Villanueva de la Jara town
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Villanueva de la Jara - by Ismael Diez on Google
Description
Villanueva de la Jara was founded by Alarcón's inhabitants in the late Middle Ages, becoming independent in 1476 under the Catholic Monarchs. It is located in the Province of Cuenca and known for being part of the pilgrimage route of the Tracks of Saint Teresa of Ávila as well as for its cultivation of edible fungi. The main architectural highlight is the 15th century Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción with a grand Baroque altarpiece and a Rococo chapel. Other key sights include the Rollo de Justicia, the late 16th century Church of St Carmen, and the 19th century Neo-Mudéjar palatial house Villa Enriqueta.
Access & Transport
Although located in Cuenca province, Albacete is the closest city, exactly 60km to the south on the CM-220 / A-3 / N-301. Cuenca is 85km north of Alarcon on the CM-220 and Madrid is 215km to the northwest, driving most of the way on the A-3 (exit 186).
Instructions & Recommendations
This activity can easily be combined with a visit of the village and castle of Alarcón (35km away)
Environmental & Social
The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy
Conclusion
"La Jara" main sights are almost all religious buildings and whilst they are certainly interesting, there is no lack of them in Castile-La Mancha and Spain in general, so we would only recommend a trip there as part of a regional itinerary in the Cuenca or Albacete provinces. That is, unless you have another specific interest such as the Tracks of Saint Teresa of Ávila or the cultivation of portobello mushrooms the village in renown for.
Key positive
The Basilica is worth a detour for its very striking (and bulky) silhouette
Key negative
A little time consuming to get there, unless coming from Cuenca or Albacete
Suitability
Most areas and buildings are accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:2h
est. visit time:2h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo