Discover Villamartín: Culture, Nature and Tradition

The Dolmen de Alberite is listed in Villamartín as an independent archaeological zone in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage. With radiocarbon dating placing it at the end of the 5th millennium BC, it is one of 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 Museo Histórico Municipal de Villamartín preserves material from the megalithic necropolis of Alberite; its collections also include material from the Torrevieja archaeological site. The museum offers guided tours.

The Iglesia de San Francisco features 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 to a design by Hernán Ruíz II, while the main altar is Baroque in style.

The Torrevieja archaeological site is also part of the town’s long history: it provides evidence of human presence in the Neolithic, at the end of the 4th millennium, with stone tools and handmade pottery.

Nature and Trails

The “Villamartín de cara al río” walking trail runs parallel to the Guadalete where the river passes through Villamartín. The route is approximately 3 km long, easy and signposted, and can be used on foot or by bicycle. Part of the Cola del Embalse de Bornos natural area lies within the municipality of Villamartín. The area, partly located in Villamartín, serves as a breeding and wintering ground for protected birds and is home to a significant heron colony.

Festivals and Experiences

Villamartín’s livestock fair has taken place since the 16th century and is always held 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. From Villamartín, it continues on foot, on horseback and in carriages to the pilgrimage chapel. Villamartín’s Carnival is usually celebrated over two consecutive weekends and features local groups, chirigotas, comparsas and quartets. These are connected with the official annual carnival group competition held in Cádiz.

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

Cuisine

Villamartín’s traditional cuisine includes tomato and asparagus zopas, a bread-based dish made without broth. Traditional baked goods include rosquitos blancos and torpedos; their recipes have been preserved by local confectioners for up to four generations.

Exposierra offers a gastronomy and leisure area with tapas, typical dishes, live cooking demonstrations and tastings. Quesierra is a recurring fair in Villamartín where the main cheese producers from the Sierra de Cádiz exhibit their products and a quality competition takes place.

Transport Connections

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

Further destinations in the same regional area: Bolonia, Medina Sidonia, Algar, Espera, Puerto Serrano, Jerez De La Frontera, Jimena De La Frontera, Rota

To the main travel overview: Cadiz.