Around Sevilla: Jerez

Jerez is a city situated inland and is the largest city in the province of Cadiz.  The entire way of life and culture of the city is based around its wine production and horses.  Jerez has its own breed of horse known as the Caballo Jerezano, and its equestrian school is famous for the performances that they do.  The defining moment in Jerez’s calendar is the Horse Fair in May.  The fair is bright and colorful, and the best part is watching the horses prance around the site at midday.

Jerez is situated in the middle of a famous wine producing region, which can be seen by the number of bodegas located in the city.  The wines produced in Jerez, known as Fino and Manzanilla, are of a high quality and are known worldwide.  Some of the bodegas are more than two centuries old and have been converted into wine museums open to the public.

Other places of interest in Jerez are the Clock Museum, the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Merced, patron of the city, and the monastery with its huge collection of paintings, including works by Velazquez.  When visiting you also can’t miss going to Barrio Santiago or Barrio San Miguel, both gypsy neighborhoods famous for their flamenco singers.  Jerez is a good city for exploring on foot, and when you get tired, stop anywhere for a glass of quality wine.

While traveling to Jerez, you should also consider visiting the town of Arcos de la Frontera.  It is the best preserved medieval town in the whole province and is worth a stop to see the Parador (a restored palace), the church of Santa Maria and the Corpus Cristi where the nuns bake and sell delicious desserts.  Outside of Jerez you will also find Sanlucar de Barrameda, another town rich in bodegas and monuments.  We recommend going down to Bajo Guia and trying some shellfish too!

 

We hope you have a great time in Sevilla (and Jerez)!

Your friends at DiscoverSevilla Excursions
954 22 66 42
www.DiscoverSevilla.com