The Puente Romano de Villa Del Río spans the Salado de Porcuna on the border between the provinces of Córdoba and Jaén. The bridge, museums and historic buildings give the town a distinct cultural focus; at the same time, a signposted BTT route and activities on the Guadalquivir are other topics to consider when planning your trip.
A bridge with several historical connections
The Puente Romano de Villa Del Río is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural and dates from the High Imperial period, or the Augustan era. Its history is also connected to important routes: it stood on the Via Augusta between Castulo and Corduba and later formed part of the Caliphate’s road network. The bridge therefore brings together Roman and later historical contexts. The river and the provincial border also place the structure firmly within its landscape.
Museums, art and architecture
The Museo Histórico Municipal has permanent galleries devoted to Pedro Bueno, Blas Moyano and Ginés Liébana, as well as the Beppo-Abdul Room and an archaeological gallery. Art and archaeology are thus brought together under one roof. The Museo Matías Prats is dedicated to broadcaster Matías Prats Cañete and is located in the covered sports pavilion that also bears his name. Materials on sports and bullfighting broadcasts displayed there include four Ondas Awards, photographs, books, articles and journalistic reports.
The connection between an artist and his home is also present in Villa Del Río: the Casa Museo y Centro Creativo Cultural Pintor Pedro Bueno is located in the artist’s former home and permanently displays part of his work. The Museo Taurino de Manolete grew out of the private initiative of Francisco Laguna, who assembled an extensive archive about Manolete. The various museums each have their own focus—from visual art and archaeology to broadcasting and bullfighting.
The town’s architectural history extends beyond its museums. The Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción was built in 1907 in the Neo-Historicist style. The Neoclassical Ermita de San Roque, now the Ermita de Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, stands on Calle Alta and was built before the 17th century. The current Casa Consistorial is housed in a restored former Arab castle dating from the 11th century; the building was inaugurated as the town hall in 1986. The Aceñas Árabes also stand on the Guadalquivir: former Arab grain mills made of red Molinaza stone. Their round shape withstands the pressure of the current.
Landscape, cycling and activities on the river
The municipality encompasses river meadows, mountain terrain and the Campiña countryside. If you would like to add cycling to your stay, the Circuito Cicloturista BTT del Alto Guadalquivir passes through Villa Del Río and comprises eight signposted and mapped stages, with a total of 95 signposted kilometres homologated as Bike Territory. The route passes about 100 metres from the Puente Romano. Check the latest route information before setting out, as details may change.
Fishing and kayaking are possible leisure activities on the Guadalquivir. If you plan to take part in either, it is advisable to check local conditions in advance. This lets you take cultural and river activities into account when planning your trip without tying them to a specific route or set itinerary.
August events and getting there
The traditional Rosario de la Aurora takes place in Villa Del Río on five Sundays in August. The procession goes from the Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Estrella Coronada. Check the dates for the relevant year before planning your trip around the event.
For travel by car, the A-4 is an important landmark: it passes through the municipality, and two junctions provide access to and from the area. Access to the platforms is available at Villa Del Río station. If you plan to travel by train, check current services and travel notices for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Villafranca De Córdoba, Hinojosa Del Duque, Silillos, Fuente Tójar, Gaena-Casas Gallegas, Santa Cruz, Pozoblanco, La Celada.
For the broader travel overview: Cordoba.
