Villarrasa archivos - Condado de Huelva

Ruta Huerto del Hambre

The route begins in the municipality of Villarrasa and ends at the ‘Dehesa Boyal’, better known by the locals as ‘Huerto del Hambre’ (Hunger Garden). The route is enhanced by the beautiful landscapes of Campiña (predominantly sunflower and cereal crops) and Andévalo (olive trees, eucalyptus trees, rockroses, etc.).

You enter the municipality by passing the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias chapel on your right and continuing along Alférez García Mateo, Larga and Cruz streets until you reach the farm parallel to the cemetery, where the La Torre path starts towards the Granja de los Tablazos farm.

Up to approximately kilometre 2, you can see dry crops and some small areas of olive trees cooled by the Arroyo San Vicente stream. You will then see a path on the left leading to the Mirador Minero viewpoint, where you can see the course of the River Tinto and the ruins of the mills.

Continue to the old Riotinto-Niebla railway line, running parallel to the river and leaving the La Aradilla bridge on your left. Here you will see farmland, eucalyptus trees, rockroses and the ruins of mills, all integrated into the beautiful landscape formed by the curves of the Tinto River.

Arriving under the old Gadea bridge, you can admire an old dam next to an 18th-century mill. You can cross the bridge and return along the opposite bank of the Tinto, once again enjoying the beautiful landscapes of crops, olive trees and cereals. You can also spot a multitude of birds such as storks, bee-eaters, hoopoes, etc., typical of open spaces and scrubland.

Once you arrive back at the ‘Puente La Aradilla’ bridge, turn towards the ‘Dehesa Boyal’, crossing fields of cereals and abundant rockroses, gorse, wild olive trees, etc., cooled by the Arroyo Rubio stream.

Once you reach Huerto del Hambre or Dehesa Boyal, you can see the beautiful landscape composed of rockroses, palm hearts, oleanders (near the watercourse), eucalyptus trees, fields of crops (sunflowers and olive trees), and also its recreational area, where there is a bullring at the foot of the ‘Casa de la Cumbre del Sordo’ mountain, as well as a small ranch, better known as ‘Rancho el Willy’.

Dehesa Nueva

This beautiful spot was granted by King Ferdinand VII to the town of Villarrasa in recognition of its participation in the War of Independence, due to the important interventions of the Villarrasa cavalry squadron in the fight to liberate Spain from the Napoleonic invasion, and, in particular, for its intervention in the Battle of Bailén in 1808, which led to the definitive withdrawal of French troops.

The characteristic landscape of Dehesa Nueva is countryside dotted with olive trees and Mediterranean scrub, criss-crossed by a rich network of streams that feed the River Tinto. From these lands, you can see the first hills of Andévalo, near the town of Valverde del Camino.

Since its establishment, this communal property has supplied the town with firewood, game and other products. The Villarrasa Hunting Society carries out its activities there, thanks to the abundance of species such as rabbits and partridges.

It is also a place of recreation for the people of Villarrasa, as the area is criss-crossed by numerous paths, suitable for hiking and mountain biking. Within the Dehesa Nueva is the well-known Huerto del Hambre, where the pilgrimage in honour of San Isidro Labrador is held.

Romería de San Vicente

Every year, around 22nd and 23rd January, residents gather to honour their patron saint in a celebration that combines religious fervour, tradition and conviviality in the heart of nature.

The festivities begin with a mass in honour of Saint Vincent Martyr, celebrated in the parish church that bears his name. The following day, the community moves to the Dehesa Espina Municipal Recreation Area, where the pilgrimage takes place. This natural space becomes the epicentre of the celebration, welcoming residents and visitors in an atmosphere of joy and fraternity.

One of the most characteristic elements of the pilgrimage is the tostón con sardinas, a culinary tradition that brings attendees together around the candles. In addition, other typical dishes are sampled, such as spinach with chickpeas, scrambled eggs with tomato, fried doughnuts, pestiños and poleá. Live music and activities for all ages complete a day full of entertainment and local flavour.

Fiesta del Mosto

The Villarrasa Must Festival, held every November in the Plaza de España, is one of the most emblematic festivities in the County of Huelva. This event pays tribute to must, a young wine traditionally fermented in chestnut or American oak barrels, which can be tasted 40 days after its production. With an alcohol content of between 9 and 12 degrees, mosto is characterised by its floral, citrus and fruity aromas and pleasant acidity.

During the celebration, the square is decorated to welcome locals and visitors who enjoy tapas at affordable prices, homemade sweets, music and, of course, good must. This festival is not only an opportunity to taste this young wine, but also to strengthen community ties and preserve the region’s wine-making traditions.

Feria de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

The Fair and Patron Saint Festivities in honour of Our Lady of Los Remedios are held every year in August. This festival combines religious devotion with recreational and cultural activities that attract both locals and visitors.

The celebrations begin on 15 August with the procession of the patron saint, the Virgin of Los Remedios, through the streets of the town in an act of profound devotion. Afterwards, various festivities take place at the fairgrounds, including musical performances, activities for children and sporting events.
During the fair, the fairgrounds are filled with stalls, lights and music, creating a festive atmosphere that invites people to get together and enjoy themselves. The evenings are enlivened by concerts and shows that offer entertainment for all ages.

Devotion to the Virgin of Los Remedios is deeply rooted in Villarrasa. Every year, the faithful actively participate in religious events, with the procession on 15 August being one of the most emotional moments of the festivities.

