Islamic necropolis of Los Toriles

The Islamic necropolis of Los Toriles forms part of the larger archaeological complex of Mentesa Oretana, although it lies outside the town of Villanueva de la Fuente. Its location is not accidental: it is situated in the southern part of the old town, near the access road and the source of the Villanueva River. This relationship between the cemetery, the access road, and water helps to understand the organization of the funerary space during the Islamic period and the historical continuity of a site occupied since antiquity.

Excavations have uncovered a maqbara (burial site) of great interest for understanding the population of ancient Mentesa during the medieval period. The tombs reflect Islamic funerary rituals, with simple pits, bodies placed on their sides, and no grave goods, adhering to a practice marked by austerity and equality in death. Archaeological and anthropological studies have identified burials of adults, youth, and children, preliminarily dated between the late 9th and 11th centuries, a pivotal moment for understanding the Islamization of the region.

The site should not be approached as a conventional interior visit, as it is not officially designated as a public space and access appears to be restricted by ownership or a lack of tourist facilities. Therefore, the best way to incorporate it into a route is to explain it as an essential part of Mentesa Oretana and supplement this information with a visit to the Municipal Archaeological Museum, where visitors can understand the historical evolution of Villanueva de la Fuente. It can also be linked to the archaeological site on Mentesa Street and the area around the river's source, without suggesting direct entry to the necropolis without express authorization.