Jerez de la Frontera Attractions
Jerez de la Frontera lies in a fertile upland region on the southern edge of the Andalusian plain, some 35km/22mi northeast of Cádiz. Important to the economy of the area is the breeding of pedigree horses, particularly the fiery Andalusian breed. Jerez is famous, too, as a center of flamenco dancing and the cante jondo. All these activities come together in two great annual festivals.
History
The area between Jerez and Cape Trafalgar was the scene of the decisive battle in 711 between Visigoths and Moors which condemned Christian Spain to many Centuries of subjection under alien peoples from the East. Another great battle fought here in 1340 ended in a Christian victory which prevented the last invasion from North Africa. Jerez has borne the style "de la Frontera" ("on the Frontier") - along with other towns on the frontier with the Moorish East - since 1379.
History
The area between Jerez and Cape Trafalgar was the scene of the decisive battle in 711 between Visigoths and Moors which condemned Christian Spain to many Centuries of subjection under alien peoples from the East. Another great battle fought here in 1340 ended in a Christian victory which prevented the last invasion from North Africa. Jerez has borne the style "de la Frontera" ("on the Frontier") - along with other towns on the frontier with the Moorish East - since 1379.
Centro Andalusian Flamenco
In the Palacio de Pemartin in the Plaza San Juan of Jerez de la Frontera is the Fundación Andaluza de Flamenco. Here visitors can learn all about flamenco dancing from a variety of displays, video films and demonstrations and from the library.
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Royal Andalusian Riding School
The Royal Andalusian Riding School is a good place to see and learn about the Andalusian horse and associated industry.
Alcázar
The main square, the Alameda Fortún de Torres, is in the southern part of the town. On its south side is the Alcázar, a massive Almohad stronghold dating from the 11th century. Within its walls are a Gothic chapel, Arab baths and the palace, rebuilt in Renaissance style. From the keep there are fine views.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | ||||||
| Close |
Always closed on:
Epiphany (3 Kings' Day ) - Christian (January 6)
New Year's Day (January 1)
Andalusia Day - Spain (February 28)
13th C. Horse - Spain (May 12~18)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
National Day - Spain (October 12)
All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Monday after the Immaculate Conception - Spain (December 9)
Constitution Day - Spain (December 6)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Maundy (Holy) Thursday - Christian (Apr 05)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
New Year's Day (January 1)
Andalusia Day - Spain (February 28)
13th C. Horse - Spain (May 12~18)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
National Day - Spain (October 12)
All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Monday after the Immaculate Conception - Spain (December 9)
Constitution Day - Spain (December 6)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Maundy (Holy) Thursday - Christian (Apr 05)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Archeological Museum
The archeological museum can be found in the northwest of Jerez, near the church of San Mateo.
The museum displays collections from the paleolithic and neolithic periods, the copper age, the Roman and Visigothic period, Moorish and medieval periods, and other various items and themes.
The museum displays collections from the paleolithic and neolithic periods, the copper age, the Roman and Visigothic period, Moorish and medieval periods, and other various items and themes.
Museo Arqueológico Municipal de Jerez
Plaza del Mercado
E-11408 Jerez de la Frontera
Spain
Plaza del Mercado
E-11408 Jerez de la Frontera
Spain
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:30 | 14:30 | |
| Open | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
Always closed on:
Andalusia Day - Spain (February 28)
13th C. Horse - Spain (May 12~18)
Monday after the Immaculate Conception - Spain (December 9)
13th C. Horse - Spain (May 12~18)
Monday after the Immaculate Conception - Spain (December 9)
Atalaya Clock Museum
One of the finest bodegas in Jerez, in the northwest of the town, is now occupied by the Atalaya Clock Museum, with more than 300 antique clocks, some of them very valuable, from all over Europe.
Hours
March 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | |
| Open | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 |
November 1 to February 28
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
Always closed on:
Epiphany (3 Kings' Day ) - Christian (January 6)
New Year's Day (January 1)
Andalusia Day - Spain (February 28)
13th C. Horse - Spain (May 12~18)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
National Day - Spain (October 12)
All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Monday after the Immaculate Conception - Spain (December 9)
Constitution Day - Spain (December 6)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Maundy (Holy) Thursday - Christian (Apr 05)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
New Year's Day (January 1)
Andalusia Day - Spain (February 28)
13th C. Horse - Spain (May 12~18)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
National Day - Spain (October 12)
All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Monday after the Immaculate Conception - Spain (December 9)
Constitution Day - Spain (December 6)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Maundy (Holy) Thursday - Christian (Apr 05)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Casa del Cabildo
To the northeast of the collegiate church and the Alcázar in Jerez de la Frontera is the Plaza de la Asunción the Plateresque Casa del Cabildo, the former town hall, which was erected in 1575.
Charterhouse
A few kilometers southeast of Jerez is the Cartuja, a former Carthusian monastery founded in 1477. Here in the 16th century German, Italian and Andalusian horses were crossed to produce the ''Carthusian'' breed. In the mid 18th century Charles III presented several Cartuja stallions to the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa, and these became the ancestors of the famous Lipizzaner horses of the Vienna Riding School. The monastery has a magnificent Renaissance gateway (1571) and a Gothic church with a richly decorated facade of 1667.
Circuito de Jerez
10km/6mi northeast of Jerez on N 342 is the Circuito de Jerez, a motor-racing track on which the Spanish Grand Prix and other world championship races are run. Near here is Sherryworld, a leisure and entertainment park with an area of 63 hectares/156 acres.
Horse Show
The Fería del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera takes place in the first half of May.
This annual tradition attracts visitors and horse lovers from all over.
This annual tradition attracts visitors and horse lovers from all over.
La Colegiata
Northwest of the Alcázar in Jerez de la Frontera stands the Baroque collegiate church of San Salvador (begun 1695), built on the foundations of an earlier mosque. From the free-standing bell-tower there are very fine views. The church, which is approached by a Baroque staircase, contains a painting by Zurbarán.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 |
San Dionisio
In the Plaza de la Asunción of Jerez de la Frontera stands the Mudéjar-style church of San Dionisio which has a fine Baroque retablo.
San Miguel
To the east of the Flamenco Center in Jerez de la Frontera is the church of San Miguel (1430-1512), with a richly decorated west front of 1672 and a blue tiled tower. Harmoniously proportioned interior. The high altar has a retablo with reliefs by Martínez Montañés and Juan de Arce (1625).
Vintage Festival
The Fiesta de la Vendimia at Jerez de la Frontera, in the first half of September includes a flamenco festival.
Zoo
In the west of Jerez de la Frontera lies the Parque Zoológico, the largest in Andalusia. With it is associated a very attractive Botanical Garden.
The zoo maintains large collection of both exotic and domestic animals.
The zoo maintains large collection of both exotic and domestic animals.
Jerez de la Frontera Parque Zoológico
Taxdirt
E-11404 Jerez de la Frontera
Spain
Taxdirt
E-11404 Jerez de la Frontera
Spain
Hours
May 1 to May 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
June 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 |
September 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
October 1 to April 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
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