Villanueva del Rosario

On the south- eastern side of the depression of Antequera and sheltered by the Sierras del Jobo and Camarolos, we find ourselves with this small and cosy town of little more than three thousand inhabitants.
In the above mentioned sierras (hills), important archaeological remains from prehistoric times have been found. Even though very little documentation has been kept, it is believed there existed Roman, Arabic and Visgoth settlements by the river bank. It is said that the important Roman city of Ulysses was situated here, in the known "Peñon de Solis". The town centre is founded in the Eighteenth Century and, due to the abundance of willows, it is named Puebla de Saucedo. Its´ inhabitants, protected by a Royal Decree from the Courts of Cádiz, in October 1812, carry out a demarcation and marking out of the boundaries of the municipal district, to which the people of Archidona oppose bitterly and violently. Despite this, the demarcation is carried out and in order to put an end to the disagreements, an order is passed to separate both towns, something that Archidona is not in agreement with. After numerous disputes, la Puebla del Saucedo turns to the Council of the King`s Chambers, and their requests are granted in 1827.
Places worthy of visiting are the Cooper Era sites, the Visigoth necropolis, the shrine built in honour of the town´s patron saint, "La Virgen del Rosario", and the natural place known as "El Nacimiento", from which great quantities of water flow making up beautiful, natural cascades.
"La Romería de San Marcos", in the month of April, commences the town's festive period. Later on, "La Veladilla del Carmen" and the summertime festivities, celebrated during the first weekend in August, take place. But it is the festivities in honour of "La Virgen del Rosario" which are carried out with the greatest fervour and devotion.
The gastronomy of Villanueva del Rosario is typical of the towns in the administrative district pf Antequera, highlighting "la porra fría" and "el gazpacho". Also worthy of tasting are "las migas" and the meat stews.

Antequera Villages