Recreo de Castilla

Recreo de Castilla is a small but strikingly scenic public park in Priego de Córdoba, tucked along the edge of the Adarve wall right below the town castle. Also known by its older name, Huerta de las Infantas, it blends a history reaching back to the 16th century with the role of a modern public garden.

Where does the name come from and what is the history behind it?

The earliest written record of this site dates to 1550, appearing in a deed of sale under the name Huerta de las Infantas, describing land beneath the old town gate, in the shadow of the defensive walls. Ownership changed hands over the centuries until around 1857, when the property was acquired by Antonio Castilla. He built a house on the grounds and began turning the site into a Romantic-style garden, complete with pathways, terraces and carefully chosen planting. His heirs carried the work forward over the following decades, and the family name eventually stuck to the place, giving it its present-day title, Recreo de Castilla.

After 1970 the garden fell into neglect and gradually deteriorated into ruin. The turning point came in 2003, when an international design competition was launched to restore the site and convert it into a public park. Following years of renovation work, the park reopened to residents and visitors in June 2013.

What will you see there?

The park retains the layout of its old Romantic garden, built into the natural slope along the town's defensive walls. Walking its paths, visitors find greenery arranged in terraces on the hillside, right beneath Priego Castle — a setting where historic defensive architecture sits alongside a designed garden landscape. It's a spot that combines recreation with views typical of the wider Subbética region.

How do you get to Recreo de Castilla?

The park sits within Priego de Córdoba itself, in the province of Córdoba, in the heart of the Subbética region. Given its position right against the town walls and castle, the easiest way to reach it is on foot from the old town — it forms a natural stop on any walk through the historic centre, alongside the castle and the other Adarve-area landmarks. Its coordinates are approximately 37.44041 N, 4.19273 W, useful for anyone driving into Priego before continuing on foot to the centre.

When is the best time to visit?

As an open-air town garden, Recreo de Castilla is best explored during the warmer months, when the greenery is at its fullest and walking the terraces and pathways is most enjoyable. Early morning or late afternoon visits in the warmer season help avoid the heat typical of inland Andalusia, while still catching good light on the walls and castle above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Recreo de Castilla and Huerta de las Infantas the same place? Yes. Huerta de las Infantas is the older, historical name for the same site, already used in documents from the 16th century. The name Recreo de Castilla comes from the Castilla family, who owned the property from the mid-19th century onward, and this is the name that has stuck in recent decades.

Is there an entrance fee? The site functions as a public park, open to visitors as part of a walk through the historic centre of Priego de Córdoba.

Does the park sit near other landmarks? Yes, it sits directly against the Adarve walls and below the town castle, making it a natural stop while exploring the old town.

Since when has the park existed in its current form? After years of neglect and restoration work launched following the 2003 design competition, the park reopened in its present form in June 2013.