In short, the Fair and Patron Saint’s Day Festivities in honour of Our Lady of Los Remedios in Villarrasa is a celebration that combines tradition, faith and fun, establishing itself as an unmissable event in the town’s festive calendar.

Día de la Patrona

The Patron Saint’s Day of Villarrasa is celebrated every 18 December in honour of Our Lady of Remedies, a festival deeply rooted in the tradition and devotion of the municipality. This day commemorates the apparition of the Virgin in 1503, when, according to tradition, a local resident named Pedro de la Cruz found the image with the message: ‘Here is your remedy’.

The celebration begins the night before with the transfer of the image from its chapel to the parish church of San Vicente Mártir, where a mass is celebrated. The next day, the Virgin is carried in procession through the streets of Villarrasa, accompanied by numerous faithful who express their faith and devotion.

The image of Our Lady of Remedies is a 16th-century polychrome carving, designed as a high relief, combining Renaissance and Gothic elements. It is venerated in the Chapel of Our Lady of Remedies, a Baroque building notable for its bell gable and dome.

Cruces de Mayo

This celebration, deeply rooted in local tradition, stands out for its cultural and religious richness, becoming a living manifestation of the town’s intangible heritage each year. The celebration lasts throughout the month of May, involving residents, brotherhoods and visitors in an atmosphere of fervour, joy and beauty.

In Villarrasa, the month of May is symbolically divided into two halves, each presided over by a different cross: the Cruz del Campo, which takes centre stage during the first fortnight, and the Cruz de Arriba, which takes over during the second fortnight. Both crosses are carried in procession from the Church of Las Angustias, patron saint of the municipality, through the streets of the town, which are decorated for the occasion.

The origin of this festival dates back to popular agricultural and religious traditions that celebrated the arrival of spring, later linked to the symbolism of the Cross as a sign of faith, protection and fertility for the fields. The Cruces de Mayo have evolved to become a central element of Villarrasa’s identity, reflecting the devotion and active participation of the entire community.

During these celebrations, the streets of the town are transformed into a scene full of colour, music and tradition. Residents decorate their façades with flowers, shawls and ornamental elements, and various cultural, liturgical and festive events are organised around each cross. Among the most notable elements are the floral decorations on the crosses, which are richly decorated with handcrafted details, candlesticks, embroidery and natural flowers.

Corpus Christi

During this day, the streets of Villarrasa are decorated with floral carpets, altars and decorations made by the residents, creating a festive and devout atmosphere. The procession of the Blessed Sacrament travels through the town centre, passing by these ephemeral decorations that reflect the active participation of the community in the celebration.

The Corpus Christi festival in Villarrasa is a manifestation of the Catholic faith and a deep-rooted tradition that combines religious and cultural elements, strengthening community ties and attracting visitors interested in local customs.

Puente Gadea

The Gadea Bridge is an iconic structure located in the municipality of Villarrasa. Built in 1935, this reinforced concrete bridge spans the River Tinto, which is characterised by its reddish waters due to the minerals it carries. At the time, it was a highly significant project that facilitated communication between El Condado and El Andévalo, especially between Villarrasa and La Palma del Condado.

It is a reinforced concrete arch bridge, a robust structure that has stood the test of time. Its construction improved communications in the region, making it a key element in the road infrastructure of the time.

It is located in a unique natural setting, where two distinct landscapes can be seen. On the south bank, near Villarrasa, there are gently rolling hills dedicated to cereal crops and olive groves, as well as the La Zorrera livestock farm. On the north bank, the landscape changes to eucalyptus and pine trees and riverside vegetation such as oleanders and broom, reflecting the transition to the Andévalo and the Sierra.

The Gadea Bridge is the starting point for several hiking trails that follow the route of the old Riotinto railway. One of the most notable routes is the one that connects the bridge with the flour mills on the River Tinto, passing by the Molino de San Juan, the Molino de Gadea, the Molino de la Vega, the Molino de Juan Muñoz, the Molino del Centeno and the Molino de la Vadera. This route offers a unique experience, combining history, industrial architecture and nature in a landscape of reddish tones.

Molinos del Tinto

Los Molinos del Tinto is a group of old flour mills located on the banks of the River Tinto, in the municipality of Villarrasa. These buildings, which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, were essential for grinding grain for the local population and are a valuable testament to the industrial heritage of the Condado region.

The Tinto mills were rectangular masonry buildings with gabled roofs and wooden ceilings. They were powered by the hydraulic energy provided by the River Tinto, whose waters, stained a characteristic reddish colour due to their high iron content, were channelled to the mills by means of dykes and irrigation channels. Each mill had one or more stone millstones which, driven by the force of the water, ground the cereal grains.

Over the years, many of these mills have fallen into disuse and show signs of neglect. However, their partial conservation allows us to appreciate the hydraulic engineering of the time and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Villarrasa is part of the Tinto Mills Route, a trail that follows the route of the old railway line that linked the Buitrón mines with the San Juan del Puerto pier. This route, which can be done on foot or by bicycle, allows visitors to discover several of these mills, such as La Vadera, Juan Muñoz, Gadea and Centeno. Along the way, visitors can enjoy unique natural landscapes, characterised by the presence of eucalyptus trees, oleanders and the Tinto River itself.

The route offers an experience that combines history, architecture and nature, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in an environment that seems to be from another planet due to the reddish colour of the river’s waters.