Villanueva del Rey: Sierra Morena and Cultural Heritage

Villanueva del Rey is located in the Sierra Morena, specifically in the central area of the Valle del Guadiato. This geographical setting connects the town with a landscape whose natural and archaeological evidence will become visible below.

Nature

The natural surroundings of Villanueva del Rey include forests of holm oaks, junipers, pine trees and shrubs. The natural surroundings also include the very rare Pyrenean oak, roble melojo. The natural areas are home to protected Bonelli’s eagles and eagle owls, as well as wildcats, otters and deer. Thus, various stands of trees and shrubs coexist with wildlife that includes both birds of prey and owls, as well as mammals.

History

The megalithic tombs at Mina de Don Juan (Puertocacho) date from the Copper Age. Their construction is dated approximately to the period between 2500 and 2000 BC. The Cerro del Ermitaño archaeological site dates from the fully developed Copper Age. The Cerro de Los Castillejos archaeological site features Cyclopean masonry and castreño remains. Traditionally, the remains of a former medieval castle have been located on Cerro de los Castillejos. The sites mentioned therefore bring together megalithic tombs, Copper Age sites and structural remains from later periods.

Architectural Heritage

The Pósito de Villanueva del Rey has undergone very little alteration. Its present appearance therefore closely resembles the original. It corresponds to the simplest model of a Pósito, with parallel naves and arcades, and comprises two naves. Pósito buildings of this type can therefore be described both by their historical form and by their preserved spatial layout. The Pósito belongs to a group of Pósito buildings in the province of Córdoba. These buildings are considered to possess significant historical, artistic and ethnological value. The Pósito buildings were registered as cultural assets under the general cataloguing category. The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción was built in the 16th century. It was remodelled in the 18th century. The church thus reflects a building history involving its construction in the 16th century and remodelling in the 18th century.

If you would like to visit other linked local destination pages, you can find Alcaracejos, El Cañuelo, Pozoblanco, Villaharta, Córdoba, Venta del Charco, El Vacar and Luque here.

Hiking

The Ruta del Mirador y la Dehesa is a 9.06-kilometre circular route. Its difficulty level is low. The route begins and ends at the Dehesa Boyal recreational area. From Córdoba, the starting point can be reached via the N-432 towards Badajoz. The route also involves Exit 208 and the CO-5401.

Festivals

The local celebration Trasiega del vino was a central part of life in the town for more than seven centuries. The Feria de Santiago Apóstol is celebrated in August in honour of the town’s patron saint. The two references to festivals link a local tradition spanning more than seven centuries with a patron saint’s festival celebrated annually in August.

A hotel in Villanueva del Rey can serve as a starting point if you are looking for accommodation during your stay in this town.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cordoba.