Magallanes y Elcano

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Magallanes y Elcano. Ida y Vuelta de un Viaje de Sabores

Last visits

Monuments

Located at the highest point of Carmona, west of the walled compound, this fortified palace was likely built in the Muslim period, specifically in the 12th century; however, there is no archaeological evidence to substantiate it. It is rectangular and safeguarded in the north and west by a moat with two gates on both sides and an external fort (called “El Cubete”). It is accessed through a large pointed, horseshoe arch. Once inside the compound, a former guardhouse leads to the weapons courtyard. This square courtyard has three walls. The one that closes the courtyard is reinforced with several towers, including the Torre de Homenaje (keep). In the 14th century, King Pedro I commissioned several towers and an outer gate to Sevillian craftsmen. Since he wanted to transform the fortress into a sumptuous palace, he had it ornately decorated. Sadly, the fortress shows no traces of the beautiful plasterwork and marble columns that were installed in those days. This was primarily due to the destruction caused by the earthquakes that struck Carmona in 1504 and 1755. The latter, the so-called Lisbon earthquake, caused such devastation that the fortress was ultimately abandoned. Nowadays, the interior has been extensively modified and is used as a National Tourism Parador-Hotel, with Mudejar-style aesthetics, with numerous halls and courtyards. It was declared a Monument of Historic Interest in 1931, and an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1985.

Regions

Vía de la Plata Region

This region is made up of 8 towns connected by a route with centuries of history, the Vía de la Plata or Silver Route. An ancient Roman road, built during the reign of Augustus, it continues to serve its original purpose –to connect the south and north of Spain. A road that, throughout its history, also became the Way of Saint James for Andalusian and Extremaduran pilgrims. On your visit to the Vía de la Plata towns in Seville, you will enjoy the beauty of its natural surroundings, through which run the Guadiamar Green Corridor and the Huelva and Cala rivers. You can enjoy a wide range of active and adventure tourism, with activities such as fishing, paramotoring, rafting and climbing, among others. Hike on its famous Water Route, where you will discover archaeological treasures, as well as flora and fauna of high environmental value. Alternatively, spend a day with wildlife in Castillo de las Guardas Nature Reserve. You will also learn about the history of the towns in this Sevillian region, marked by the transit of travellers on the Silver Route. Charming little corners of the province with traces of the civilisations that passed through the Iberian Peninsula. From the Cerro de El Riscal rock art to unique monuments, such as a palaeo-Christian basilica in Gerena and a zawiya in Aznalcóllar. Last but not least, take part in the traditional festivals, in which the region's delicious food adds to the experience. Typical products include honey, the key ingredient in its sweet treats, artisan cheeses, mushrooms, wild boar and venison meats, and Iberian pork products. Delicacies of the area that will leave you wanting more. Climate The climate is warm and temperate. The average annual temperature is 18.1°C, and the yearly rainfall is around 563 mm. Surroundings The 8 municipalities in Seville's Vía de la Plata region are located beside the old Roman road Vía Augusta, currently the N-630 road. The Huelva and Cala rivers, as well as the Guadiamar Green Corridor, run through this natural area. There is also the Minilla Reservoir, the Serrano Lakes and Castillo de las Guardas Nature Reserve. Getting to Vía de la Plata You have two options to travel by car to the municipalities in this region. Take the N-630, the road built over the old Roman Via Augusta, or take the A-66 Ruta de la Plata motorway. The towns in this region do not have a train station. Still, you can travel on the different bus lines running from Plaza de Armas station in Seville. Getting around Thanks to the region's natural surroundings, it is ideal for hiking and cycling. You will enjoy exploring the Guadiamar Green Corridor and the Water Route. You will also love walking through the streets of the towns, and taking a tour through the villages in this beautiful region of Seville. Reasons to visit The natural surroundings are the main tourist attraction in this Sevillian region. You can choose from a wide range of active and adventure tourism activities. Dare to do bungee jumping, kayaking, hiking, cycling or horse riding at Guadiamar Green Corridor. Visit Castillo de las Guardas Nature Reserve and spend a day with wildlife, and learn about the native flora of this Sevillian region. Enjoy fishing in the Serrano Lakes and relax at Minilla Reservoir. Take a guided tour of Gerena or Castillo de las Guardas bull-breeding farms and watch the fighting bulls graze. Some of the best bullfighting herds in Spain can be found in this region. Discover the charming historical heritage of the towns in the Sevillian Vía de la Plata region. You can find remains of medieval castles, baroque churches and fascinating, unique monuments in the province, such as the Zawiya in Aznalcóllar and the palaeo-Christian basilica in Gerena. There are also old mines and quarries, which now cater to tourists. You can even discover relics from ancestral cultures, such as the Cerro El Riscal rock art in the town of El Madroño. Here, you will also be impressed by the large shaded area provided by the Encina de los Perros holm oak tree, which exceeds 600 square metres. This centuries-old tree has been declared a Natural Monument. Enjoy the delicious cuisine consisting of game meat such as wild boar and venison. The homemade stews and menudo are also very popular in this region, as are the Iberian pork sausages and similar products. Taste the local artisan cheeses and mushrooms, and of course, the honey. This region is the largest producer of honey in the province. If you have a sweet tooth, your senses will come alive with the piñonate, garrapiñada, meloja, rosas de miel, alfajor and rock candy. As for sports competitions, do not miss the famous Aznalcóllar Mountain Bike Challenge and the popular Nordic Walking Championship in El Ronquillo in spring. What to see You can discover small hidden treasures of great historical value in the Vía de la Plata region of Seville. Among them, in Aznalcóllar, you can visit the Zawiya, the only chapel in Andalusia from the Muslim era that is remarkably well preserved. Also from this period is the fortress in Castillo de las Guardas. From its viewpoint, you can take in the beautiful views of the Vía de la Plata. However, the most popular spot with tourists is the Nature Reserve, where you can spend a day with wildlife. It is also interesting to take the route through the 10 hamlets that are part of this region. You will come across dolmens and the source of the River Guadiamar. You will be amazed by the beautiful scenery you will see on the region's many nature trails. For example, in El Madroño, you will come across the Encina del Perro Natural Monument, a centuries-old holm oak tree whose shade is more than 600 metres long. In this same area, another route will take you to Cerro El Riscal, where you can discover the rock art hidden in the surroundings. Gerena is a town that owes its history to the quarries, as you will find out in the Museo del Cantero and during a visit to the Las Cruces Mine. Stroll through this charming town, where remains of its ancient walls and Roman ruins are still preserved. However, the most remarkable attraction is the remains of a palaeo-Christian basilica, surrounded by a necropolis, the oldest in Andalusia. Above all, do not miss the Water Route in Guillena, with its amazing surroundings, and relax at the Minilla Reservoir in El Ronquillo. The latter is often visited by fishing enthusiasts, as are the Serrano Lakes. Come and continue to explore the treasures of this Sevillian region, located in the old Via Augusta, or, the 'Vía de la Plata' as it will be known for posterity. Places to visit La Zawiya (Aznalcóllar) Centro Andaluz Fauna Salvaje (Castilblanco de los Arroyos) Fortified enclosure (El Castillo de las Guardas) Castillo de las Guardas Nature Reserve Encina de los Perros Natural Monument (El Madroño) Cerro El Riscal (El Madroño) Minilla Reservoir (El Ronquillo) Museo del Cantero and Canteras Viewpoint (Gerena) Palaeo-Christian Basilica and necropolis (Gerena) Las Cruces Mine (Gerena) Guadiamar Green Corridor Water Route (Guillena) Camino de Santiago Vía de la Plata

