Villanueva del Arzobispo: Culture, the Camino and Olive Oil

Culture and History

In the historic centre of Villanueva del Arzobispo stands the Parroquia de San Andrés, designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural and part of Spain’s Historic Heritage. Originally a medieval fortress, it now preserves Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic and Neoclassical elements. The Convento de Santa Ana was founded in the old town in 1540.

The Casa de los Arcos has a Nasrid-style courtyard whose aesthetic was inspired by the palaces of the Alhambra in Granada. The chapel of the Iglesia Vera Cruz was built in the 17th century. The Iglesia de la Vera Cruz houses a figure of Christ created by Mariano Benlliure in 1946, mounted on a silver cross dating from 1899.

The Plaza de Toros is a monument built in 1928 in the Neo-Mudéjar style. The Museo Taurino presents the history of bullfighting from its origins and also covers Villanueva del Arzobispo’s local bullfighting heritage. The materials on display include texts, photographs and audiovisual content on the bullring’s more than 90-year history, as well as videos, models, publications and other materials on local bullfighting history. The Museo Taurino de Villanueva del Arzobispo is located in the former stables of the town’s Plaza de Toros. The municipal tourism offering also includes guided tours of the interior of the Plaza de Toros.

Routes and Celebrations

Official Stage 0 of the Camino de San Juan de la Cruz leads from Villanueva del Arzobispo via El Calvario, continuing along the original route to Beas de Segura. The patron saint festivities in September include two pilgrimages and processions in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta Coronada.

The Santuario has a cell museum associated with San Juan de la Cruz, which can be visited with the permission of the local parish priest. The Jornadas Sanjuanistas take place from Thursday to Sunday during the second week of June. The programme includes the Villanueva del Arzobispo–Calvario stage, workshops, tastings, discussion panels, concerts and masses in honour of the saint.

Olive Oil and Regional Products

Opened in 2023, the Museo Etnográfico del Olivar showcases the roots of Villanueva del Arzobispo and its agricultural culture in connection with extra virgin olive oil. Cata y maridaje Los Albacares offers a guided tasting of early-harvest extra virgin olive oils.

The Los Albacares tasting includes products from the Sierra, such as pâtés, cured meats, cheese and honey. The selection is complemented by Vino de la Tierra and Oliba Green Beer, brewed with extra virgin olive oil.

Nature on the Guadalquivir

Villanueva del Arzobispo is one of the municipalities within the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Nature Park. The nearby Charco del Aceite, also known as Charco de la Pringue, is located 20 kilometres from Villanueva del Arzobispo. The recreational area on the Guadalquivir has a natural swimming pool, stone tables, wooden seats and a kiosk bar.

More destinations

More destinations: Noalejo, Mengibar, Torre Del Campo, Linares, Ribera Baja, Rus, El Parralejo and Peñolite.

To the main travel overview: Jaen.