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The Lonely Planet Guide to Andalucia
Travel guides to Spain
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Flag of AndaluciaUtrera

Andalucia

Sevilla

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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The Rough Guide
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