Jerez De La Frontera

This Moorish castle was constructed during the period of Muslim rule and is the last remaining mosque of the 18 built. It was situated on the highest point of the ancient city as a defensive fort. The perimeter walls, an octagonal tower and baths remain. The Islamic gardens have a formal layout and feature fountains. The mosque was converted into a chapel in 1264 and a palace was added in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Alcazar is the oldest monument in the city and is open year round. Visitors can climb the tower and walk along the ramparts which offer sweeping views of the city.

Alcazar, Calle Alameda Vieja, s/n, 11403 Jerez de la Frontera

The building which has been Jerez's cathedral since 1980 took more than 80 years to build, from 1695 to 1778. Consequently, a number of architectural concepts were incorporated in the design. It has Gothic flying buttresses and gargoyles, a Baroque facade and a Renaissance dome. The collegiate church was built on the site of a former mosque and one of the minarets has remained as a tower. The exterior and interior have neoclassical elements with several statues and tableaux adorning the walls. It is the seat of the Diocese of Asidonia-Jerez and was declared a Property of Cultural Interest in 1931.

Cathedral - San Salvador, Plaza Encarnación, s/n, 11403 Jerez de la Frontera, Phone: +34-956-16-90-59

The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation is world renowned for its show, 'How the Andalusian Horses Dance'. The show was instituted to celebrate the recognition given to the organization by King Juan Carlos I in 1973. In 1986 the school acquired 35 purebred Spanish horses and 19 horse-drawn carriages, along with harnesses, saddles and embroidered costumes dating back to the 1730s. The show is performed several times a week in the arena which seats 1600. The museum features antiquities alongside state-of-the-art interactive displays on the school's history and aims. Avenida Duque de Abrantes, S/N. Palacio Recreo de las Cadenas.

11407. Jerez de la Frontera, Phone: +34-956-92-25-80

Attractions for Couples

Early in the 19th century, when the wine industry in the region was at its zenith, Manuel Gonzalez started a small winery. Within 20 years, his enterprise grew to be the leading exporter of sherry. He built the first bodegas or wine storage facilities and left behind an architectural legacy. The winery offers guided tours in English, Spanish and German. There are a range of tour packages to choose from beginning with the basic tasting of between 2-4 wines or sherries. There are also brandy tours, bicycle and 4 X 4 routes, and a choice of lunch, dinner or tapas tastings.

Tio Pepe Bodegas , Calle de Manuel María González, 12, 11403 Jerez de la Frontera, Phone: +34-956-35-70-16

The concept of tradition is of utmost importance to this winery. It was founded in 1998 by Joaquim Rivero whose family owned the oldest sherry house in the region. Traditional techniques, using only natural fermentation processes, are used to age the wine. An old sherry warehouse was acquired and refurbished as a cellar. It is open for viewing by appointment. The private art gallery of 300 Spanish artworks from the 15th to the 20th century is housed in the cellar. The winery produces 1500 casks per annum, enough for 20000 bottles of wine, most of which is exported.

Bodegas Tradicion, Plaza Cordobeses, 3, 11408 - Jerez de la Frontera, Phone: +34-956-16-86-28

This winery started producing wines for sherry producers in 1886. In 1945, under the leadership of Emitio Lustau Ortega, the son-in-law of the founder, first produced sherries under the Lustau label. In 1950, the company started exporting sherries and has subsequently been awarded several medals and trophies for their products. In 1990, the company merged with Luis Caballero and later renovated six bodegas in the center of the city. They have vineyards in three areas of the sherry region and produce wine, sherry, brandy and vinegar. They offer tastings, with explanations in English and Spanish.

Lustau , Calle Arcos, 53, 11402 Jerez De La Frontera, Cádiz, Phone: +34-956-34-15-97

The Plaza del Toros de Jerez is one of the oldest and most famous bullrings in Andalusia. It was first built in 1839 as a 16-sided wooden structure with seating for 11000 spectators. Unfortunately, it burnt down in 1860. It took 12 years to reconstruct but was burnt again in 1891. The current arena was built in 1894 and has an eclectic mix of styles resulting from its history. There are regular bullfights on the program and the plaza is also used for livestock contests and, until recently, the annual Horse Fair was held there.

The annual, week-long Feria Del Caballo Horse Fair has been held in May in Jerez since 1983. Hundreds of men, women and children dress in traditional costumes and parade their purebred Spanish horses through the streets and into the González Hontoria fairground. The men wear black suits with short jackets or boleros and flat broad-rimmed hats. The women wear brightly colored, flamenco or gypsy dresses and carry fans. Several marquees are erected on the grounds and local food and beverages are served. Bullfights are scheduled at the bullring during the festivities and at night the fairground turns into an amusement park.

Tabanco is a term originating from the 17th and 18th century. It means a small shop that sells tobacco. In modern times the term has come to be associated with sherry bars. The Tabanco El Pasaje is so named because its two entrances form a passage. Wines and sherries from local wineries are served. Tapas are on the menu, paired with wines poured straight from the barrel. A smoked fish dish is the specialty of the house. Flamenco shows are featured daily and entrance is free. This sherry bar is on the Tabanco Route.