Pretty whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillea.
Some 80km north of Seville, Constantina is the largest town in the Sierra Norte Natural Park. Originally a Celtic settlement and an important Roman town, it has lots of Medieval character particularly in the maze of cobbled streets in Barrio La Morería on the hill topped by a ruined Moorish castle.
In the heart of Constantina is its 14th-century Mudéjar church, the Iglesia de la Encarnación, which has an imposing tower and Renaissance portal, the Puerta del Perdón, designed by Seville's Giralda architect, Hernán Ruiz. It also has a fine collection of 18th- and 19th-century silverwork.
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The fascinating Barrio La Morería is worth exploring with its steep streets, pretty whitewashed houses and elegant 18th-century mansions. Climb up to the castle for some spectacular views.
Fábrica-Museo Anís La Violetera on Calle Mentidero is a factory and museum dedicated to anís, the aniseed-based liqueur that both this town and Cazalla are famous for producing. It demonstrates local traditions, employing techniques dating from the 16th century, of distilling anís in a copper still that is wood-fired, using holm oak. Try the speciality, crema de guindas, which is made using cherries.
There are a few places to stay in the town, including the three-star Hotel San Blas, 955 880 077, with a pool, and a youth hostel.
The tourist office (turismo) is located on Avenida Andalucia, 955 881 297.
North of Constantina is the Cerro del Hierro Natural Monument, a geologically interesting site of a former iron (hierro) mine.
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