbourhood of El Retamar. Its construction began in 1498 and took more than fifty years. The women of Montoro donated their jewelry and goods to raise money for the construction. That is why it is known as ‘Puente de las Donadas or Puente de las Donadas (Bridge of Donations or Damsels).