For centuries, Jerez de la Frontera has been a city of great importance. In recent years, it has gained worldwide recognition for its famous Sherry wine, produced in its fertile lands.
Jerez Airport, which serves over a million passengers each year, along with the race track and numerous conferences, contribute to a modern city that has retained its traditional charm.
The city's artistic tradition is evident in its streets filled with monuments. Notable examples include the baroque Jerez Cathedral and the Alcazaba, a Moorish legacy that has undergone significant restoration.
Jerez has been a crossroads for many civilizations throughout history. Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Christians have all passed through this city, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy.
The exact moment when the population settled in this area is unknown, but it is believed that the Tartessians or Phoenicians were the first ancestors of the people of Jerez.
From the twelfth century, with the arrival of the Arabs, the old city and its walled perimeter began to take shape. This wall was extended after the city's conquest by the Christians in the thirteenth century. It was during this period that many religious buildings were constructed to remove traces of Jewish or Muslim belief.
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, certain religious enclosures, such as groups of convents, were destroyed to make way for houses and squares, which eventually led to the destruction of parts of the ancient defensive walls and gates of the city.
The growth of the wine cellars began in the nineteenth century, gaining significant importance with the creation of the railway in 1854, which facilitated the transport of wine from Jerez to the rest of the peninsula.
Jerez has a wide selection of options to enjoy your free time: Cinemas, exhibitions, theatres, discos, nightclubs, shops, shopping centres, monuments... being the horse and wine its two representative elements known internationally.
From horse shows at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, to show races at Jerez circuit and the popular Jerez Fair.
12th Century fortress, former residence of the Caliph of Seville. Within is the Moorish mosque, which of ata María by Alfonso X the Wise, conqueror of the city.
Constructed over the principal Moorish mosque. Of particular interest among the image it houses is the 14th century figure of Christ, "Cristo de la Viga". Zurbarán's painting of "La Virgen Niña" (Our Lady as a Child) is in the Cathedral Museum.
Situated in one of the gipsy quarters of Jerez. In Elizabethan-Gothic style, it has a fine altarpiece by Martínez Montañes and José de Arce. It dates from the 16th century.
Built in 1575, this combines Plateresque with the Mudejar style which is typical of Jerez.
On the same square as the Town Hall, this Mudejar church was erected in honour of the Patron Saint of Jerez.
In the late Gothic style, the church stands on a square which contains several of the town's historically and architecturally most importants buildings, including the Archaeological Museum.
From the Almohade - Almorávide period, a good part of the structure still stands.
From the period of the Reconquest, its fine cloisters provide a setting for numerous expositions.
Dating from 1268, this church houses and image of the Virgen de la Merced, Patron Saint of Jerez. The alcove in which the image stands is one of the finest examples extant of craftmnship in silver.
This stands in other old quarter Jerez and dates from the 13th century, with later additions. The portal is in flamboyant Gothic style. The tower dates from 1665. The church is designated a National Monument.
One of Europe's best collections
Founded in 1476, this is the finest architectural complex in the province. It has a beautiful portal un Greco-Roman style. The church, in Gothic style, was completed in the 18th century.
Horses have occupied a special place in Andalucia since remote times, from the Middle Ages where games where practiced to serve as training for war, until the current day where these games which were practiced have evolved into the horse shows.
This museum tries to show the visitor the origin and evolution of equestrian art all around the world.
This museum has interactive system in English, French, German and Spanish. The texts which will find will be both in English and Spanish.
Jerez de la Frontera offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. From cultural events to local fairs, there's always something happening in this vibrant city.
Jerez hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year. Some of the highlights include:
The Feria del Caballo, also known as the Jerez Horse Fair, is one of the most famous events in Jerez. Held annually in May, this week-long celebration showcases the city's rich equestrian heritage. Highlights of the fair include:
The fair takes place at the González Hontoria fairground, covering an area of 52,000 square meters. It's a lively and exciting event that brings the entire city together.
The access roads are well connected with the rest of Andalusia. Jerez International Airport is modern, and its recently restored train station offers connections to Santa Justa in Seville, Madrid, Cádiz, and other destinations.
To get to Jerez from Málaga, head towards Gibraltar. You can take the shortest route through the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, passing through Alcalá de los Azules and Paterna de Rivera. Alternatively, you can drive along the coast, passing through Tarifa and Chiclana.
On the map below, you can see the chosen route in detail:
Official website in Spanish: http://www.jerez.es/
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