The parish church of La Asunción was designed by Andrés de Vandelvira and declared a National Monument by royal decree on June 3, 1931. Together with historic buildings, recurring festivals and trails through the countryside, Villacarrillo offers a range of ways to plan a stay that combines culture and nature.
Churches, Houses and the History of the Town
The collection at the La Asunción Parish Museum includes goldsmith work from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, as well as missals, Bibles and liturgical vestments. The museum thus adds objects from several centuries to the story of the church.
The Casa de la Inquisición is a three-story historic building in the old town, located on Calle Repullete. It probably dates from the 16th or 17th century. The façade, including its ironwork, and a staircase with several coats of arms of the Holy Office and a dotted cross have been preserved. The history of another building by the church of Santa Isabel de los Ángeles reflects a significant change in use: until 1737 it was a monastery with a cloister, during the French occupation it was a public prison, and from 1884 it was a hospital.
Along Calle La Feria, stately homes can be discovered in a stretch of eclectic and historicist architecture. The air-raid shelters are also part of the town’s more recent history: built in 1937, they were renovated in 2018 for inclusion in the town’s cultural heritage. Visitors interested in architecture and historic uses will find a variety of themes here, spanning more than one period.
Festivals with a Long Tradition
The Corpus Christi festival in Villacarrillo has a history spanning more than 650 years. In 2021, the Junta de Andalucía designated it a Bien de Interés Cultural in the “Actividad de Interés Etnológico” category. During the festival, streets and squares are decorated with flowers, broom, floral carpets and colored sawdust; the specific decorations may vary from year to year.
Semana Santa also has a tradition dating back to the 16th century and includes the Cantes de Pasión. The Feria traces its origins to a medieval trade and livestock fair. In its first few days, traditional bull runs take place through the streets, with origins dating back to the 18th century. As annual programs and dates may change, it is advisable to check the dates for your travel period in advance.
Trails and Countryside
The natural attractions offer a different focus from the town’s architectural history. The Cerrada de San Ginés is a steep-sided gorge between the Lanchas del Lobo and the Lancha de la Escalera. Deciduous and pine forests, along with riverside and rocky vegetation, characterize the landscape described here. The area of the Sierra de las Cuatro Villas near Villacarrillo is part of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park.
The trail through the La Osera valley follows the Aguascebas Chico River and leads to waterfalls, pools and the Cascada de La Osera. The El Aguardentero hiking trail runs along the natural riverbed, crosses the river on a footbridge and passes several pools; it also reaches the Cascada de la Osera. From the Aguascebas Reservoir, this footpath is 4.5 kilometers long. Its starting point is at kilometer 18.8 of the JH-7155 road, also known as the Transversal de las Villas.
Another specific route is the Ruta Gil Cobo–Fuente Colorá, which passes through Villacarrillo. It is a loop from the Campamento de Gil Cobo to the Cortijos del Pardal. The fully mapped route is listed as 11.3 kilometers one way; it runs entirely along tracks, forest roads or rambla. These details help distinguish its length and surface from the waterways and pools along the La Osera trails.
Olive Oil from the Area
Olive oil is both a local product and part of the visitor experience. Puerta de las Villas is located in Mogón, a village in the municipality of Villacarrillo at the foot of the Sierra de las Villas. Various olive oil tastings and combinations are offered there, and the production process—from the fields to bottling—is explained. A tour of all the facilities can be combined with a specialist olive oil tasting or a miller’s breakfast. Olive oil from Villacarrillo can also be bought at local oil mills; offerings may vary from one mill to another.
Travelers can choose from a range of interests: historic buildings and festivals, trails to waterfalls and through the countryside, or an introduction to olive oil production. Check the dates of events and the current availability of your preferred offering at Puerta de las Villas.
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