Jerez de la Frontera is located in the province of Cádiz and is a tourist enclave par excellence for all those who are looking for a destination with tradition and tradition. In the year 2022 Jerez had a total of 300,000 travelers visiting its tourist enclaves and charms.
But, how is tourism in the city of Jerez? What is the most important thing to visit or see?
Well, this city is known for its wineries, horses, flamenco and the motor. In addition, it is important to note that its old town is a historical-artistic complex.
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A bit of history about Jerez de la Frontera
Tourism in the city of Jerez is to return to its past. A city founded by the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago under the name of Xera. Later, the Romans renamed it Ceret, and when it was a Muslim fortress, it became known as Xeret.
With the conquest of the city by the Catholic Monarchs, Jerez was already known for its great wines. Its fame and proliferation increased thanks to trade agreements with the English.
People created the horse breed “La Cartujana” in the Middle Ages and have maintained the breed for centuries.
As you can see, walking through the streets of Jerez already implies doing a lot of tourism, due to all the legacies that different cultures have left on this city, especially the Muslim one.
Tourism in the city of Jerez. What to see and do
What to see in the city of Jerez?
We are going to start by explaining some of the essential places to visit in the city.
San Dionisio:
It is a church located in the Plaza de la Asunción dedicated to the patron saint of the city. In it you can see the Jerez Mudejar style.
San Miguel:
On the other side of the Alcázar is the square and church of San Miguel, in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Of this church we highlight the altarpiece inside.
Also, you can visit the gypsy neighborhood of San Miguel, which is always highly recommended.
Neighborhoods of San Lucas and San Mateo:
In these neighborhoods you can admire the urban layout of the Muslims and also, you can visit churches, the market square and the Riquelme and Permantín palaces.
Jerez Cathedral:
It is also known as San Salvador, a baroque church based on a mosque.
Inside you can admire some works such as: Choir stalls or the Virgen Niña by Zurbarán.
Also, its adjacent tower is an ancient minaret.
Santiago neighborhood:
Considered the cradle of flamenco in Andalusia, where some artists such as Manuel Molina, Lola Flores, etc. were born.
Lola Flores, also known as La Faraona, was a legendary Spanish flamenco dancer, singer, and actress. She was born in Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia, in 1923 and became one of the most famous and beloved performers of her time.
Lola Flores began her career as a flamenco dancer at a young age. Despite this, she began acting in theaters and flamenco clubs throughout Andalusia. Hers Her powerful and passionate dance style quickly made her a crowd favorite. She soon began to incorporate singing into her performances.
In addition to her flamenco performances, Lola Flores has also appeared in numerous movies and television shows. So she ended up becoming a beloved icon of Spanish popular culture. She was known for her unique voice, her extravagant stage presence and her dramatic personal life. It included multiple marriages and a highly publicized battle with cancer.
Lola Flores is one of the most important interpreters of Spanish culture that people remember in Spanish culture. People still celebrate her contributions to flamenco music and dance.
Her legacy continues to inspire and influence flamenco artists around the world.
The Jerez Alcazar:
In the fortress are the mosque, Arab baths and the Garden of Olives.
With a perimeter of 4KM, 16 thousand people came to live inside. It was built in the 12th century and is an example of the Almohad architecture of the Iberian Peninsula.
The Cartuja Monastery:
The Monasterio de la Cartuja, also known as the Cartuja de Jerez de la Frontera, is an impressive Carthusian monastery. Dating back to the 15th century located on the outskirts of Jerez de la Frontera in the Andalusia region of Spain. People consider the monastery to be one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Spain. Additionally, people know it for its beautiful art and stunning gardens.
The Monastery of La Cartuja was founded in 1475 by King Enrique IV of Castile. For more than 400 years it has been home to a community of Carthusian monks. A church, decorated with ornate stone carvings and stained glass windows, is inside the monastery.
The church also contains beautiful sculptures and works of art, including a painting of the Virgin Mary by the renowned Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.
In addition to its beautiful church, the Cartuja Monastery is also known for its impressive gardens. These feature fountains, sculptures, and a variety of plants and flowers. The gardens are an oasis of peace and tranquility. Where visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk around the grounds while admiring the beautiful scenery.
Today, the Cartuja Monastery is open to the public, and visitors can take guided tours of the monastery and gardens. The monastery also hosts cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
What to do in the city of Jerez?
Wine:
As we anticipated, Jerez is known for its wines from the Denomination of Origin Jerez-Xerès-Sherry and Manzanilla.
In order to enjoy them, we can go to large traditional wineries, see the production of wine and have a wine tasting. Or tabancos that are typical Jerez taverns. In these establishments, wine is drunk in bulk and flamenco is heard live.
Gastronomy:
Another of the charms of tourism in Jerez is its gastronomy. You cannot miss any of the dishes from this area, such as Jerez cabbage or tripe with chickpeas ( Berza slow cooking) .
They have a wide range of “Jerez-style” recipes that include wines such as fino, amontillado, Pedro Ximénez…
Shows of the Royal Andalusian School:
Equestrian ballet where purebred horses perform choreographies with Spanish music.
The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, also known as the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, is a prestigious equestrian institution located in the city of Jerez de la Frontera, in the Andalusia region of Spain. They created the school in 1973 with the aim of promoting and preserving the equestrian traditions of Andalusia. The school is housed in a beautiful 18th-century palace, the Palacio de las Cadenas, which serves as the backdrop for the school’s breathtaking performances.
The school’s main attraction is the show “How the Andalusian Horses Dance”, which features traditional Spanish music and choreography, as well as impressive displays of horsemanship.
The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is also a center for training riders and horses in classical dressage techniques. The school offers a range of courses and programs for riders of all levels, from beginners to advanced riders, as well as courses for veterinarians, trainers, and judges.
Visitors to the school can take a tour of the facilities, watch training sessions, and attend performances. The school is a must-visit destination for equestrian enthusiasts and those interested in experiencing the rich cultural traditions of Andalusia.
MotoGP Spain:
As we said at the beginning of the article, Jerez has “El circuito de Jerez” which is a benchmark for all MotoGP lovers.
Currently, there are several events throughout the year for motor lovers, which attract thousands of tourists.
We hope you enjoy your visit to this city and that you can experience its history and all the experiences it has to offer.
Festival de Jerez
The meeting place for the most authentic flamenco in the city of compás.
The city of Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia (Spain), celebrates the annual flamenco festival of Jerez.
The festival is one of the most important flamenco events in the world and brings together the best artists from Spain and beyond.
Usually takes place in February or March and features a diverse range of performances, including concerts, dance shows, workshops, and competitions. The festival also includes events related to flamenco culture, such as exhibitions, lectures, and book presentations.
Jerez de la Frontera is known as one of the cradles of flamenco. That is why the festivals are a celebration of the city’s rich flamenco heritage. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. So it is a great opportunity to experience flamenco culture and immerse yourself in this exciting and powerful art form.
If you are interested in attending the Jerez Flamenco Festival, it is recommended to plan ahead and book tickets and accommodations in advance, also plan other experiences to enjoy as a local, as the festival is very popular and can sell out quickly. As you have seen, the motor of Jerez is its tourism, focused on its culture, gastronomy and monuments.