The municipality of Villaluenga del Rosario is located in the heart of the Sierra of Grazalema, being the highest and smallest village in the province of Cadiz. Situated at the foot of the Navazo Alto and facing the Sierra of Líjar, the town forms part of the Route of the Pueblos Blancos
Between 716 and 1485, it was occupied by the Nasrids until the Marquis of Cadiz, Sir Rodrigo Ponce de León, recovered the territory. The Catholic Monarchs thus granted him the estate of the “Serranía de Villaluenga”.
HISTORIC HERITAGE
In the lower part of Villaluenga we find the Saint Gregorio Chapel, erected by order of the Duchess of Aveiro, in 1703. Architecturally, it has a simple character, with an almost square floor plan and a neoclassical façade. The images of Saint Juan Bautista and Saint Gregorio reside inside the Hermitage.
The Church of Saint Miguel is located near the Alameda of Villaluenga. According to the parish archives, the building was constructed in 1733, with an eminently baroque style. The floor plan consists of three naves at different heights and separated by Tuscan columns. In one of them, the Baptism Chapel, there are images of great sentimental value for the people of Villaluenga.
The Town Hall of Villaluenga del Rosario is located in Real Street and has characteristics typical of civil architecture. In the central part of the pediment is the coat of arms of the town in stone, contrasting with the white of its façade. In 2007, the façade was restored in order to improve its conservation.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the bullring of Villaluenga del Rosario is located at one end of the town. The date of its construction is unknown, as the documents were destroyed in a fire, but it is known to be the oldest bullring in the province of Cadiz. Documents have been found that prove its existence as early as 1792.
The Calvary Hermitage is located just one kilometer south of the town. The chapel has a completely paved sloping access, which allows you to enjoy unique views of the town along the way. Built in the 18th century, the sanctuary is sober and simple, with images of the Holy Burial and the Crucifixion inside.
In the town you can find the Playground and La Albarrada Park, two fun places for children to have fun. In addition, La Albarrada Park has a picnic area and seating, where you can enjoy a natural outdoor environment.
One of the municipality’s most ambitious projects is the setting up of the “Pedro Pérez Clotet” Interpretation Center for Literature, which seeks to promote the work of the poet from Villaluenga. The building was once the home of the writer, which has been restored to become a house-museum and is currently run by his son.
The quality and flavor of Villaluenga’s cheeses, thanks to its artisan tradition, have made the municipality the Cheese Capital of the province of Cadiz. To taste these products and learn more about how they are made, the Cheese Museum was built, where you can enjoy exhibitions related to this product, classrooms-workshops and a room where you can buy this local delicacy.
The Church of El Salvador is another of the oldest religious temples in the municipality, built in 1772. Due to a serious fire caused by the Napoleonic troops, the basilica suffered serious damage. Nowadays, it is used as a cemetery.
The Villaluenga Route is an itinerary that starts from the Albarrada area towards the Mesa or Puerto de las Viñas, where we can contemplate a beautiful panoramic view of the Barrida Valley, a mass of pines, holm oaks and wild olive trees. The path crosses the Llanos del Republicano, the Álamos stream, the Cañada Real de los Bueyes or La Lomilla. It is a route of little difficulty that can be done on foot, by bicycle or even on horseback.
Between the sierras of La Viña and El Caíllo, in the highest part of the valley of La Manga de Villaluenga, is the Villaluenga Canyon. This geological landmark has three of the four chasms that make up the Villaluenga-Alta Ruta-La Raja system: the Chasm of Villaluenga, of la Raja, Alta Ruta Chasm and Maki Chasm. Due to the large entrance cavity and its location, the Chasm of Villaluenga is the most attractive for speleological activities.
The Llanos del Republicano Route begins in the south of the municipality, where an enclosed valley is crossed by a river, although it only has water during the rainy season. Following its course, we reach a mountain where the river enters through a cavity. It should be noted that, if you want to enter the chasm, you will need both knowledge of caving and the appropriate equipment. To return to Villaluenga, take the Grazalema direction on the road and when you turn right at the inn, you will begin the descent to the Llanos del Republicano. In this esplanade, all the tributaries that converge in the area will once again enter another cavity, this time the Republican Chasm, which is smaller than the previous one. The route lasts 4 hours and is of medium difficulty.
In the middle of the summer season, in mid-June, Villaluenga celebrates the Pilgrimage in Honor of the Divina Pastora. At the site known as “El Baño”, activities are programmed for all ages, such as ribbon races, sack races and Sevillana dancing competitions. The inhabitants of the municipality venerate the patron saint between festivities and food, once the image leaves the Hermitage of Saint Gregorio. This is a very popular event that has been held since 1962.
Villaluenga celebrates its annual Holy Week with great fervor, typical of this religious festivity. There are various events that take place during these days, such as the blessing of olive branches, the procession of the Christian imagery or different masses and services in the religious temples of the town.
The Patron Saint Festivities in Honor of the Virgen del Rosario take place on the first weekend of October, when the image of the Virgin walks through the streets of the town surrounded by her people.
In April, Villaluenga hosts the Andalusian Artisan Cheese Fair, located in the “La Albarrada” area. The exhibition of products is combined with workshops and activities related to cheese making. The Andalusian Traditional Cheese Fair Sierra of Cadiz takes place in the Events Center and has become a national reference in this sector.
