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Escape Rome’s Crowds: Priego de Córdoba’s Serene Alternative

As Rome grapples with overwhelming tourist crowds and the chaos of mass tourism at landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, savvy travelers are seeking serene alternatives that offer equal splendor without the stress. Enter Priego de Córdoba, a breathtaking Baroque town in southern Spain that delivers architectural grandeur, cultural richness, and peaceful charm—proving you don’t need to battle crowds to experience beauty.

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Italy’s capital has long dazzled travelers with its timeworn ruins, Renaissance architecture, and irresistible street-side pizza slices. Yet, for many modern tourists, Rome has become a paradox—an ancient wonderland buried beneath the stress of long queues, bustling crowds, and the incessant click of selfie sticks. With over twenty-two million visitors in 2023 alone, Rome’s magnetic charm is now clouded by overcrowding, and few attractions highlight this better than the iconic Trevi Fountain.

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Attracting an astonishing ten to twelve thousand visitors daily, the Trevi Fountain stands as a symbol of overwhelming tourist appeal. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Poli Palace, this Baroque masterpiece was brought to life in the 1700s under the vision of Italian architect Nicola Salvi. The fountain’s central figure, Oceanus, the god of all water, is flanked by statues symbolizing abundance and health, alongside mythical sea creatures.

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The situation became so untenable that the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, instituted a formal queuing system to rein in the overwhelming footfall. Last year, a three-month restoration only heightened the frenzy, as anticipation built among eager sightseers longing to glimpse the pristine landmark.

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Spain’s Serene Answer to Trevi Fountain: Travel just under two hours south of Madrid by air and ground transport, and you’ll find Priego de Córdoba, a picturesque town tucked in the Andalusia region of southern Spain. Tucked away in this peaceful Spanish town is the Fuente del Rey, or King’s Fountain—a serene Baroque gem that captures the grandeur of Rome’s famed fountain without the overwhelming crowds or tourist frenzy.

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Dating back to the 16th century and later expanded in the 19th, Fuente del Rey features over one hundred thirty spouts, gracefully arranged across three tiers of cascading water. In the center, a statue of King Neptune, similar in spirit to Oceanus, watches over the flowing waters, surrounded by sculptures of lions, dragons, and allegorical figures.

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Here, you can sit beside the fountain without feeling rushed, take your time photographing every intricate detail, and even hear the soothing flow of water—something nearly impossible to do at Trevi these days.

While Priego de Córdoba doesn’t have a major airport of its own, access is surprisingly straightforward. The closest international hub is Malaga Airport, offering direct flights from numerous UK cities including London Luton, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, and Cardiff. Flight times average two hours and forty minutes, making it a convenient option for a Mediterranean getaway.

Another appealing feature of this Spanish sanctuary is its affordability. Where Rome’s central hotels often charge a premium—especially during peak travel season—Priego de Córdoba offers charming accommodations at a fraction of the price.

Priego de Córdoba is far more than a “dupe” destination. The town itself is a hidden jewel with cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and panoramic vistas over the Subbética Natural Park. Visitors can explore Moorish fortresses, sample local olive oil in boutique mills, and indulge in traditional tapas in quiet town squares where locals still gather for evening strolls.

Though Rome’s charm remains eternal, modern travelers are now gravitating toward destinations that offer a blend of visual splendor and room to breathe. If your idea of a perfect holiday includes absorbing history, admiring architectural elegance, and actually enjoying your surroundings without elbowing your way to the front—Priego de Córdoba’s Fuente del Rey deserves a place on your summer itinerary.

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