 VILLANUEVA DEL ROSARIO situated in the North Eastern part of MALAGA Province beneath the Jobo and Camarolos mountain ranges has the most spectacular scenery, with rocky cliffs and wonderful mountain views.
The town itself dates from the beginning of 18th century and was first-named Puebla de Saucedo for its abundance of willow trees(sauces) in its locality, and the local people are known as SAUCEDENOS.
The town was originally six farmhouses situated on land that belonged to the Duke of Osuna. This grew into a primitive urban centre that by the beginning of the 19th century had a population of 1,378. On a basis of a Royal Decree issued by the Cadiz Parliament and dated October 7th 1812 the inhabitants of Puebla del Saucedo demanded a change in their judicial status, but met with a violent opposition from their neighbours in Archidona.
Nevertheless in February 1813 their demands were met, and despite the anger of their neighbouring town, the two areas finally separated into two municipalites in May 1821. The legal battle continued however with Archidona claiming in court that Puebla del Saucedo was a street in their town and therefore could not be a separate urban entity. Puebla del Saucedo continued to fight for independence and in 1824 appealed to the Kings Council with the issue being finally resolved in 1827 by a Royal Decree awarding the town its independence from Archidona. Three years later the name was changed to Villanueva del Rosario.
The urban center still retains old world charm with low, whitewashed houses and narrow streets and it is said that the important ROMAN city of ULISIS was situated in the area known as PENON DE SOLIS and many Roman roads are still in existence.
The geological structure of the area makes for spectacular scenery with rock cliffs and stunning mountain views. At the foot of the mountains is LLANO DE HONDONERO, with its mountain streams and pathways of pine, oak and other species of woodland is ideal for walking. There are remains of Visigoth burial grounds found in the hills, most of them robbed and some partly destroyed for agricultural purposes.
The NACIMIENTO river source is close to the town, and with its pools and waterfalls makes an ideal place to visit and at any time of the year. HONDONEROS is an area rich in vegetation and wildlife high in the Sierra de los Camorolos and Sierra Gorda mountains, where visitors can see many different species of flora and fauna.
The HERMITAGE, the shrine situated between NACIMIENTO and HONDONEROS is dedicated to the Patron Saint of the town, the VIRGIN DEL ROSARIO, and is the destination of the ROMERIA procession in August.
Villanueva del Roario is a delightful town with lots to see and many places to explore, and you will find the IMAGES OF ANDALUCIA, REAL ESTATE AGENTS, at Calle Blas Infante 36, who are your EXPERTS in the surrounding area's and all of the Provinces that make up ANDALUCIA. |
