VALENCINA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN
by Saskia Mier
Valencina del Concepción is home to the well known Dolmens of Valencina. It has about 7,900 inhabitants.
HISTORY
The dolmens in the area are evidence of the Chalcolithic or Enololithic period around the year 3000 B.C. It is part of the megalithic architecture, apparently appeared in the east at the end of the fifth millennium B.C.
Subsequently, there was a Roman foundation here that eventually became a Moorish farm. After its conquest by the Christians in the middle of the thirteenth century, the territory was entrusted to the Ortiz de Zúñiga family. It was later granted to the Marquis of Valencina, under whose jurisdiction is maintained until the extinction of señoríos in the nineteenth century.
From the early twentieth century until the 1960s, urban growth has remained very moderate. In the 1970s there was a great development of new housing estates, in which isolated single-family dwellings for second homes (in some cases first) predominated.
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Estrella
The church dates from the seventeenth century, later restored in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Located in Plaza Nuestra Señora de la Estrella.
Ermita del Pilar
A small chapel built in 1940 with a unique Triana style decoration. Located on Avenida Andalucía.
Hacienda de Tilly
Accessed through an elegant Baroque entrance dating from the seventeenth century. The farmhouse shows architecture from different eras. Interior not visitable. Located on Calle La Pastora.
Museo Municipal (Casa de Cultura)
The aim of the museum is not to provide the public with a perception of more or less singular objects, but through them and other information resources, explain the vital development of the prehistoric community of Valencina, choosing those aspects that can characterise and individualise it from other examples. Located in Plaza de España.
Opening Times:
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:30-15:00hrs
Tel: 955 72 02 11
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Dólmenes de La Pastora y Matarrubilla
The La Pastora archaeological site was discovered in 1860 consisting of a circular burial chamber corridor measuring 44 meters. Located east of Valencina del Concepción, off the SE-525. The site of Matarrubilla has a similar form, but slate was not used for the construction of the walls. Located south of Valencina del Concepción, on Calle Clara Campoamor.
Opening Times:
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:30-15:00hrs
Tel: 955 72 02 11
Visits begin in the Museo Municipal (Casa de Cultura).
Hacienda de Torrijos y Capilla
The Hacienda was not a religious building, but an old Moorish military fortress that belonged to Torija Tabaraid. A pilgrimage to the chapel took place every second Sunday in October. Located west of Valencina del Concepción, off the A-8077.
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
Valencina del Concepción has a few routes available for those keen walkers. Ruta Senderismo PR is 15km in length with a duration of approx. 6 hours. Ruta Corta SL is 7km in length with a duration of approx. 2 hours.
GASTRONOMY
Valencina del Concepción has no specific gastronomy to name apart from the traditional dishes found in the Aljarafe area. It does however, form part of the Ruta del Mosto.
HANDICRAFTS
Traditional crafts consist of beautiful sculptural forms of all sizes, made in bronze with the technique of burned wax.
FESTIVALS
Cabalgata Reyes Magos
Three Kings procession celebrated on the evening of 5 January.
Carnaval
Celebrated in February.
Semana Santa
Holy Week.
Feria
Celebrated the last weekend of June.
Romería de Torrijos
Celebrated the second Sunday of October.
Fiestas de Nuestra Señora de la Estrella
Celebrated early September.
NEXT PLACES
The next villages to Valencina del Concepción are Salteras, Gines and Santiponce.
Hover the cursor over Valencina de la Concepción to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.