Villalón can be explored on different scales: through the squares and historic buildings in the town, as well as along a linear route through the agricultural landscape. The Fuente de Villalón brings these two aspects together in a special way. It represents the town’s history and is also part of a municipal route linking historic fountains. These different points of interest can help you choose where to stay: would you like to set aside time to explore the townscape, spend more time on a longer route, or combine your stay with a festival?
Squares, Fountains and Architectural History
The urban ensembles of Villalón, including its squares, follow the design by D. Simón Desnaux. The houses and squares preserve the style of Andalusia’s colonial New Settlements. A distinctive feature is the angled layout of the squares in Villalón and Los Silillos. The Plaza Real provides a clear spatial contrast: it is square in shape and planted with orange trees. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, built in 1968, stands on the square.
The restored historic Fuente de Villalón is associated with Carlos III and is still in use. Its structure is laid out with unusual precision: a brick-built shelter is topped with a four-sided roof; in front are a rectangular basin and a large and a smaller livestock trough. The spring is about 200 metres from the town centre, beside the road connecting Villalón with Ochavillo del Río. It is also part of the Ruta de las Fuentes Históricas, a route developed by the municipality. Those focusing on local history can consider the fountain both as a destination in its own right and as part of this themed route.
The Cortijo San José also adds to the area’s architectural history. It lies between the districts of Villalón and La Herrería. Despite its ruined condition, it retains the original layout of a traditional olive mill, with rooms arranged around a courtyard. This rural building stands in marked contrast to the squares and buildings that shape the townscape.
Walking Through the Agricultural Landscape
The Ruta del Molino de San Roque is an 8.64-kilometre linear route. It starts in a town centre and follows municipal roads connecting farms with the settlements of Villalón and La Herrería. The route passes through a varied agricultural landscape: the crops of the Campiña extend towards the fertile river lowlands of the Guadalquivir. This tour therefore focuses not only on a single attraction, but also on the changing scenery of roads, farmland and the settlements linked by the route network.
For planning, the route’s format and length are particularly relevant: it is a linear route, not a circular one, and the stated distance is 8.64 kilometres. This figure describes the route, not the walking time. If you prefer a different kind of exploration, you can also visit the Fuente de Villalón as part of the Ruta de las Fuentes Históricas; the two routes have different points of focus.
Festivals and an Activity for Young Children
The Feria de Villalón is considered the town’s most important festival. It takes place on the weekend closest to 2 August. A local Rociero choir, whose name pays tribute to the patron saint, takes part in the festivities. The festival’s Velailla, held in honour of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, is also part of local celebrations: it takes place at night in the Plaza de Carlos III, with dancing and an orchestra. The exact programme may vary from one edition to another, so if you are travelling for a particular date, it is worth checking the event dates and the programme for that year.
Another option, with a different focus, is the Parque del Emigrante, designed for the entertainment of young children. Alongside its townscape, historic buildings and rural route, Villalón also offers a place to spend time specifically geared towards younger children. The right combination depends on whether you would like to focus your stay on culture, outdoor activities, a festival or time in the park.
For an overview of the wider area: Fuente Palmera.
