Algarinejo unites to its special natural wealth a notable historical wealth of
which is a faithful reflection of the "Prehistoric Sites of the Tajo de Villavieja", a unique place in the vicinity of Fuentes de Cesna in which recent discoveries suggest that we may be facing the most important archaeological site of the Argar era in Spain.
Villavieja is a 4,800-year-old walled prehistoric settlement, dating from the Copper Age. It is the first great wall architecture in the Poniente region of Granada. It is located on the flattened plateau that gives it its name, established as a great viewpoint over the surrounding landscape of the Genil River. The most accessible area is located to the east, where a powerful defensive system was planned through the erection of an imposing 300-meter-long wall. This defensive line closes a large escarpment as a natural defense to the west, which in some points has a drop of forty meters.
At the time, the town had an area close to 3 hectares. Inside, there must have been a multitude of domestic units (circular-plan cabins) that housed a significant population.
The town was built from a new plant around 2800/2700 BC, with no record of previous occupations. It was occupied without interruption until 2300/2200 BC, at which time it was abandoned. From then on the deterioration and concealment of its walls began.
In historical times, the stones of its walls must have been used for nearby constructions. Thus, in medieval times, a medieval occupation was established at the base of the Tajo de Villavieja, which occasionally used this abandoned place. In spite of everything, this absence of occupations has allowed Villavieja to fully preserve its layout and a large part of the height of its imposing wall.
This circular route runs through the entire site, offering wonderful views over the tail of the Iznájar reservoir, views of Las Fuentes Viejas, as well as an excellent viewpoint of the surroundings and the immediate territory.
Villavieja is a prehistoric town located in the pit of the same name and located in Fuentes de Cesna. The archaeological interventions, identifying the place as
a fortified citadel some 4500 years old. Its relevance is highlighted
for being the only Granada prehistoric settlement with wall structures clearly perceptible from the sky.
The settlement of Villavieja stands out for its imposing walled enclosure. This architectural structure, perfectly visible, runs along a perimeter of about three hundred meters.
Villavieja's wall was created on a raised platform that projects
visually over an extensive landscape crossed by the river Genil, a landscape
exceptional to know the origins of the culture of the Algar in Andalusia.