Marchena, Sevilla

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Quick Info 21,000 Residents   Health Clinic   Large Supermarkets, Commercial Centres Schools   Municipal Pool   Golf Nearby Antequera 111km Málaga 160km Granada 200km Sevilla 60km   Atlantic Coast 1h45 Med Coast 1h15   Bus & Train Service 160km to Málaga   200km to Granada   60km to Sevilla

Location

Local Information

Ayuntamiento de Marchena Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1 41620 Marchena, Sevilla Telephone: 955-846-457 www.ayto-marchena.com

About The Area

Sixty kilometers south of Seville, in the undulating cereal fields and olive groves of La Campiña of the Guadalquivir valley is Marchena. This pretty town liberally sprinkled with well-preserved monuments was in its heyday presided over by the Dukes of Arcos, who built the elegant colonnaded square, the Plaza Ducal, in front of what used to be the dukes' majestic mansion, which was sadly demolished in the early 20th century. Marchena is worth a visit for its collection of paintings by one of Spain's finest 17th-century artists, Francisco de Zubarán from Extremadura, along with other religious art. The town has a long history, whose settlers left their mark most notably with the town walls, first constructed by the Romans, revamped by the Moors and largely rebuilt by the Christians under Ferdinand III, who captured the town in 1240. Today, the restored Torre de Oro is the most impressive tower along this wall, while the Puerta de Sevilla, also known as the Arco de la Rosa, is the best gate. In the mid-14th century the town became a seigneury of Ponce de León and in the next century, the dukes of Arcos. Don't miss the Mudéjar parish church of San Juan Bautista, which houses the Museo Zubarán in its sacristy, with nine magnificent religious paintings by the renowned artist, of which the best is undoubtedly the canvas of La Inmaculada. Also part of the museum is a collection of intricately worked silver and gold liturgical objects, many dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The museum is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm. In the church are two 17th-century sculptures by Alonso Cano and Pedro de Mena. The church itself is built in the Gothic-Mudéjar style and dates from the 14th century. Built on the former site of a mosque, the Gothic-Mudéjar church of Santa María de la Mota has a fine Renaissance tower and belfry. From Marchena you can walk, cycle or ride on horseback along the Vía Verde of the Countryside, a greenway that follows the course of an old railway line for 91km to Valchillón just outside Cordoba. Price Guide   Top