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The
first stretch of the River Guadalhorce crosses the municipality of Villanueva
del Rosario from east to west. Despite receiving the waters of the Cerezo
and Parroso streams, in this area it is in both volume and width a mere brook
compared to the river it widens into just kilometres downstream and that fertilises
the broad lowland that bears its name. For more information about property
for sale in Spain in or near Villanueva del Rosario please contact us.
Although the Guadalhorce is a geographic feature that certainly defines the scenic character of this territory, the municipal terrain is framed by the El Jobo and Camarolos mountains. They not only hold sites of unexpected beauty but also have the highest elevation in the region at El Chamizo (1,641 metres). The peaks of Alto de Hondonero (1,420 metres) and El Pelao (1,387 metres) are also remarkable for their altitude and great scenic beauty.
The imposing mountain front that can be seen from the village and practically any other point in the municipality greatly enriches an area that is diverse and attractive in its own right. Depending on the altitude one finds pines, live oaks, gall oaks, black poplars, ashes and broad expanses of olive trees. There are also numerous farmsteads and second homes, generally built in keeping with the local architectural tradition, that lend touches of white to the banks of the Guadalhorce and especially to the countless hills and knolls within the boundaries of this municipality, where nature has not stinted her resources. Since this municipality is one of the natural passes between the coast and the interior of Andalusia it was settled very early. Archaeological sites from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Calcolithic and Bronze Ages have been discovered here. The oldest of all the sites is at Llanos de Salinas, more precisely at El Ventorro del Cojo, and belongs to the Lower Paleolithic period. There are traces of cave paintings in the El Malnombre cave in the Camarolos mountains.
The Romans had a very strong presence in this municipality but no large construction areas from that period have been found. A few historians state that the city of Ulisi was at Peñón de Solís, but the most recognisable site from the Roman period is the ruins of some old bathhouses at the place called La Tosquilla, where there were springs with curative properties. Roman coins and ceramics are still often found in this area but these relics don’t always fall into the right hands despite the fact that there are interesting collections of Roman artefacts from this district. The Visigoths also were not strangers to this area, as is shown by several Visigothic necropolises (Calerilla, Repiso, Rabia, Picacho). Ceramics, rings and buckles have been found in them, among other artefacts. Beginning with this period the territory seems to have become uninhabited, as there is not even any documentation from the period of Arabic rule. Apparently for several centuries, the present territory of Villanueva del Rosario was not home to any group of people, and the area thus became a vast forest.
Some researchers state that it was in the eighteenth century that the village called Puebla del Saucedo, which was the origin of the present village, began to take shape. When the Upper Guadalhorce began to be repopulated in the late eighteenth century “El Saucedo”-as it is still called by many villagers –was under the jurisdiction of Archidona and remained so until it was separated and its own municipal government was formed and it began to be called Villanueva del Rosario. The procedure freeing Villanueva del Rosario from the jurisdiction of Archidona, which was completed in 1827, was not easy and gave rise to heated litigation between the two communities.
Fiestas
On the day of San Marcos (25 April) Saucedeños hold a pilgrimage in
honour of San Marcos. This fiesta is known in the village as “sanmarquear”
and is considered a good pretext for spending a pleasant day in the country.
Its gastronomic theme is based on sampling characteristic local products.
The Fiesta del Emigrante (Emigrant’s Fiesta, during the first week in
August) has been celebrated for more than 30 years. This summer date was selected
so that former residents, who return on vacation to their native village preferably
during the summer, can take part in festivities basically intended for them.
Crowds in the streets, fair trinkets for young and old, verbenas (traditional
street parties) and musical performances make up part of those days’
schedule. The most important events, however, are the pilgrimage of the Virgen
del Rosario (Virgin of the Rosary), which attracts a large number of participants,
and the “suelta de vaquillas” (release of young fighting cattle
stock in the village streets), which is witnessed not only by the natives
but also by many people who come from afar to see this spectacle. The patron
saint fiestas honouring the Virgen del Rosario take place on 7 October. For
four days there are dances, musical performances, various fair attractions
and a thunderous concluding fireworks show. The most anticipated event during
these days is the bullfighting festival, as it is the only occasion during
the entire year that the village can witness a bullfight.
Food
Olive oil, vegetables and beans, potatoes and grains, all are ingredients
of the classic Mediterranean diet and the base of Villanueva del Rosario’s
cuisine. Using products gathered from their own fields the villagers prepare
delicious dishes such as aliño de espárragos (an asparagus sauce),
sopa de espárragos (asparagus soup), guiso de tagarninas (a stew made
from Spanish oyster plant), setas fritas and setas asadas (fried or grilled
mushrooms, respectively). Also, in this area hunting is a very popular sport
and therefore game is used in some of the most characteristic local dishes,
such as conejo al ajillo (rabbit in garlic sauce) and perdices con arroz (partridges
with rice), not to mention the authentic carne con salsa de almendras (meat
in almond sauce).
Pig slaughtering day is a ritual that is repeated
conscientiously each autumn and yields some of this locality’s most
highly esteemed products: chorizo (a kind of sausage), morcilla (blood pudding),
salchichón (a kind of sausage), chicharrones (cracklings) and lomo
en manteca (pork loin in lard), all of which are highly recommended.
How to get there:
The access route starts at the city of Malaga,
which is accessible from any point on the Costa del Sol via the Mediterranean
Expressway (A-7; N-340). Take the A-45 (N-331) expressway towards Antequera
- Granada. When you get to Puerto de las Pedrizas
continue in the right lane towards Granada (there
is a fork at this point whose left turn leads to Antequera)
and get onto the A-359. After about three kilometres the first sign will appear
for Villanueva del Rosario via the A-6119. Four kilometres past this turning
there is a second access route to the village, and it doesn’t matter
which one you take. Both access roads are very well marked and well paved.
Tourist information:
Town Hall: Plaza de España, 9 (29312). Telephone: 952 742
008; Fax: 952 742 213.
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