This natural monument is one of the most outstanding locations in the Despeñaperros Gorge - a series of huge columns of rock that look like the organ pipes from a great cathedral. It is even more beautiful due to the contrast between the grey rock and the intense yellow of the lichen species that live on it.

There is a viewpoint nearby from which you can study the monument, which has a surprising origin. 500 million years ago, this entire area was covered by the sea, though not at any great depth. It was gradually filled with sand and clay brought down from the Iberian plateau by the rivers flowing into the sea here. Then, 300 million years ago, the earth's forces created this terrain, and since then erosion by the river, rain and wind have sculpted the landscape, creating beautiful shapes such as these organ pipes. On top of the rocks, holm oaks, cork trees and scrub have found soil in which to grow, forming a Mediterranean forest, home to genets, stone martens and many birds of prey.

The Despeñaperros Gorge has witnessed the presence of many civilisations. Prehistoric man left a valuable legacy behind, in the form of rock paintings. Remains from other civilisations, such as the Iberian culture, can be seen on Los Jardines Ridge. The village of Tolosa is also very close by. This was the site of the Battle of Navas de Tolosa, which was a turning point in the Christian war against Moorish control in Spain. This region also witnessed important events in the Spanish Civil War and the War of Independence against the French.