Villanueva de la Concepción

Villanueva de la Concepción

Almost in the geographic centre of Malaga province, the territory of Villanueva de la Concepción extends from the Mountains of El Torcal to Montes de Malaga, but it is better identified with the Antequera area than that of Montes, although without a doubt it is framed by both. Thus its extensive fertile plains become, sometimes with a certain abruptness, sharply broken terrain. Yet, Villanueva de la Concepción’s territory, crowned by the powerful El Torcal massif, has an abundance of olive trees, almond trees and wheat fields.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church

Located on Calle San Antonio, this church dates from the end of the 19th Century. The church has a simple facade with white walls, capped by a small bell tower. The church has a single aisle topped by an image of the Immaculate Conception placed in a small niche, flanked by Our Lady of Sorrows and a huge Jesus of Nazareth.
The rest of the images are representations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Solitude, a Saint Joseph with the Christ Child, San Isidro Labrador, two crowned Christs on the Cross and an Immaculate Conception. Everything indicates that the images belong to the 19th and 20th Centuries. The oldest corresponds to Saint Cajetan with the Christ Child, carved in wood with certain polychrome areas that could well belong to the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th. The interior has an altarpiece of neoclassic style, although it is barely ten years old.

Puente del Horcajo

Puente del Horcajo, built in the 18th Century, is one of the older communication routes. It belongs to the ancient Vía Real that linked Madrid and Malaga. The bridge rises above the river Campanillas and its great span is formed by a grand arch on which an inscription can be read indicating that the bridge was built in 1787, coinciding with the reign of Carlos III. The construction is formed by great grey and reddish limestone ashlar pillars from El Torcal. It is possible to enjoy spectacular views from this bridge.

Puente del Paraíso

Puente del Paraíso takes its name from the gorge over which it was constructed. It is a bridge of a single span with a semi-circular arch. All its work is done in bricks, except the spherical quarters located on the angle of the channel and the road which is finished with limestone, probably from El Torcal. Along with Puente del Horcajo and that of Garrayo or "Seven Eyes", Puente del Paraíso comprises the Vía Real that joined Madrid and Malaga in the 18th Century. Its panoramic views over Cerro del Viento and the Campanillas river channel, along with the architectonic purity of the homes that flank its access ways, make Puente del Paraíso a must visit

Puente del Garrayo

Along with Puente del Paraíso and Puente del Horcajo, it comprises the Vía Real that connected Madrid and Malaga. Puente del Garrayo, also known as the Seven Eyes, is located in the Boca del Asno Pass, a landscape that has served for millennia as a connection between the Malaga coast and the Andalusian interior. The bridge has an arch of long span with rubblework and bricks. Its architectonic simplicity and solitude contrast with the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Andalucía Plaza

One of Villanueva de la Concepción’s best attractions is walking along its streets and plazas. Most emblematic of all is Andalucía Plaza, the seat of the town, a rectangular structure whose centre is highlighted by its octagonal red granite fountain, flanked by orange trees. The first watering spot in the town, Andalucía Plaza has borne mute witness to the history of Villanueva de la Concepción, and is a nerve centre for the municipality’s principal celebrations.

García Caparrós Plaza

At the junction of the streets Nueva, Plantel Juvenil and García Caparrós, this beautiful triangular plaza is crowned by its typical Andalusian architecture. Rising in its centre is a magnificent brick faced terrace framing an enchanting fountain of four interlacing plates. This plaza is an idyllic location for passing long summer afternoons in the shade of the majestic elm trees that surround it.