Villanueva del Arzobispo

02Geography

Villanueva del Arzobispo is situated within the Las Villas comarca, approximately 96 kilometers from Jaén. The municipality is characterized by its mountainous terrain, lying between the Guadalimar and Guadalquivir rivers, with the village itself located at an elevation of 688 meters. The area includes parts of the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas, featuring significant altitudes and diverse ecosystems.

Patron saint

Virgen de la Fuensanta

03History

The town was established in 1396 when Pedro Tenorio, the Archbishop of Toledo, requested its founding from King Enrique III. Originally known as Moraleja, it was part of Iznatoraf and had historical significance during the Arab period, serving as a leisure area. The village gained prominence during the early 19th century as a refuge for guerrillas against French troops.

• 1396 Foundation of Villanueva del Arzobispo by Pedro Tenorio.
• 1573 Felipe II granted criminal jurisdiction.
• 1920 Received city title from King Alfonso XIII.

Explore Villanueva del Arzobispo, a historic municipality in Jaén, Andalusia, known for its agriculture and cultural heritage.

04Cultural Heritage

Villanueva del Arzobispo boasts several notable historical and artistic sites. The architecture reflects a mix of styles, with significant buildings such as the Iglesia parroquial de San Andrés and the Santuario de la Virgen de la Fuensanta, which is dedicated to the patron saint of the region.

• Iglesia parroquial de San Andrés 16th-century church built on a Mudejar temple.
• Santuario de la Virgen de la Fuensanta Houses the patron saint of Las Cuatro Villas.
• Convento de Santa Ana Baroque construction with a Renaissance cloister.
• Plaza de toros Neomudéjar style bullring built in 1928.
• Casa de los Arcos Early 20th-century noble house with a Mudejar patio.