Los Villares – Trails, Gorges and Local History

Hiking

The Ruta Natural del Puerto de Navatrillo is a 7.7 km circular route of moderate difficulty, with an estimated walking time of three hours.

The Ruta Natural del Cerrejón is a circular route that runs entirely along rural paths and begins at the access track to the municipal landfill in the town of Los Villares.

The Ruta Natural de La Sierra begins on the road to Valdepeñas A-6.060, at the access track to the La Carrasquilla residential development, and ends on the same road at the level of the Río Frío.

Via the Llano de los Propios, the Ruta Natural del Puerto de Navatrillo provides access to the Cueva del Contadero.

Nature

The Los Cañones del Río Eliche gorge stretches for 2 km between Los Villares and Jaén; in some places, its walls rise more than 200 m high.

Los Cañones del Río Eliche includes 16 rock shelters classified as Bien de Interés Cultural because of their archaeological remains and rock paintings.

The Tajos de la Veleta in Las Cimbras form a viewpoint overlooking Los Cañones.

The source of the Río Frío is a spring located at an altitude of 1,190 m at the foot of the Sierra de la Pandera, in the place known as Ojos del Moral.

At the source of the Río Frío there is a recreational area with tables and benches, suitable for spending time in the countryside.

Townscape and History

The current Casas Capitulares of Los Villares were built between 1773 and 1775 and inaugurated in 1775.

Calle Arroyo runs along the historic royal road between Jaén and Alcalá la Real; its origins are linked to the town plan laid out by Juan de Reolid in 1539.

Throughout its history, Calle Arroyo was the main thoroughfare of Los Villares' urban layout and the town's commercial centre.

Casa del Vizconde now houses the municipal public library and an exhibition hall.

By decree of 28 October 2008, Casa del Vizconde was entered in the Catálogo General del Patrimonio Histórico Andaluz as a Bien de Interés Cultural with the classification Monument.

Callejón del Duende is associated with a legend from the late 18th century, according to which a goblin lived in one of the houses in this cul-de-sac.

Construction of the temple of Los Villares took place between 1583 and 1593.

Culture and Tradition

The Centro de Interpretación de Los Villares is part of a regional network of nine oil tourism interpretation centres in olive oil mills in the Sierra Sur.

The centres address various aspects of olive cultivation, olive oil production, oil quality, varieties, traditions and olive-related heritage.

In the Sierra Sur, basket weaving is considered a rich craft tradition.

The festivities in honour of the patron saint of Los Villares include a procession through the streets of the town centre, cultural activities, sports competitions, dance contests and evening celebrations.

Other destinations: Cabra Del Santo Cristo, La Matea, Sabiote, Alcalá La Real, Marmolejo, Ribera Alta, Miller and Villacarrillo.

For the overarching travel overview: Jaen.