Villanueva Del Arzobispo: Culture, Camino and Olive Oil

Villanueva del Arzobispo can be explored through specific places, routes and products. In the historic centre, the Parroquia de San Andrés is designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural and as part of Spain’s Historical Heritage.

Culture

The Parroquia de San Andrés was originally a medieval fortress and preserves elements of the Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic and Neoclassical periods. The Convento de Santa Ana was founded in 1540 in the old town of Villanueva del Arzobispo. The historic architecture also includes the Casa de los Arcos, with its Nasrid-style courtyard inspired by the aesthetic of the palaces of the Alhambra in Granada. The chapel of the Iglesia Vera Cruz was built in the 17th century. In the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, Villanueva del Arzobispo is home to a figure of Christ created by Mariano Benlliure in 1946, resting on a silver cross made in 1899. The Plaza de Toros is a monument built in the Neo-Mudéjar style in 1928.

The Museo Taurino presents the history of bullfighting from its origins and also covers Villanueva del Arzobispo’s local bullfighting heritage. It displays texts, photographs and audiovisual materials on the bullring’s more than 90-year history, as well as videos, models, publications and other materials on local bullfighting history. The museum is located in the former stables of the local Plaza de Toros. The municipal tourism programme includes guided tours of the interior of the Plaza de Toros.

Routes and Festivals

Official Stage 0 of the Camino de San Juan de la Cruz leads from Villanueva del Arzobispo via El Calvario to Beas de Segura along the original route. The Santuario houses a cell museum associated with San Juan de la Cruz, which can be visited with the permission of the local parish priest. The September patron-saint celebrations include two pilgrimages and processions in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta Coronada.

The Jornadas Sanjuanistas take place from Thursday to Sunday in the second week of June. They include the Villanueva del Arzobispo–Calvario stage, as well as workshops, tastings, panel discussions, concerts and masses in honour of the saint.

Nature

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 a recreational area on the Guadalquivir, 20 km from Villanueva del Arzobispo, with a natural swimming pool, stone tables, wooden seats and a kiosk bar.

More local pages: El Almicerán, Mengibar, Bedmar, Cuevas De Ambrosio, Santa Elena, Santisteban Del Puerto, El Parralejo, Escañuela

Regional Products

The Museo Etnográfico del Olivar opened in 2023 and presents 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 tasting includes products from the Sierra, such as pâtés, cured meats, cheese and honey, as well as Vino de la Tierra and Oliba Green Beer brewed with extra virgin olive oil.

For the higher-level travel overview: Jaen.