Villamartín – Megalithic Culture, Festivals and Nature

In Villamartín, the Dolmen de Alberite is listed as an independent archaeological zone in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage. Radiocarbon dating from the end of the 5th millennium BC places the Dolmen de Alberite among the oldest megalithic tombs in Western Europe. Painted and engraved motifs have been preserved throughout the interior of the megalithic structure.

Culture and History

The Castillo de Matrera has been a monument of military architecture and classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) since 1949. The Christian structure was built over an Andalusian fortress known in Arabic sources as “Castillo de la Rosa.” The Torrevieja archaeological site provides evidence of human presence in Villamartín during the Neolithic, at the end of the 4th millennium, with stone tools and handmade pottery.

The Museo Histórico Municipal de Villamartín preserves material from the megalithic necropolis of Alberite. The collections of the Municipal Historical Museum of Villamartín include material from the Torrevieja archaeological site. The museum offers guided tours. The Iglesia de San Francisco has a Neoclassical altarpiece donated by King Fernando VII and installed in 1828.

Construction of Villamartín’s parish church began in the first half of the 16th century. Its tower façade was built between 1562 and 1565; its design is attributed to Hernán Ruíz II. The parish church’s high altar is Baroque in style.

Nature and Trails

The “Villamartín de cara al río” hiking trail runs parallel to the Guadalete where it passes through Villamartín. The signposted trail is approximately 3 km long and easy. It can be used on foot or by bicycle.

Part of the Cola del Embalse de Bornos nature area lies within the municipality of Villamartín. The nature area, which is partly located in Villamartín, serves as a breeding and wintering ground for protected birds and is home to a significant heron colony.

Festivals

The Villamartín livestock fair has been held since the 16th century and is always celebrated from 21 to 23 September. It is recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional de Andalucía. Equisierra includes conformation competitions for Spanish and Hispano-Arabian horses.

The annual Romería of Nuestra Señora de las Montañas begins with a pilgrims’ mass at Santa María de las Virtudes and leads from Villamartín to the pilgrimage chapel on foot, on horseback and by carriage. Villamartín Carnival is usually celebrated over two consecutive weekends and includes local groups, Chirigotas, Comparsas and quartets associated with the official annual carnival group competition held in Cádiz.

Cuisine and Crafts

Villamartín’s traditional cuisine includes tomato and asparagus zopas, a bread-based dish without broth. Traditional baked goods include Roscos blancos and Torpedos; their recipes have been preserved by up to four generations of local pastry makers.

The saddlery tradition, known as Guarnicionería, is still practised in Villamartín and provides, among other items for equestrian sports, chaps, boots and saddles. Artistic ceramics are particularly practised in streets and squares; many houses in the old town display examples of this art.

Further Destinations and Connections

An airfield is located on the site of the former railway station, which was never put into operation, and offers flight instruction, paragliding courses and skydiving. Exposierra offers a dining and leisure area with tapas, typical dishes, show cooking and tastings. Quesierra is a recurring fair in Villamartín where the main cheese producers of the Sierra de Cádiz exhibit their products and a quality competition is held.

The A-384 is Villamartín’s most important transport link. The A-373 connects Villamartín and the Sierra de Cádiz with the Málaga coast.

Other Places

Places directly assigned to it include Solete Alto, La Línea De La Concepción, Chipiona, Estella del Marqués, Benalup Casas Viejas, San Martín del Tesorillo, Poblado Sancti Petri and Conil De La Frontera.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cadiz.