“The jewel of the province of Cordoba” is the name that has been given to the town of Priego in the province of Cuenca in southern Spain. Located on a bluff above the Rio Salado, Priego is famous as the Spanish capital of 18th century Andalusian Baroque architecture. Two of its most beautiful churches are La Aurora and La Asuncion. Guests in discount hotels in Priego can see the Fuente del Ray, a magnificent Baroque fountain that has 139 spouts. According to legend, when the water is high enough to cover the private parts on the statue of Neptune, it is time to water the crops. There are some fine old 18th century mansions with handsome wrought iron balconies and window grilles. Some of the streets in the Old Town are so narrow, the buildings are barely an arm’s breadth apart. The ruins of an old Moorish castle can be seen here.

Residents of the Old Town still carry on a centuries old tradition of passing images of saints from household to household. The town is home to the religious brotherhoods of Priego, and their traditions go back to the 1500s. They can be seen in the processions of Semana Santa (Easter Week). The most notable observances are on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. For a good view of the town and its celebrations, go to the cliff called the Adarve. Check the EasyToBook.com listings for information on cheap hotels in Priego.