Sanlúcar de Barrameda - things to see
Sanlucar the home of Manzanilla.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda is divided into the older quarter, the Barrio Alto where most of the interesting sights can be seen, and the newer Barrio Bajo, closer to the river.
Beaches & Restaurants
The Sanlúcar beaches are magnificent and stretch several kilometres to the south-west, while the former port and fishing quarter, the Bajo de Guía, is unsurprisingly where some of the best seafood restaurants overlooking the beach can be found.
Plaza del Cabildo
The heart of the old town is Plaza del Cabildo, a delightful, palm-fringed square lined with bars and restaurants. Just north is the Plaza de San Roque where the daily market is held. Nearby is the 15th-century Iglesia de la Trinidad with its magnificent Mudéjar ceiling. Carry on uphill and you reach the neo-Mudejár Palacio de Orleáns y Borbón, now the ayuntamiento with its flamboyant neo-Mudéjar architecture and public library in the gardens.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la O
Located in the small Plaza de la Paz. This church dates back to the 13th century, but the doorway is pure 16th-century Mudejár, with lions bearing coats of arms. This church also has an unusual three-tier belfry offering magnificent views of the town. Adjoining the church is the gracious Palacio de los Duques de Medina Sidonia, the former home of the aristocratic family who once owned vast tracts of land in Spain. It was most recently occupied by the late 21st Duchess of Medina Sidonia, better known as the 'Red Duchess' as a result of her forthright left-wing political views; Luisa was a descendant of the notorious Guzman El Bueno of Tarifa. The palace now houses the Fundacion Casa Medina Sidonia, as well as a hotel. The Duchess' son Leoncio inherited the title, as 22nd Duke, while her widow Liliana is Life-President of the Foundation.
Iglesia San Francisco
Another interesting church in Sanlúcar is the Iglesia San Francisco, which was built by Henry VIII of England as a hospital for British sailors while he was married to Catherine of Aragon.
Museo del Mar Las Caracolas
A short distance away is the quirky Museo del Mar Las Caracolas with an exhibition comprising objects retrieved from the sea and beach.
Barbadillo sherry bodega / winery
The town's ruined castle is currently closed for restoration works and stands amidst the buildings of the Barbadillo sherry company. This is the town's largest sherry firm and there are weekly tours every Thursday, taking place at noon. The bodega produces four varieties of sherry - manzanilla, olorosa, pasada and solear muy vieja, plus an excellent table wine. You will discover the history of a winery that began in 1821 when the Barbadillo family bottled its first manzanilla.
Visits to the Manzanilla Museum in Calle Sevilla, 6. Tel: 956 38 55 00. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 15.00 and Sundays from 11.00 to 14.00 hrs is free.
The Barbadillo winery tour at Calle Luis de Eguilaz, 11, is in English is at 11.00hrs (Tue to Sat) lasting one hour and costing five euro. Barbadillo winery tour in Spanish at 12.00 and 13.00 hrs (Tue to Sat) and 12.00 hrs Sunday
Ferry to Doñana National Park
You can also catch the ferry from Playa Bajo de Guia over the river to the Parque Nacional de Doñana. This is a spectacle in the days leading up to Rocio when the pilgrims cross the river with their horses here at the end of the tree-lined Calzada del Ejército.
