History of Villanueva Mesía
The history of Villanueva Mesía dates to prehistoric times, with archaeological remains dating to more than 8,000 years ago. Villanueva Mesía occupies an area that was once part of the frontier between the Kingdom of Granada and the Christian Kingdom of Castile for more than two centuries.
During the Middle Ages, Villanueva Mesía was among the first areas in the region to be settled by Muslim populations. The territory witnessed numerous battles between Christians and Muslims during the Reconquest (Reconquista), until it was finally conquered by the Christians in 1491.
The name Villanueva Mesía comes from the influential Mesía (or Mexía) family, who became lords of the area in the 16th century. After Alonso Mesía acquired the estate in 1577, the family surname was added to the village's original name, giving rise to the place name used today. The abundance of water from the Genil and Cacín rivers helped create a prosperous agricultural community of mills, orchards and market gardens. This new village was one of the region's first urban centres.