The Municipal Archives of Villanueva de la Jara holds documents with more than four centuries of history.
The Municipal Archive of Villanueva de la Jara were founded in 1478, which is the date of the oldest documents kept there. Its creation dates back to July 8, 1476, when it was granted the privilege of villazgo.
Antiquity of the Municipal Archive
In order to date the birth of the municipal archives of La Jara, we must stick to this date and it will be easy to conclude that the municipal archives are more than 540 years old.
History of the municipal archive of La Jara
To talk about the history of the municipal archive of La Jara requires research and documentation, a task that will be easier thanks to the Ministry of Culture and the documentation and information they offer online.
As a result of looking up how many years the municipal archive has been open, we have to go back to the context of the Castilian War of Secession. At that time Villanueva de la Jara was a hamlet of the Villa de Alarcón.
What happened in Villanueva de la Jara in 1476
In that war, Juana la Beltraneja and Isabella the Catholic aspired to the Crown of Castile. The support of the residents of the village to the Isabelline troops led to the victory of Isabella of Castile and they granted her the concession of Villazgo.
Historical context of the creation of the Jareño municipal archive
It was necessary to create an archive that would keep the documentation of Villa Nueva as well as that of the established Corregimento.
Juana de Trastámara, born during the marriage of Henry IV and Juana of Portugal, was accused of being a bastard, hence her nickname La Beltraneja (the Beltraneja). The monarch’s adversaries claimed that Juana was actually the daughter of Beltrán de la Cueva, the king’s right-hand man.
Beltrán was a minor nobleman, but he managed to ascend to the king’s court. In a period of three years he went from being the king’s steward to joining the Order of Santiago, later obtaining the possession of the fortress of Carmona.
It was maintained by his enemies that Enrique IV was impotent and corresponded to Beltran for such notable services to the crown.
Where is the Municipal Archives of Villa Nueva La Jara?
The municipal archive is located in the Plaza Mayor of Villanueva de la Jara, Cuenca. Its zip code is 16230.
The days and hours of opening are Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. The archive is closed on national holidays and on May 31, Day of Castilla La Mancha, and the local festivities of the Virgen de las Nieves on August 5 and 8.
There are guided tours, didactic classroom and exhibition room
Villanueva de la Jara in its origins, served as a strategic point, first for Muslims, later for the Lordship of Alarcón, belonging to the Marquis of Villena. Its location in the limits of Castilla with Levante, next to the passage of the Júcar River, made it a prosperous place of passage and communication, and interesting for the different local oligarchies, religious, and ultimately at the service of power.
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Is it possible to access the Municipal Archives of Villanueva de la Jara?
The visit has to be born from the desire to discover more than just the architectural aspect, which is also true. The culture of Jara, its customs and way of life are among thousands of pages waiting to be recovered in the collective memory.
On whom does the municipal archive depend
It is a municipal service belonging to the Town Hall of Villanueva de la Jara. Organizationally it depends on the Mayor’s Office, coordinated in some tasks with the Department of Culture.
Guest Houses in Villanueva de la Jara
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The best guest houses in Villanueva de la Jara – Manchuela
Guest house Pensión Posada Santa Teresa
Villanueva de la Jara
350 m from centre
Situated in Villanueva de la Jara in the Castilla-La Mancha region, Pensión Santa Teresa features accommodation with access to a hot tub. The property features garden and city views.
Country house Casa del Rio
Villanueva de la Jara
7.3 km from centre
Located in Villanueva de la Jara, about 1 hour’s drive from the historic city of Cuenca, Casa del Rio offers two 6-bedroom country houses with a patio and barbecue facilities.
Casa Rural en Bodega. La posada de Vitis
Casas de Santa Cruz
10.4 km from Villanueva de la Jara
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, Casa Rural en Bodega. La posada de Vitis is located in Casas de Santa Cruz.
Parador de Alarcón
Alarcón
16.3 km from Villanueva de la Jara
Parador de Alarcón is an 8th-century Moorish castle, set next to the Júcar River. It is located above the Medieval village of Alarcón, and offers free public parking on site.
