 Utrera
Andalucia
Sevilla
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Utrera is located to the southeast
of Seville, in a landscape of olive groves, wheat fields and
vast cattle ranches, famous for the breeding of fighting bulls.
The town's origins are extremely remote, as proven by archaeological
finds going back to the Chalcolithic period, and which indicate
that the culture was not only of local origin, but also linked
to other prehistoric peoples of the Mediterranean basin.
However, it was the Romans who left the deepest mark on Utrera.
There are some tombs from the early Christian (Visigothic)
period, which were later re-used by the Moors after the Arab
invasion.
The first strictly historical record we have of Utrera dates
back to the mid 13th century, when Alfonso X the Wise consolidated
the conquest of Seville and shared out the former Moorish lands.
Utrera is the birthplace of a great variety of figures, such
as Rodrigo Caro, Ruiz Gijon, Bernardino Alvarez, Abate Marchena,
the Alvarez Quintero brothers.
After you have seen Utrera's lovely streets and buildings,
don't miss the chance to try some of its greatly renowned sweets,
such as the famous mostachones, a sort of shortbread, you be
sure not to regret it!
1. THE CASTLE
Its oldest sections date from the 13th century; the ground
plan is quite regular, with four towers at the corners and
several more in between. The Best preserved of them all is
the keep, square in shape, with two floor with arched ceilings
and a terrace.
2. PARISH CHURCH OF SANTIAGO EL MAYOR
Built towards the end of the 13th century; the interior has
handsome pillars and ribbed vaults; the exterior, the tapered
dome of the transept and the impressive door known as the Portada
del Perdon.
3. PARISH CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DE LA MESA
This 15th century church is in the Gothic style, although
it was remodelled on several occasions. Its magnificent entrance
is one of the loveliest examples of the Plateresque style in
Andalucia, and served as a model for the entrances of some
of the first churches built in the New World.
4. SANCTUARY OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE CONSOLACION
This sanctuary, on the outskirts of the town, was once part
of the Convent of Minim Friars. The figure of Our Lady of Consolacion,
Utrera's patroness, dates from the 15th century. Of special
interest are the lavish coffered ceiling in the Mudejar style,
the sacristy and the painted ex-votos.
5. RESURRECTION HOSPITAL
Founded in 1520; all that remains of the original construction
is the central patio and the two Gothic sepulchres in the chapel.
6. CONVENT OF THE PURISIMA CONCEPCION
Has a fine coffered ceiling in wood with intricate Mudejar
carvings. This convent has been cloistered since 1578.
7. CHAPEL OF SAN FRANCISCO
Dates from 1640. Fine wall paintings covering the dome.
8. CHAPEL OF SAN BARTOLOME
Built in the 17th century. Contains a figure of Our Father
Jesus of Nazareth, carved by Marcos de Cabrera in 1557.
9. CHAPEL OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LOS DOLORES
Dates from the second third of the 18th century. contains
interesting sculptures and paintings.
10. CHAPEL OF EL CARMEN
Church of the Convent of Carmelite Fathers founded in 1556.
Is currently part of the Colegio Salesiano, the oldest school
of the Salesian Order in Spain (1881).
11. CHAPEL OF THE SANTISIMA TRINIDAD
Was built between 1719 and 1723.
12. MILITARY TOWERS AND FORTRESSES
There are numerous ruins of ancient military constructions
scattered about the surrounding countryside, such as: Torre
del Aguila, Torre Alocaz del Bollo, Lopera, Matera and Troya.
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
If you take a stroll through the town, you will be able to
see some of the following historical buildings, each with its
own charm; Niño Perdido, Calle Rodrigo Caro, Porches
de Santa Maria, Cuesta de Santiago, Casa Consistorial, Casa
Surga, Casa Riarola, the "Enrique de la Cuadra" Municipal
Theatre, and the windmill towers of the following streets:
Vicente Giraldez, Morales, Mudejar, Sacramento, Preciosa and
Ponce de Leon.
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