Villanueva del Rosario is situated in the south-eastern part of the Antequera Depression, beneath the Jobo and Camarolos mountain ranges. The geological structure of the area makes for spectacular scenery, with rocky cliffs in places and wonderful views over the mountains. Of special interest and beauty is the Llano del Hondonero, at the foot of the mountains. With its mountain streams and pathways, its pine, oak and other species of woodland, it is ideal for trekking. Villanueva del Rosario, also at the foot of the mountains, offers great views over the olive groves, with occasional whitewashed houses contrasting with the dark green of the landscape. One of the roads from here leads to the Llano del Hondonero, and recent improvements to the road means that the trip can now be made by car. The urban centre maintains all it old world charm, especially in its architecture. The houses are low and whitewashed, following the lie of the narrow and winding streets. People have lived here for a long time, taking advantage of the town’s strategic position between the interior of Andalucía and the coast, with abundant water supplies and a relatively easy defensive position. Numerous archaeological finds have been made here, mainly in the foothills of the Camarolos and Jobo mountains, showing that the area has been lived in from pre-historic times. Despite the absence of documentary evidence, it is believed that the area has been settled by the Romans, the Moors and the Visigoths. The important Roman city of Ulisis is said to have been situated in an area known as the Peñón de Solís. Many Roman roads are still in existence, and a number of objects from that time, including coins, bracelets, glass and ceramic fragments, have been found in the region.
The town itself dates from the beginning of the 18^th century, being first named the Puebla de Saucedo, for its abundance of willow trees (sauces) in the locality. The original town was six farmhouses situated on land that belonged to the Duque de Osuna. This grew into a primitive urban centre that had a population of 1,378 by the beginning of the 19^th century. On the basis of a Royal Decree issued by the Cadiz Parliament and dated October 7^th, 1812, the inhabitants of Puebla del Saucedo demanded a change in their judicial status, but met with violent opposition from their neighbours in Archidona. Nevertheless, in February of 1813 their demands were met, and despite the anger of their neighbouring town, the two areas finally separated into two municipalities in May of 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 King’s Council, with the issue being finally resolved in 1827 by a royal decree awarding the town its independence from Archidona. Three years afterwards the name was changed to Villanueva del Rosario.

The streets of the town conserve their traditional architecture

FIESTAS
The Romería of San Marcos opens the festive season in April in Villanueva del Rosario. This is followed by the festival of San Marcos, the Veladilla del Carmen and the Summer Festival, which takes place during the first weekend in August. But the biggest festival in the town is, without doubt, that in honour of its patron saint, the Virgen del Rosario, taking place during the first week in October. Here there is bullfighting, music, dancing, singing and religious events.

GASTRONOMY
The gastronomy of Villanueva del Rosario is typical of that of other towns in the Antequera region, with traditional dishes being fried porra, gazpacho, fried breadcrumbs and game. In the field of craftwork, there is a wide choice. Ceramic pieces are made by potters Los Ponce, furniture is made by hand by the brothers Pailes and Diego González, leatherwork is done by Ricardo Martín, and Teodoro, of the Mirasierra bakery, makes delicious pastries.