Antonio Carmona Sánchez, a historian, writer, and columnist, encouraged attendees to discover the wealth of the Ojailén valley during a recent talk hosted by the Cultural Association La Solana Camina. The event took place at the Palacio Don Diego in Ciudad Real province, aiming to promote knowledge of the region through culture and hiking.
Carmona, originally from Puertollano, discussed the numerous contrasts within the Ojailén valley, including its hydrographic characteristics and its industrial and prehistoric legacy. In comments to local press, he noted the uniqueness of the river sharing its name. “It originates in a specific location but then artificially resurfaces due to Repsol, which was once seen as quite negative, yet now provides a flow that would be considered normal for any other river throughout the year,” he explained.
The speaker expressed concern that this natural wealth remains largely unknown and stressed the need to broaden the traditionally mining-focused image of Puertollano. “We are an entry point to the Valle de Alcudia,” he remarked, while also highlighting the geological peculiarities of the river, which begins as a tributary of the Guadiana but ultimately gets captured and flows into the Guadalquivir basin.
Carmona also advocated for the recognition of traditional pathways as part of the area's heritage. He encouraged exploration of the surroundings by following the river's course, arguing that the valley offers an attractive destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts. Additionally, he supported the development of new routes to uncover the hydrological, landscape, and geological richness of Ciudad Real province.