On the second weekend in August, the municipality celebrates its Festivities of Saint Roque, in honor of the co-patron saint of the town. The festivities begin with the release of a bull on a rope, which runs through the streets of Villaluenga accompanied by those participants who are designated to ensure that the animal suffers as little damage as possible. The day continues in the Municipal Stand, where music and dancing are the stars of the show. The following day, Saint Roque goes out in procession to walk with his faithful through the corners of the municipality.
On the second weekend in August, the municipality celebrates its Festivities of Saint Roque, in honor of the co-patron saint of the town. The festivities begin with the release of a bull on a rope, which runs through the streets of Villaluenga accompanied by those participants who are designated to ensure that the animal suffers as little damage as possible. The day continues in the Municipal Stand, where music and dancing are the stars of the show. The following day, Saint Roque goes out in procession to walk with his faithful through the corners of the municipality.
Another of the religious festivals where the Patron Saint of Villaluenga is the main character is the Procession of the Stones, which takes place in the early hours of 30 to 31 August each year. The devotees take to the streets to accompany the Virgen del Rosario through the municipality, with the aim of asking for her protection. This petition has its origins in 1926, when a lightning strike caused a large rocky mass to detach from the Sierra of the Caíllo, heading towards the village. Despite the material damage caused by the precipitation of rocks over the municipality, no injuries were reported.
Between the sierras of La Viña and El Caíllo, in the highest part of the valley of La Manga de Villaluenga, is the Villaluenga Canyon. This geological landmark has three of the four chasms that make up the Villaluenga-Alta Ruta-La Raja system: the Chasm of Villaluenga, of la Raja, Alta Ruta Chasm and Maki Chasm. Due to the large entrance cavity and its location, the Chasm of Villaluenga is the most attractive for speleological activities.
Due to the large number of cork oaks in the municipality, Villaluenga has a large production of articles made from cork. Likewise, quality wool is obtained from sheep farming, which is used to make handmade products.
The local gastronomy is based on the high-quality products obtained from its crops. Dishes such as tomato soup, green asparagus soup or the soup that bears the name of the municipality stand out. Its rich meats are used to prepare dishes such as lamb or kid in the oven, rabbit in almonds, partridge in sauce or countryside turkey. Villaluenga is recognized as one of the best cheese producers. Made from goat’s or sheep’s milk, it also produces variants of the classic cheeses such as cottage cheese with honey. In the confectionery sector, Villaluenga produces delicious desserts such as butter flapjacks or ‘piñonates’.
The Church of Saint Miguel is located near the Alameda of Villaluenga. According to the parish archives, the building was constructed in 1733, with an eminently baroque style. The floor plan consists of three naves at different heights and separated by Tuscan columns. In one of them, the Baptism Chapel, there are images of great sentimental value for the people of Villaluenga.
In the lower part of Villaluenga we find the Saint Gregorio Chapel, erected by order of the Duchess of Aveiro, in 1703. Architecturally, it has a simple character, with an almost square floor plan and a neoclassical façade. The images of Saint Juan Bautista and Saint Gregorio reside inside the Hermitage.
In the town you can find the Playground and La Albarrada Park, two fun places for children to have fun. In addition, La Albarrada Park has a picnic area and seating, where you can enjoy a natural outdoor environment.
In the middle of the summer season, in mid-June, Villaluenga celebrates the Pilgrimage in Honor of the Divina Pastora. At the site known as “El Baño”, activities are programmed for all ages, such as ribbon races, sack races and Sevillana dancing competitions. The inhabitants of the municipality venerate the patron saint between festivities and food, once the image leaves the Hermitage of Saint Gregorio. This is a very popular event that has been held since 1962.
On the second weekend in August, the municipality celebrates its Festivities of Saint Roque, in honor of the co-patron saint of the town. The festivities begin with the release of a bull on a rope, which runs through the streets of Villaluenga accompanied by those participants who are designated to ensure that the animal suffers as little damage as possible. The day continues in the Municipal Stand, where music and dancing are the stars of the show. The following day, Saint Roque goes out in procession to walk with his faithful through the corners of the municipality.
On the second weekend in August, the municipality celebrates its Festivities of Saint Roque, in honor of the co-patron saint of the town. The festivities begin with the release of a bull on a rope, which runs through the streets of Villaluenga accompanied by those participants who are designated to ensure that the animal suffers as little damage as possible. The day continues in the Municipal Stand, where music and dancing are the stars of the show. The following day, Saint Roque goes out in procession to walk with his faithful through the corners of the municipality.
The town of Villaluenga del Rosario is located in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, in the northwest of the province. It is 128 kilometres from the capital of Cadiz, and is the highest and smallest municipality in the province.
From Seville, the A-375 is the quickest route to get there.
From Cádiz, take the A-372.
From Jerez de la Frontera, taking the A-382 and then the A-372 is the shortest route.
From Malaga, take the A-357 and the A-367.
From Ronda, the A-372 and A-374 is the quickest way to Villaluenga.
The intercity transport company DAMAS has routes to Villaluenga from Málaga and Ronda. Information is available on their website:
