For a small village there is a wealth of amenities including supermarket, butchers, banks, green grocers, fish mongers and freshwater swimming pool. The village also has a number of good bars and restaurants, most of which give free tapes with drinks. They are all traditionally Spanish and very welcoming. As is the way with the Southern Spanish, local cooking and traditions are taken seriously.

The local restaurants serve the most delicious food but the renowned Segureno Lamb, is one of the best dishes to try out in Orce. Traditionally the local economy was based on agriculture and breeding livestock, with a particular emphasis on the famous segureña lamb. Although rural tourism also now contributes to the local economy. Orce is an all year round place to holiday especially during Fiesta times. The combination of all these elements, promises that a visit to Orce will be a real delight to the senses. 

To avoid missing out, it is recommended that you click here for more detailed information on Orce's Fiestas.

Orce's Castle of Four Towers.

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Archaeology and Paleontology 

Orce and it’s hamlets are probably most famous for being ‘the cradle of European mankind.’, the oldest human remains in Europe were found in another hamlet of Orce, Vienta Micena. This hamlet is approximately 3km from Cueva Santa Maria; you can take a very pleasant walk from your holiday home to view this site. These remains are thought to date back some 2 million years. Orce, and it’s hamlets, have been designated as a world heritage site, as a result of their prehistoric past.

The above find has opened the question on how long man has been in Europe. The first excavation was done in 1982 and the most significant and surprising feature of this site was the incredible amount of bones found there. This is attributed to the fact that it was possibly the location of a hyenas' lair. Over 2,500 fossil samples were found, pertaining to all kinds of animals on this site alone.

In 1992 (when a new electric network installation was being carried out in Fuente Nueva), a very large number of flint and dolomite limestone’s, (which are related to rhinoceros, hippopotamus, elephants and other mammals remains), were unearthed. This ancient archaeological site is only a very short walk from your holiday home. Many ancient stone utensils have been found and there are thought to be many human fossils still to be discovered. The animals where thought to have come to the old prehistoric lake to drink, from the pastoral plains, where they had been grazing.

Josep Gibert Museum

This museum was set up by a team of archaeological excavators. In 1987, the well-known palaeontologist, Dr. Joseph Gibert Clols took over. Gibert dedicated over 30 years of his life to studying and excavating in the area. His key objective was to find out more accurately when mankind first arrived in Europe.

 In and around Orce man made-made tools have been found that date back some 1.7 million years. Josep Gilbert wrote many books and papers on the subject, including his famous book "El hombre de Orce". Archaeological digs continue in the area.

Bronze Age Settlement

As well as traces of many ancient species, there are also archaeological remains. One of great interest, being 'el cerro de la virgen' (the hill of the virgin) which can be seen as you drive into the hamlet.  Here you will find the remains of a Bronze Age Settlement, dating back to 2,500BC. Dozens of bell shaped glasses and other significant pieces were found by the German archaeologist, Guillermo Shule.