Wandering In Jerez De La Frontera
Jerez is situated very near to the Costa de la Luz, which makes it a great holiday destination throughout the entire year. Tourists visit the resort attracted by the delicious wines, the joyous fiestas, the flamenco dancers and its cultural and artistic heritage. For those who love the adrenaline of motorcycles, Jerez is the perfect destination during the annual “Grand Prix” which takes place during April.
The wine making history in Jerez is very old, dating back to 3,000 years ago; imagine the fact that Jerez has been exporting its wine production for 2,000 years! The Carthusian monks started to breed horses in the region, so one of the most renowned horse clubs in Spain is in Jerez. The origins of flamenco are strongly connected to Jerez and the traditional Jerez Flamenco Festival attracts tourists from all over the world every year; it is perfect way to connect with the customs of this amazing country, so don’t miss it!
The main attractions in Jerez
Jerez has much to offer the sightseeing tourist. As soon as you draw near to the city you can see the ancient city walls. Built by the Almohads in the 12th century the walls were constructed to guard and protect the city but now serve as a wondrous example of times gone by. It is well worth a few hours of your time to explore them.
The Alcazar is another important monument in Jerez. This impressive fortress was built by the Moors, who ruled there for a few centuries, as they did in many other parts of Spain. Dating back to the 11th century it was converted into a Christian church in 1255 and a bell tower created from the minaret. Originally there were 18 Mosques in the city but now only the Alcazar remains; the Arab baths and the patios are of unbelievable beauty, places where you can relax and take a journey through Spain’s incredible past.
The Gothic monastery is the pride of the city, because it is the place where the Carthusian monks started to breed their famous horses for the first time. The San Mateo Church, which is also the oldest in Jerez and the Santiago Church, an exquisite example of Baroque and Renaissance architecture are two sightseeing monuments that must be on your list. The Palacio Montana is also worth adding to your schedule because it is representative of the architectural style of Jerez in the 18th century. Have fun!