Villaeles de Valdavia

02Geography

Villaeles de Valdavia is part of the Vega-Valdavia comarca. It shares borders with Villamelendro de Valdavia to the south, Villabasta to the west, Arenillas de San Pelayo to the north, and San Martín del Monte to the east. The municipality is located along the historic route that connected San Vicente de la Barquera with Carrión de los Condes.

03History

The earliest record of Villaeles dates back to a donation made in 905 by Osorio Díaz, linked to the influential Banu Gómez family. This donation was confirmed by King Alfonso VI in 1068, indicating the area's historical significance and the power of its early inhabitants.

• 905 Donation by Osorio Díaz.
• 1068 Confirmation of the donation by King Alfonso VI.
• 14th century Villaeles was a behetría, allowing residents to choose their lord.
• 16th century Paid tithes to the nearby monastery of San Pelayo.
• 18th century Had four flour mills and was a royal villa.

Villaeles de Valdavia is a small municipality in Palencia, known for its agricultural economy and historical significance.

04Economy and Society

The economy of Villaeles de Valdavia is primarily based on agriculture, particularly dry farming of crops like wheat and barley, alongside sheep farming. The small population supports local associations, including a housewives' group and a hunters' association.

• Main economic activities Agriculture and sheep farming.
• Local associations Asociación de Amas de Casa Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles.
• Local associations Asociación de Cazadores San Martín.
• Population 47 inhabitants.