Villanueva Del Rey: Nature, Archaeology and Architectural History

Villanueva Del Rey lies in the Sierra Morena, in the central area of the Valle del Guadiato. For planning your trip, you can choose from several points of interest: the natural surroundings, archaeological evidence, historic buildings and a circular route. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Landscape and Wildlife

The natural surroundings include forests of holm oaks, junipers, pines and shrubs. They are also home to the very rare Pyrenean oak (roble melojo). Protected Spanish imperial eagles and eagle owls, as well as wildcats, otters and deer, can be found in these natural areas. If you take landscape and biodiversity into account when choosing your destination, you will find both a variety of trees and specific animal species to explore here.

Archaeological Traces

The megalithic tombs at Mina de Don Juan (Puertocacho) date from approximately 2500 to 2000 BC, placing them in the Copper Age. The Cerro del Ermitaño archaeological site belongs to the fully developed Copper Age. At Cerro de Los Castillejos, you can find Cyclopean masonry and castreño remains. The remains of a former medieval castle are also traditionally thought to be located on this hill. Copper Age sites with established dates thus stand alongside architectural traces and the traditional account of the medieval castle.

Architectural History in the Town

The Pósito de Villanueva Del Rey has undergone very few alterations, so its appearance today closely resembles the original. It follows the simplest model of a pósito, with parallel naves and arcades, and comprises two naves. The pósito belongs to a group of buildings in the province of Córdoba that are considered to have significant historical, artistic and ethnological value and are listed as assets of general cataloguing.

The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción also adds to the architectural history of the town: it was built in the 16th century and remodelled in the 18th century. The two buildings offer different perspectives on architecture: the pósito is defined by its largely preserved original appearance and basic form, while the church reflects the sequence of its construction and later remodelling.

Ruta del Mirador y la Dehesa

The Ruta del Mirador y la Dehesa is a 9.06-kilometre circular route of low difficulty. It starts and ends at the Dehesa Boyal recreation area. Its length, difficulty rating and start and end point give you practical details for planning this excursion. From Córdoba, you can reach the starting point via the N-432 towards Badajoz, exit 208 and the CO-5401. The road directions refer to the journey to the starting point; the 9.06 kilometres describe the circular route itself.

Trasiega del vino

For more than seven centuries, the local Trasiega del vino celebration was a central part of life in the town. If you would like to plan your trip around this celebration, check the current dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: La Guijarrosa, Priego De Córdoba, Villanueva Del Duque, Benamejí, Fuente del Conde, El Villar, La Paz, Huertas Bajas de Cabra.

For the broader travel overview: Cordoba.