Tajos de Mogarejo

The Tajos de Mogarejo Natural Monument is a canyon on the course of Salado Stream, a tributary of the Guadaíra River.

The course of the Salado runs through sandstone and limestone. The latter date back to a distant maritime past, formed by the compacting of the remains of marine organisms. The salts from these rocks give their name to the stream ("salado", salty), and they make the water slightly saline. Over time, these materials have been gradually eroded to form unusual cavities called "taffonis".

On its banks there is a cool riverine forest with abundant tamarisk and typical saline water species. The landscape around the stream has small patches of Mediterranean forest and scrub, with species such as the carob tree, palmetto and rosemary.

The rocks from these canyons have been used through history for construction - there are some disused quarries in the area. These materials were used in buildings around the region, and are known to feature in the Chapter House of Seville Cathedral.

To explore this Natural Monument and its surroundings further, the Sierra de San Pablo Mountains offer a range of options, including hiking, horse riding and cycle-touring. This area is also popular with climbing and free flight enthusiasts.

There is an interesting old flour mill, called Molino Pintao, that calls to mind the important cereal production of this part of the Sevilla countryside.