Rociana del Condado
by Saskia Mier
Rociana del Condado is situated within the Comarca El Condado. Like its neighbouring villages, it thrives on agriculture, mainly strawberries, raspberries and grapes for the local wine. It has about 7600 inhabitants.
HISTORY
Remains found in Alcornocal and other sites suggest the existence of Rociana del Condado in Neolithic times. There are also Roman remains due to its proximity to Niebla. Its name derives from the Roman name "Roscius" plus the suffix "ana", indicating property, and "del Condado" was added in 1959, when the town hall incorporated it into the name to promote the local wine production.
There is insufficient data to document the Moorish era. After the conquest by King El Sabio, in the thirteenth century, Rociana joined a stately system, remaining under the enduring lineage of Guzmanes de Niebla.
From the sixteenth century, agriculture becomes the livelihood of the village, especially the cultivation of vineyards due to strong domestic and US demand. In the eighteenth century, Rociana and other villages tried to gain autonomy, but were not granted until 1833.
In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, Rociana experienced a period of great economic boom due to the cultivation of vines.
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Parroquial de San Bartolomé
The church replaces the previous Mudejar chapel lost after the civil war. It has a Neo-Baroque style originating to the mid-twentieth century,1936-1958 and was built by architect Perez Carasa. Located in Plaza de España.
Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Socorro
The Baroque chapel dates from 1749 and houses the image of the patron saint,Virgen del Socorro. Located on Calle Socorro.
Ermita de San Sebastián
The Neo-Mudejar chapel dates from the eighteenth century. Locatedon Avenida de Villarrasa.
Capilla de la Santa Cruz de Arriba
The small chapel was built in 1969. Located on Calle Ramón y Cajal.
Capilla de la Santa Cruz de la Calle Las Huertas
The chapel was built in 1970. Located on Calle Las Huertas.
Ayuntamiento
The Baroque town hall was built around the eighteenth century but underwent a major reform in 1940. Located in Plaza de la Constitución.
Casa de la Cultura
Built in Baroque style around the eighteenth century on a former Dominican convent of the fifteenth century and decorated by painter, Juan Manuel Núñez Báñez. Located on Calle San Bartolomé.
Opening Times: Monday-Friday, 10:00-14:00hrs and 17:00-20:00hrs.
Price: Free Entrance.
Tel: 959 416 015
Email: [email protected]
Plaza del Llano
The square stands out for the simplicity of structure with flower beds, trees and wrought iron lighting in its centre.
Casas Señoriales del Conjunto Histórico
The wealth of Rociana del Condado was obtained during the early twentieth century from wine production. Thus, wealthy families built grand houses using the best materials.
House Number 16 (Calle Sevilla)
Built during the first half of the twentieth century and has an exterior decorated entirely of blue ceramic tiles and plaster work.
House Number 12 "Casa de las Lositas"(Calle Sevilla)
Built in 1911 and uniquely decorated with small green tiles and plaster work.
House Number 18 (Calle Amargura)
Built in 1947 with imposing brick and detailed decoration, such as a small medallion with a bust.
House Number 13 (Calle Amargura)
Built during the first half of the twentieth century and decorated with ceramics and touches of Lombard, Moorish and Renaissance style.
La Hacienda
An eighteenth century building belonging to the town hall to house the new Municipal Public Library, along with other municipal offices in the future.Located in Plaza de la Hacienda.
Torre de los Alicantinos
The tower was built in the early twentieth century with an altitude of 36m. It is a large fireplace that was part of the distillery infrastructure of local wineries. Located on Avenida Calancha.
Torre Alambique
A traditional tower built in the early twentieth century that was intended for the distillation of alcohol. Located on Calle Niebla.
Bodegas de San Antonio
One of the most important and traditional wineries in Rociana, dating to the early twentieth century. Beautiful exterior, however its interior is closed to the public. Located on Calle Carril de los Moriscos.
Bodegas Contreras Ruiz
Another traditional winery dating to 1868, still operating today, and is in the process of opening for tourism.Located on Calle Almonte.
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
Rociana del Condado offers one walking route called La Vaqueriza. It has a distance of 12kms and takes 3 hours walking or 1½ hours by bicycle travelling west of the village towards Bonares.
GASTRONOMY
Rociana del Condado offers a rich and varied gastronomy accompanied by local wine. Popular dishes include "conejo ensalmorejo" (rabbit in tomato), partridge, mainly stewed, and the so-called "carne de macho" (goat stew).Sweets include roscos, pestiños and hornazos, which are pastries made at Easter.
HANDICRAFTS
Local crafts traditional to Rociana del Condado include the manufacture of farming equipment, saddler and weaving, although not widely seen. Millinery and 'esparto' shoe-making are more common.
FESTIVALS
Cruces de Mayo
Celebrated in May, the local Cruces are decorated and processions take place.
Romeria del Rocio
The main event of the year, the biggest pilgrimage sets off to the Aldea El Rocio in May.
Traslado Virgen del Socorro
Celebrated the 14 August with a procession.
Fiestas Patronales en Honor a San Bartolomé Apóstol
Celebrated in August during 5 days.
Fiestas Patronales en Honor a la Virgen del Socorro
Celebrated the 8 September with a procession.
Romeria de Honor a la Virgen del Socorro
Celebrated in September, usually at the end of the month with a pilgrimage.
Día de Las Gamonitas
Celebrated at the beginning of December, small bonfires are made in the streets and drinks and sweets are served for all neighbours.
LOCATION
Rociana del Condado is located 39kms from Huelva. To get there, take the H-31 leaving Huelva and onto the A-49 towards Seville. Take Exit 53 and take 1st exit at the roundabout, following the HU-4102 until you reach Rociana del Condado.
