Villanueva del Rey combines its location in the Sierra Morena with natural and cultural themes that can be clearly distinguished. The town lies in the central area of the Valle del Guadiato. There are two ways to approach planning a stay: the landscape and a specific circular hike, or the archaeological sites and historic buildings. This lets you decide whether to focus more on being outdoors or on the town’s history.
Nature and landscape in the Sierra Morena
The natural surroundings include forests of holm oaks, junipers, pines and shrubs, as well as 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 the natural areas.
A circular hike with clear details
If you are planning a walking route, the Ruta del Mirador y la Dehesa is a specific option: the circular route is 9.06 kilometres long and rated as low difficulty. It starts and ends at the Dehesa Boyal recreation area. Its length and difficulty rating provide two different points of reference when choosing a hike. From CĂłrdoba, the starting point can be reached via the N-432 towards Badajoz, exit 208 and the CO-5401.
Archaeological sites and traces of history
The archaeological sites offer a different focus. The megalithic tombs at Mina de Don Juan (Puertocacho) date from approximately 2500 to 2000 BC. The Cerro del Ermitaño site is assigned to the fully developed Copper Age. The two sites therefore provide different chronological reference points: the tombs are associated with an approximate date range, while Cerro del Ermitaño is placed within a phase of the Copper Age. At Cerro de Los Castillejos, the focus is instead on the architectural and settlement history: it has Cyclopean masonry and castreño remains. The remains of a former medieval castle are also traditionally associated with this hill.
Architectural history and local tradition
The PĂłsito of Villanueva del Rey has undergone very few changes, so its present-day appearance closely resembles the original. It follows the simplest model of a PĂłsito, with parallel naves and arcades, and has two naves. The PĂłsito belongs to a group of PĂłsito buildings in the province of CĂłrdoba. The group is attributed significant historical, artistic and ethnological value and is listed as a cultural asset of general classification. The Iglesia de la Inmaculada ConcepciĂłn has a different defining timeline: it was built in the 16th century and remodelled in the 18th century. For the PĂłsito, the focus is on its little-altered appearance and two-nave design; for the church, on the sequence of construction and remodelling.
The local Trasiega del vino celebration was a central part of life in the town for seven centuries. It adds a tradition connected with village life to the architectural heritage. If you would like to plan a trip around the celebration, check the dates and whether it is taking place locally.
Discover more destinations: Belalcázar, Monturque, Aguilar De La Frontera, Venta del Charco, Zambra, Santa MarĂa De Trassierra, Villaviciosa De CĂłrdoba, La Paz
For the main travel overview: Cordoba.
