Villacarrillo

Villacarrillo is a town located in the eastern area of the region La Loma y Las Villas. It has two well distinguished orographic areas: on the one hand, the open country area, with gradual slopes and lands with hills, and on the other, the one of the mountain range called Las Villas, that is part of the orographical group of the Parque Natural de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas.

Several rivers shape the hydrographical network of the area: the River Guadalquivir that divides the countryside from the mountain range, the River Guadalimar that is the natural boundary of the municipal district with the region of El Condado, and the Aguascebas Grande and Aguascebas Chico like important tributaries.

In most areas of Villacarrillo the olive trees are cultivated, being one of the main products of the province, what has originated an important oil industry. We also can find isolated areas of scrub, thicket and conifers that reach many areas being an important lumber richness.

Its origin dates back to the end of Navas de Tolosa battle in 1212. It was castle and watchtower with the name of Mingo Priego and Torremuñopriego, and the prison governor took in the Christians who were in the areas around. In 1400 some inhabitants founded a small village and it was added to Iznatoraf, but in 1440 it was separated and set up like villa by Alonso Carrillo, archbishop of Toledo. 
 
In 1877 and during the reign of Alfonso XII it will give the title of Villa. 
 
Very near the peak of a hill you can find the ruins of the Arab castle of Iznatoraf.

Monuments

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, XVI and XVII century. It is located over the old large fortified tower of the castle. It was built by Vandelvira and National Monument from 1931. 
 
Hospital, from1645. It was built by Juan de Aranda. 
 
Casa-Palacio del Cardenal Benavides. 
 
Casa de la Inquisición. 
 
Convent of Calle de las Monjas, XVIII century. 
 
Hermitages of San Vicente. 
 
Hermitage of Santa Rita.

Gastronomy

Migas. Tortilla serrana. Guiso de Liebre. Guisos de Perdiz.
 
Sweets: Mantecados de Villacarrillo.

How to get there

You have to exit Jaén towards Mancha Real - Baeza - Úbeda. You have to cross Baeza and in the exit turn left in the Motorway A-316. Take the alleyway of Úbeda. In the roundabout, take the exit 3 and continue in the Motorway A-301. Turn right in N-322. Alleyway of El Campillo and follow the signs until Villacarrillo.

Distances

To Jaén 88 km
To Úbeda 31 km
To Sabiote 26 km
To Herrera 11 km
To Torreperogil 22 km
To Navas de San Juan 32 km
To Villanueva del Arzobispo 11 km
To Iznatoraf 12 km
To Fuente de la Torre 21 km