Cazalla de la Sierra, villages in the province of Seville Andalucía, Southern Spain

Cazalla de la Sierra, clockwise: Village from south, monument, antiquities in parish church yard, Plaza del Dr. Nosea, emblems in Town Hall patio.

Cazalla de la Sierra

by Saskia Mier and Chris Chaplow

Cazalla de la Sierra is the second-largest town in the Sierra Norte Natural Park. It boasts one of the finest churches in the Sierra Morena, as well as grand mansions, several monasteries, including one which has been converted into a hotel and arts centre, liqueur factories and wineries. The town has about 5000 inhabitants.

HISTORY

The earliest signs of settlements in Cazalla de la Sierra are found on the banks of the Viar, Benalija and Hueznar streams (the latter is famous for its waterfall near the town of San Nicolas del Puerto, north of Cazalla). Latin writer Pliny mentions the area as being occupied by Celts, referring to the area between the Guadiana and Guadalquivir rivers as "Beturia Celtica".

In the archaeological site of Cueva Chica de Santiago, ceramic, stone and bone objects have been found dating from the Middle or Upper Paleolithic period (6000 BC). The cave also shows signs of Neolithic civilization, with early ceramics from fourth millennium BC.

During the Moorish Almohad Dynasty, in the mid-12th century, Cazalla de la Sierra developed into a village with a castle and a walled enclosure (El Castillejo). Then, after the reconquest by King Fernando III of Castile in spring 1247, the town formed part of the kingdom of Castile and Leon.

In the 14th century, the village expanded outside the castle walls, forming the El Azahin district. Later, in the 16th century, Cazalla prospered thanks to wine production and, during the late 20th century, the production of distilled spirits. Both of these industries continue to flourish today. The town became an independent municipal district in 1917.

ORIENTATION

Head for the surprisingly quiet Plaza Major, where you should be able to park - this is the historic centre of the town. The court house, previously the Town Hall, dates from the 18th century, and next door is the 16^th-century ayuntamiento, today the village pensioners' social club.

THINGS TO SEE

Cazalla de La Sierra

Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de Consolación
The church is one of the most outstanding buildings of Sevillian regional religious architecture. It is set into the original Almohad (Moorish) defensive city walls - look out for the horseshoe arch door to the right of the church facade.

The original Mudejar church, with three naves, a polygonal apse and front tower, was built in 1350. It underwent two further construction phases: in 1538 part of the original building was demolished to construct a new Renaissance-Baroque style building with rectangular floor plan; and in the 18th century the remaining sections of the early Mudejar church were restored. Located in Plaza Mayor.

Almohad castle
Very little of the medieval castle remains. The walls on the south-west side of the church the walls are of solid construction and may have formed part of the castle walls, near the horseshoe doorway. In the foundations of the church tower are the remains of the castle tower.

Convento de Madre de Dios
The Renaissance convent was built in the 15th century, and rebuilt following fire damage suffered in 1722. Damaged during the Spanish Civil War, the building was restored in the early 1990s. Located on Calle Llana.

Convento de San Francisco
The convent was founded in 1493 by Don Diego de Torres, Master of Arts, Professor of Salamanca, and financed by the townsfolk through donations. At present, its interior holds the mercado de abastos (fresh produce market). It is currently undergoing gradual restoration. Located on Calle San Francisco.

Monasterio de Santa Clara
The Monastery was founded in 1569, by Don Diego de Almansa and Doña María Gayangos y Ulloa. At present it houses the Enseñanzas Medias "El Carmen" school; the original church is now an auditorium and library. Located on Calle Santa Clara.

Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Carmen
The Mudejar chapel, also known as San Ginés, dates from the 18th century.
This small chapel with a single nave is divided into three sections, with a square main chapel. The ceiling over the chancel is domed, while over the nave it is barrel-vaulted. Located in Paseo del Carmen, where you will find a bandstand and a few bars.

Convento de San Agustín (Ayuntamiento)
Baroque convent founded in 1588 in a hermitage called Nuestra Señora de la Soledad. In the 19th century, the convent passed into the hands of the state, until the Civil War, when it became an aniseed liquor factory. Now the Town Hall of Cazalla, the cloisters and patio are open in the mornings to wander around. Local produce such as anis, aguardiente, olive oil, goat's cheese, and tortas de polvoron are displayed in the entrance. Located in Plaza del Doctor Nosea.

Iglesia de San Benito (Hotel Palacio de San Benito)
The church was built in the late 16th century by the Orden de Calatrava, and originally used as a hospital for Camino de Santiago pilgrims. Suffering serious damage in the earthquake of Lisbon in 1755, it was reconstructed by Martín de Gaínza. One nave is divided into four sections by pointed segmental arches. The construction is strong, with exterior walls supported by thick buttresses and iron balustrades in the belfry. The unusual triangular tower rises above the roof in one corner of the façade; it has been declared monument of historic interest. This building is now used as the Hotel-Restaurant Palacio de San Benito. Located on Paseo del Moro.

Convento de Los Diezmos (Bodegas Miura)
This liqueur factory produces Miura Guindas, a sweet creamy wild morello cherry and aniseed liqueur which is served chilled. The factory is located in the old Convento de los Diezmos, a beautiful setting both in the patio and the salon. The venue is also popular for weddings, and there is a small museum. The company is now part of Grupo Caballero from El Puerto de Santa Maria, which also owns Lustau Sherry bodega. The guided tour, when available, costs 5€. Located at Calle Virgin del Monte 48.

THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE

Monasterio de la Cartuja de la Inmaculada Concepción
Today, La Cartuja Monastery is a hotel and contemporary cultural centre - exhibitions are held in the refectory - offering activities such as ceramics classes and star-gazing, as well as spaces for yoga and meditation. La Cartuja is also another historic and beautiful wedding venue. As well as the olive mill, an orchard, a pond and gardens are part of the monastery complex. Located on the A-455 to Constantina. More>

Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Monte
The chapel was built in the 18th century. Located 4km from Cazalla de la Sierra, on the SE-195.

Cuevas de Santiago
Cuevas de Santiago is a complex system of caves, with 21 entrances, numerous rooms and galleries, and even underground lakes. Neolithic remains have been found inside the caves, as well as prehistoric remains dating back to 3,500 BC, suggesting the caves were originally occupied by primitive hunters. Located on the SE-176.

Cazalla de la Sierra

Cazalla de la Sierra

HISTORY

ORIENTATION

THINGS TO SEE

THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE

Hotels

Book hotels in Cazalla

HIKING/COUNTRYSIDE WALKS

GASTRONOMY

LIQUEURS AND WINE

WINERIES

FESTIVALS

TOURIST OFFICE

NEAREST PLACES

Destinations