This last weekend I discovered a unique place in Andalusia: El Tejar de Azuel. I'll try not to make any spoilers, but if you come around, this artistic place in Andalusia is a must for you - and it's free!

First of all, why is it called “Tejar”? This term refers to the kilns where roof tiles were traditionally handmade—tiles that were very important for Andalusian trade and part of a long artisanal tradition linked to pottery and ceramic production. Historical sources in the Cardeña region, in the Valle de los Pedroches where Azuel is located, are unfortunately very scarce, and only local testimonies allow us to truly understand its history. We recognise Almagra ceramics, traditional of southern Spain, by their deep red colour: indeed Al-magra means “red ochre” in Arabic - another sign of the deep Arab influence on the historical and linguistic culture of Andalusia.

This detail is important because these very Almagra roof tiles guide the open-air museum of the Tejar de Azuel: a place full of charm that tells the story of Cardeña’s culture and the village of Azuel through art and poetry. Here, you can walk in nature and fully immerse yourself—body and mind—in the Tejar, accompanied by numerous sculptures, stories, and poems. I'm telling you about this creative garden because the dedication and attention to detail truly impressed me: all thanks to the artist Jose Ruiz Cañadas's ongoing work and his neighbours' support. In fact, many of the works found here are his creations, and between a career dedicated to teaching—first children, then adults—it is in the Tejar that he builds a space for recreation, discovery, and education through poetry, theatre, art, and nature. If you're lucky, he might even guide you personally on a tour through the Tejar de Azuel!

Coming to an end, you'll be surprised by the magic of this place where you'll find art, a natural ecosystem and an amazing view of the Pedroches Valley!