Villanueva del Rey – Nature, Archaeology and Festival Culture

Villanueva del Rey is located in the Sierra Morena, in the central area of the Valle del Guadiato. The natural surroundings include forests of holm oaks, junipers, pines and shrubs, as well as the very rare Pyrenean oak, known in Spanish as roble melojo. The natural areas are home to protected Spanish imperial eagles and eagle owls, as well as wildcats, otters and deer. Nature and local history form two clearly distinct focal points that you can consider separately or together when planning your trip.

Archaeology and History

The megalithic tombs at Mina de Don Juan (Puertocacho) date from the Copper Age, approximately from 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 Castilian remains. Traditionally, the remains of a former medieval castle have also been located on Cerro de los Castillejos.

Townscape and Festival Culture

The Pósito de Villanueva del Rey has undergone very few alterations, so its current appearance closely resembles the original. It follows the simplest model of a Pósito, with parallel naves and arcades, and comprises two naves. The building belongs to a group of Pósito buildings in the province of Córdoba that are considered to possess significant historical, artistic and ethnological value and have been entered in the General Catalogue as assets of cultural interest.

The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción was built in the 16th century and remodelled in the 18th century. The local Trasiega del vino celebration was a central part of life in the town for seven centuries. The Feria de Santiago Apóstol is held in August in honour of the town’s patron saint.

A Place with Many Layers of History

Those interested in early settlement traces will find various examples at the archaeological sites: megalithic tombs, the site at Cerro del Ermitaño and the cyclopean masonry of Cerro de Los Castillejos. The medieval castle remains are also traditionally located on Cerro de los Castillejos. The building history of the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción includes its construction in the 16th century and remodelling in the 18th century, while the two festivals connect the year’s cycle with their own cultural events.

The surrounding area also offers striking details for nature lovers. Among the tree species mentioned, the rare Pyrenean oak stands out in particular; the wildlife ranges from the Spanish imperial eagle and eagle owl to wildcats, otters and deer.

Hiking and Getting There

For planning a hike, length, circular route, difficulty level and starting point can be compared as separate features. The Ruta del Mirador y la Dehesa is a 9.06-kilometre circular route with a low level of difficulty. It begins and ends at the Dehesa Boyal recreational area. The starting point can be reached from Córdoba via the N-432 towards Badajoz, exit 208 and the CO-5401.

More Destinations

Aguilar De La Frontera, El Tarajal, Santa Cruz, Pozoblanco, Palenciana, Priego De Córdoba, Montoro, Monturque

To the higher-level travel overview: Cordoba.