Cazorla origins stretch back six centuries before Christ, although the Romans, who named it Carcesa, officially founded it. Its splendor grew under Moorish and then Christian control. Today, the town has a medieval look about it, and boasts numerous springs, steep, narrow streets and stone houses with balconies full of flowers. There are two well-preserved castles (the Moorish La Yedra and the Christian Cinco Esquinas), both of which are of great historical significance. Testament to the town's former religious importance, five convents can be found amongst the ruins of the Santa Maria Church.

Close by is the Herrerías bridge which, according to tradition, was built in one night with the aid of Divine Intervention, to enable Queen Isabel the Catholic to pass.