Andalucia

Western Andalucia - Spain

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Almonaster La real.

Almonaster is one of a handful of towns like Aroche, Alajar, Aracena and Jabugo. The later is famous around the world for the Jamon Serrano (cured ham) that it is produced from the meat of the Black Pigs that are reared in the region. All this towns can be found at the edge of the Parque Natural de la Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Europa. Almonaster with it quite streets and colonial styled mansions is surrounded by a dense forest of chestnut, holm oak, eucalyptus and cork. The Mosque (Mezquita) from 10th century is a fine example of Caliphal Architecture. The Plaza de Toros can be found next to the mosque.

Almonte.

Is one of the best known towns in the province of Huelva, it can be found at the edge of the Nature Reserve of Doñana Park, also not far is the beach resort of Matalascañas and the famous Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora del Rocio (Our Lady of The Dew). The town prestige comes from the wine that it produces, the smell linger in the streets during the Vendimia or wine producing season. The Plaza Virgen del Rocio where the local people stroll is fronted by two pf Almonte's main buildings an attractive colonial architecture styled church and the Town Hall.

Ayamonte

Is a port town situated at the mouth of the Guadiana river a natural border between Spain and Portugal. The locals enjoy a paseo along the Paseo de la Ribera, which has numerous outdoors cafes and it is situated in front of the port.

Niebla

. Is an old settlement dating back to 8C BC it is also known as La Roja (The Red one) because of the fortified wall that surrounds the town, it was erected in the 12C during the period of Almohad domination; the moors used clay from the banks of the Tinto River to build the wall hence its reddish colour, the wall runs for a length of 2km, it has 5 gateways and 50 watch towers. The Alcazar or Castillo de los Guzmanes dating from the 15C has retained several interesting vestiges of Moorish architecture. On the outskirts of Niebla the Rio Tinto is spanned by a large Roman Bridge.

El Rocio

. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Dew is a small village of whitewashed houses and sandy streets. It is situated within the municipal boundaries of Almonte, on the outer limits of the Parque Nacional de Doñana. During Whitsun weekend the tranquillity of El Rocio is broken, when around a million pilgrims make their way here to show their devotion to La Virgen del Rocio.

Sevilla

. The capital of Andalucia is a city of art and history which has managed to mantain its magnificent traditions without turning its back on modernity. Sevilla is bathed by the Guadalquivir a river that has left an indelible mark on the city's history. The sevillanos are pasionate about where they live and take every opportunity to extol its many virtues.

La Giralda.	Is the symbol of the city. This brick minarete was built at the end of the 12th C and it is a masterpiece of Almohad art. It is 96m/315ft high and form part of the old mosque.
Plaza de España	Aníbal González a Sevillian architect, was the creator of such beautiful plaza. It is of enormous proportions and it has exquisite ceramics. The main brick building is of semi-circular shape and finishes with two enormous towers one at each end. At the centre of the Plaza there is a magnificent water fountain.
Plaza de Toros	La Maestranza is Sevilla's famous plaza de toros, with its attractive red and white facade, was built between 1758 and 1881. One interesting feature of the building is that the actual bullring itself, it is not quite circular. La Puerta del Principe is an important feature of La Maestranza, for it is through this gate that triumphant toreros (bullfighters) are carried on the shoulders of their admiring fans. There is also a museum within the building where you can see and assortment of posters, paintings, busts, bullfighter's costumes, like the one worn by Manolete a famous Torero that died during a corrida (bullfight) at the arena of La Maestranza.

Carmona.

One of Andalucia's oldest towns stands on a hill overlooking an expansive and fertile plain irrigated by the Corbones River. The double Moorish arched Puerta de Sevilla is one of the few remains from the old fortress, which served as an entrance to the old quarter, Vestiges of the impressive walls built by the Carthaginians and strengthened by the Romans can also be seen dotted around this district. One of the most impressive features of the old town is the Puerta de Cordoba, where two superb octagonal towers of Roman origin and a gateway added in the 17C can be admired.

Acknowledgment The Green Guide Andalucia Michelin Travel Publication ISBN 2-06-158301-6

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