A brief history

Villanueva de la Concepcion was designated a village by the Malaga government in November 1880, as a way of enticing new residents to an area that was troubled by roving "banditos".

As an enticement to new settlers, the government reduced many of the existing taxes on agricultural production, as well as removing the requirement for sons to attend military service.

Although Villanueva (new village) appears, at first glance, to have a relatively short history, there is much speculation as to the origins of the area which date back much further than the 19th Century.

The Roman occupation of Oscua commenced in 216AD having conquered the existing Ibero population. The remains of roman buildings can still be seen in the area today. It is thought that the strategic value of this area generated much interest from the Roman government of the day. The proximity to the important port of Malaga and further inland, Antequera, meant that the Oscua settlement was a stopping off point along the route to the rest of Spain, and the heart of the empire - Rome itself.

As the Roman empire faltered, the area was targeted by the Moors in their conquest of the peninsular in 711AD. A major relic of the time is the remains of the Castillo de Xebar in the area west of the village.

The Christian reconquest of the Iberian peninsular took place over many hundreds of years and in 1410 the Castillo de Xebar was re-taken, after 5 months of fighting, by the spaniard Infante Don Fernando.

In the 18th Century, a route was created to connect Madrid in the north with Malaga and the coast; known as the "Camino Real" or royal way. This route takes in much of the surrounding countryside within the Villanueva district.

A number of bridges were constructed along the route, with the most noticeable being the Horcajo bridge which is situated just south of Villanueva on the road from Casabermeja.

Many locals, would like this route to be re-opened and renovated as an attraction for walkers, cyclists and horseriders to further enjoy the countryside. Have your say on our message board - should the Royal Route be opened up for tourism and locals alike?