t A geometrically tiled square in Jerez de la Frontera at dusk
The capital of sherry production, Jerez is surrounded by chalky countryside blanketed with long rows of vines. To best appreciate the city, take a tour of one of its many bodegas, where you’ll walk through cellars piled high with barrels and learn how to distinguish between a fino, an amontillado and an oloroso sherry.
t A geometrically tiled square in Jerez de la Frontera at dusk
EXPERIENCE Cádiz and Málaga
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Set in a magnificent 19th-century palace, the Royal Andalucían School of Equestrian Art is one of the most prestigious riding academies in the world. The school plays a significant role in preserving the Andalucían horse, a breed known for its dressage prowess. On selected days, in a display of exquisite dressage, the school’s horses dance to music amid colourful pageantry. Complete your visit with a tour of the on-site Equestrian Art Museum and Carriage Museum.
Khronos, the God of Time, commands over this unusual clock museum. Considered to be one of the most original museums in Spain, the Palace of Time displays over 300 Spanish, English and French time pieces, dating from as far back as the 17th century. During the 50-minute tour, you’ll hear the symphony of sound created when all of the clocks chime together on the hour and half hour – an amazing sensory experience.
This old Collegiate Church, dating from the Christian conquest of Jerez in 1264, combines Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical architectural styles. It was granted cathedral status by Pope John Paul II in 1984. The cathedral museum contains many original works of art, including The Virgin Girl by Zuburán.
Other highlights of the cathedral include the fragrant Patio de Naranjos (patio of orange trees) and the “secret staircase”, a spiral stairway that doesn’t actually lead anywhere today.
An essential part of any visit is to climb up the bell tower, built on the site of the minaret of the old mezquita. Those who venture to the top are rewarded with magnificent views of Jerez.
Considered to be one of only a few examples of Almohad architecture left in Spain, the Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera is one of the city’s most emblematic monuments. A stroll through the beautiful gardens, scented with olive and cypress trees, jasmine and orange blossom, transports you back to the 12th-century Almohad world.
The Mezquita, with its minaret, ablutions patio and prayer room, and the Arabic Baths are just two of the original areas of the fortress that can be visited. You can also take in the Baroque Villavicencio Palace, which was built during renovations of the Alcázar in 1664. Its tower contains a camera obscura, offering a bird’s-eye view of Jerez de la Frontera and the surrounding area.
The 15th-century Palacio de Pemartín serves as the Centre of Andalucían Flamenco, which, through exhibitions and audiovisual shows, offers an insight into this musical tradition. There are often performances in the palace’s central patio.
EXPERIENCE Cádiz and Málaga
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drink Bodegas Real Tesoro Take a tour of this award-winning bodega, founded in 1897 by the Marques del Real Tesoro. ⌂ Carretera Nacional IV, km 640 ∑ grupoestevez.es Bodegas González Byass A train ride through this 19th-century bodega is the highlight here. ⌂ Calle Manuel María González 12 ∑ tiopepe.com Bodegas Fundador This 18th-century winery is home to the famous Harvey’s brand. ⌂ Calle Puerta de Rota s/n ∑ grupoemperadorspain.com |