Monuments

Casa Palacio de Hernán Cortés

This stately 16th-century house once belonged to Juan Rodríguez, a Seville councillor. Barely anything remains of the original building after the renovation works undertaken. The conquistador Hernán Cortés spent the last years of his life here, occupying a suite of rooms that have recently been restored. A plaque on the door to this apartment commemorates this historical event: “Here died the great conqueror of Mexico in 1547”. In the mid-19th century, the palace was passed on to the Duke and Duchess of Montpensier, who undertook extensive renovation, expansion and beautification work within the house and in the gardens. At first glance, this Neo-Mudéjar building looks like a fortress, judging from its sturdy brick walls crowned with battlements. Abandoned and left in ruins, this mansion was purchased, renovated and expanded by the Duke and Duchess of Montpensier, Antonio de Orleáns y Luisa Fernanda de Borbón. While they usually resided at the San Telmo Palace in Seville, they used the refurbished property as their spring and summer house. By a twist of fate, their daughter, Maria de las Mercedes de Orleans, married her cousin, Spain’s King Alfonso XII, and received the palace in Castilleja de la Cuesta from her parents as her dowry. Hence, the house became a property of the Royal Family. However, the queen died only five months after her marriage, and the king never returned to the house. He left the palace to his eldest daughter María de las Mercedes, the Princess of Asturias. The two visits made by Queen Isabel II to the royal palace have been documented, as have been those made by her son King Alfonso XII, and the late María de las Mercedes, the mother of King Juan Carlos I. In September 1899, nuns from the congregation of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters) arrived in Seville from Ireland –hence, their moniker ‘Las Irlandesas’– and rented this house from Queen Maria Cristina before taking possession in 1903. The Loreto sisters continue to run it as a school today.

Publications

Where flamenco surrounds you

'Where flamenco surrounds you' is a guide to one of the most characteristic cultural manifestations within Seville and its province: Flamenco. To get to know and understand it, it is essential to immerse yourself in its quarters, streets and corners. Then, you will find references to this art form: its origin, evolution, main masters and events that have made it a universal art. Throughout the year, the municipalities of Seville host an endless number of events and activities related to Flamenco. In this guide we will show you the main keys so that during your visit you do not miss any of the aspects that have made Seville and its surroundings one of the main spotlights of Flamenco.

Publications

Gastroquivir

This guide offers a route that descends along this mythological river Betis, stopping on its banks and allowing us to be amazed by a heritage and a nature that has been emerging through history. Live this experience and taste the Guadalquivir.

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Recommended plans

Heritage

Culture

Natural Areas

Active tourism

Tourism à la carte

How to get there and move around

Where to sleep

Maps and Publications

Tourist offices

Tourist Services Companies

Tapas

Wines and liquors

Olives and oil

Iberian pig products and cheese

Rice and bread

Sweetmeats and mantecados

Our province

Our towns

Magallanes y Elcano