NUEVA CARTEYA
by Saskia Mier
Nueva Carteya produces an excellent olive oil with a Designation of Origin, which is well worth a try for "foodies". The village has around 5300 inhabitants.
HISTORY
Due to the strategic position of Nueva Carteya, many different cultures have settled here throughout history such as the Romans, Iberians and Visigoths, although the more formal origin of the village is said to date to 1822. Archaeological findings such as three Iberian lion sculptures are particular highlights, along with an aqueduct that once connected the Plaza de Armas with Ucubi (Espejo).
In 1641 these lands were sold to the Council of Baena by King Philip IV. In 1821, the City Council of Baena decided to distribute land and construct a villa in the area of Monte Horquera. The Deputy Marquis of Cabriñana carried out everything concerning the founding of the new town, and at the end of 1821, the City Council of Baena agreed to found the village, naming it Aldea de San Juan. In 1822, the Diputación Provincial entrusted Mr. Diego Carro y Díaz with the task of planning and directing the building works. By the end of 1822, the Diputación Provincial, responding to the proposal of Mr. Diego Carro, agreed that the new population would be referred to as Nueva Carteya.
Nueva Carteya was declared an independent municipality by the Royal Order of the Chancery of Granada on October 27, 1832. In 1953, the area of Monte Horquera was added to the municipality.
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia de San Pedro Apostol
The construction of the neoclassical-style church was promoted by Bishop Pedro Antonio de Trevilla, and the works were directed by Diego Carro, beginning in 1823 and lasting more than ten years. It was the first church in the village to open for worship, in 1826, and was later blessed in 1836. In 1959 the architect Carlos Sáenz de Santamaría directed a restoration of the church, which can be seen today on Plaza Marqués de Estella.
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Ermita de San Pedro
This chapel dates to the end of the seventeenth century or the beginning of the eighteenth century and was built in the same location as a former chapel. However, the old chapel is still preserved and has been integrated into the new restoration. Next to the chapel was the cemetery that has since been integrated into the courtyard attached to the building. Located south of Nueva Carteya, off the CO-5206.
Ermita Torre de los Santos
At present there is nothing left of this former tower and chapel, but some of the foundations and lower part of the building can still be seen, although these are in an poor state of conservation. It is believed that the tower was later used as a chapel from the first half of the sixteenth century. The tower itself has been dated to at least the Final Bronze Age, and is located south east of Nueva Carteya.
GASTRONOMY
Visitors to Nueva Carteya must try some of the local and traditional dishes influenced greatly by the olive oil produced in the area, such as, mojete de papas (stewed potatoes), mojete de espárragos (stewed asparagus), migas con tocino y chorizo (fried bread served with chorizo), salmorejo cordobés (tomato and garlic Cordovan soup), naranjas con aceite (orange salad), remojón carteyano (potato, tomato, tuna and orange salad), habas en cazuela (stewed broad beans) and potaje de garbanzos (chickpea stew). Sweet treats include pestiños (honey pastries), gajorros (lemon and cinnamon donuts), flores (fried pastries) and magdalenas (muffins).
FESTIVALS
Cabalgata Reyes Magos
Three Kings procession celebrated on the evening of 5 January.
La Candelaria
Celebrated the 2 February.
Carnaval
Celebrated the weekend before Ash Wednesday.
Día de Andalucía
Celebrated the 28 February.
Semana Santa
Holy Week (dates vary each year).
Día de la Cruz
Celebrated the 3 May.
Romería de San Isidro
Celebrated the 15 May.
Feria de San Pedro
Celebrated the 29 June.
Fiestas de la Virgen del Rosario
Celebrated the 5-7 October.
NEARBY VILLAGES
The neighbouring villages to Nueva Carteya are Doña Mencía, Baena and Montilla.
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