Villalba del Alcor
by Saskia Mier
Villalba del Alcor is situated in the heart of Comarca El Condado, east of La Palma del Condado. It thrives mainly on agriculture, specifically grape for the local production of wines from the Comarca. It has about 3500 inhabitants.
HISTORY
The first reliable data of Villalba del Alcor dates from the late Bronze Age and some remains have been found in nearby mining areas.
From the Roman era, remains such as coins, pottery, etc and one piece in particular has been located on the grounds of "Las Estaquillas", 2kms from Villalba del Alcor. This is a portrait of Agrippina, wife of Emperor Claudius. Her hairstyle made up of ringlets and the hair covering the ears is what led to her identification. Also from the Roman era, a plaque dedicated to Regina Iuno in the year 134 BC, found at Iglesia de San Bartolomé.
The Moors who settled in the area, created many farms scattered along the Arroyo Giraldo.
Villalba del Alcor was founded due to its appeal as a border area for Christians and Moors. A fortress was built belonging to Niebla until 1253, which was conquered by Alfonso X El Sabio. In 1331, Villalba del Alcor passes to the daughter of Sheriff of Niebla, Leonor Núñez and in 1350 it was brought by Alvar Pérez de Guzmán.
In the sixteenth century, urban growth occurred and two Brotherhoods were formed; the Monasterio Santa María de la Antiguain in 1588, and the Convento de San Juan Bautista in 1619.
Population growth and dependence on agriculture led occurred during the nineteenth century and new land was reclaimed, specifically to grow vines for the wine industry that increased in popularity in the area.
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia de San Bartolomé
The church dating to the twelfth century was originally built to defend the area and brings together various styles. Located in Plaza de España.
Convento de San Juan Bautista (MM Carmelitas)
Also known as Convento de Clausura de las Madres Carmelitas Descalzas, the convent was founded in 1618 by García Jiménez Franco, but was reformed a century later and after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Located on Calle Francisco Alcalá.
Capilla de la Santísima Trinidad
The current chapel was built in 1977, although previously there had existed another chapel in the same spot. Located in Plaza Trinidad.
Capilla del Cerillo
The chapel was built in the twentieth century. The ceiling of its interior contains valuable contemporary paintings, made by Manuel Travado and recently restored by Antonio Hermosilla. Located on Calle Cerillo.
Capilla Calle Niche
The chapel was built in the twentieth century. Located on Calle Reliquias.
Capilla Calle Real
The origin of the chapel dates to 1942 when an accident caused by a horse in the Romerito de la Cruz occurred and those involved were miraculously saved. Located on Calle Francisco Alcalá.
Capilla Calle Paterna
The chapel was built in the last third of the twentieth century. Located on Calle Paterna.
Ayuntamiento
The current building of the town hall dates from the twentieth century. Located in Plaza de España.
Antiguo Ayuntamiento
The previous town hall was this eighteenth-century building which belonged to Osorno, patron of much of the artistic heritage of the municipality. Located on Plaza de la Constitución.
Torre Alambique
A tower built during the twentieth century and was previously used by the factory, hence its central chimney. Today it is private housing. Located on Calle San Bartolomé.
Hospital de la Misericordia
The old Hospital, now in ruins, dates to the sixteenth century and is of Gothic-Mudejar style. It later served as a granary and today for agricultural goods. Located on Calle Francisco Alcalá.
Bodega y Molino en la Calle La Fuente
One of the oldest and completely preserved wineries in Villalba del Alcor, although now a ruin and closed to the public. Located on Calle La Fuente.
Bodega y Molino de Santa Ana
This winery has been in operation until a few years ago and is today functioning as a restaurant. Located on Calle Francisco Alcalá.
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Bodega Marqués de Villalúa
The winery was built in 2000 and is still expanding with a number of other vineyards that are being completed to perform. It has an area of 110,000 square meters, of which 20,000 is constructed. Facilities consist of modern technology for the fermentation at a controlled temperature to ensure the best quality of wine. Located on the A-472, Km25.
Opening Times: Monday-Friday, 07:00-15:00hrs
Tel: 959 42 11 22
Email: [email protected]
Ermita de Santa Águeda
This octagonal Neo-Gothic chapel from the nineteenth century is a copy of the dome of Florence Cathedral. You reach the chapel via a path from the road between Villalba del Alcor and La Palma del Condado. A resting place known as Los Llanos de Santa Águeda offers a magnificent view of the chapel. Located off the A-472, km43.
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
Ruta Sierra Norte
The route is 10kms in length and has duration of 3 hours walking or 1½ hours by bicycle. It begins north of Villalba del Alcor and travels towards Berrocal. One can either continue onto Berrocal or can go west towards La Palma del Condado and back to Villalba del Alcor.
Villalba del Alcor-Manzanilla
The route is 6kms in length and has duration of 1 hour walking. The route starts at Villalba del Alcor and travels south and then east towards Arroyo de Moriana before heading north and finishing in Manzanilla.
Villalba del Alcor-Paterna del Campo
The route is 11.5kms in length and has duration of 1½ hours walking. The route leaves Villalba del Alcor northwards and crossing the Arroyo de las Espuelas. Continuing east, the route terminates in Paterna del Campo.
GASTRONOMY
Villalba del Alcor boasts a variety of traditional dishes such as caldereta de cabeza de lomo de cerdo (pork stew), guiso de carne y verduras acompañado de patatas (meat stew with vegetables and potatoes), venado en adobo (marinated venison), conejo al romero (rabbit with rosemary), el tostón (toasted bread with oil and sardines), habas con poleo (broad beans), manitas de cerdo (pig trotters) and caracoles en "colorao" (snails).
Sweet treats include espoleá (semola), torrijas de vino y miel (eggy bread in wine and honey) as well as empanadillas and rosquetas (patries dipped in sugar or honey).
The local vineyards are producing good wines and spirits which are great to accompany any dish and the abundance of olive groves are the source of excellent olives and olive oils.
HANDICRAFTS
Local handicrafts of Villalba del Alcor include basket weaving using local material as well as esparto for chairs or even mats. There is also a strong tradition of ceramics with craftsmen still producing pieces today.
FESTIVALS
Reyes Magos
Celebrated on the 5 January with a procession of the Three Kings.
Fiestas en Honor a Santa Águeda
Celebrated the 5 Febuary in honor of the patroness.
Cruces de Mayo
Celebrated in May with a variety of processions.
Feria en Honor a Santa Águeda
Celebrated the last weekend of July with events and processions.
Fiestas del Carmen
Celebrated the last weekend of August.
LOCATION
Villalba del Alcor is located 50kms from Huelva. To get there, take the H-31 leaving Huelva and onto the A-49 towards Seville. Take Exit 53 and take 2nd Exit at the roundabout. Continue on the HU-4102 and at the crossroad of Villarrasa, take a right turn onto the A-472. Continue on passing La Palma del Condado until you reach Villalba del Alcor.
