ALBAIDA DEL ALJARAFE
By Saskia Mier
Albaida del Aljarafe has a rich and thriving agricultural industry, cultivating 703 hectares of olive groves as well as grain, seeds and livestock. It has about 3000 inhabitants.
HISTORY
by Clemente Franco Fraile.
The history of Albaida del Aljarafe begins with the Turdetan civilisation, who decided to baptise it with the name of Maenuba. Several centuries later, at the time of the Roman Empire, in the year 139 B.C., it received the name of LAELIA, in homage to Caius Laelius Sapiens (lieutenant of Publius Cornelius Scipio), was named a stipendiary city of Rome, became an important centre and even minted up to eight series of coins in its name, ending the issue of coins with the Emperor Augustus at the beginning of the 1st century AD. During this period, Laelia was one of the main crossroads of the Roman road that linked the coast of Huelva to Italica.
During the Moorish period it was known as Solluqar Albaida and was conquered by Pelay Correa for the Crown of Castile in 1246. After the Castilian reconquest, throughout the 13th century, it changed hands several times through royal privileges (up to three) signed by King Alfonso X, until in 1277 it became the property of the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral of Seville, remaining in the possession of the Church for more than 300 years. In 1302, the Carta Puebla (Town Charter) was issued, establishing the rules for the new settlers of Albaida.
On 15th July 1580, in Badajoz, King Felipe II issued the deed of sale of the Villa de Albaida to Don Enrique de Guzmán (2nd Duke of Olivares), making it part of the the Lordship of Olivares. Despite its long history, it is one of the least populated villages in the province of Seville.
THINGS TO SEE
Torre de Don Fadrique
The tower was built in 1253 by, Don Fadrique de Castilla (1223-1277), son of Fernando III "El Santo" and Beatriz de Suabia and brother to Alfonso X "El Sabio". It is connected to the centre of the village by a network of underground galleries which today are totally destroyed and abandoned. Located on Calle Torremocha.
Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which was destroyed by the Lisbon earthquake in 1755. It was not until 4 February 1759 that the current neoclassical church was inaugurated and consecrated, which houses images, canvases and liturgical objects of great artistic value from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Also worthy of mention is the Mocha Tower, of Almohad origin, which was later rebuilt by Don Fadrique, whose tombstone can be seen at the top of the tower.
Located in Plaza de España.
Ermita de la Vera Cruz
The Hospital of San Sebastián was constructed in the sixteenth century on this original spot where the chapel was later built over it in the seventeenth century. It was restored in 1896, but due to its poor state of conservation, was rebuilt again in 1903. In 1969, the roof collapsed during Holy Mass and all the interior was destroyed except for its greater altarpiece. The current chapel was built by Álvaro Gómez Terrero. Located in Calle Cristo Rey.
NATURAL AREAS
Paraje Natural Corredor Verde del Río Guadiamar
The natural park is located near a rich fountain of life, named "the river of princes" by the Moors. The river is born near Castillo de las Guardas in Sierra Morena, runs through Aljarafe, until the sands and pine forests of Doñana. It is rich in flora and fauna and the Guadiamar Cyclotouristic track, also suitable for hiking and on horse-back, shows the differences and diversity of the river. Located 4km west of Albaida del Aljarafe.
GASTRONOMY
One must try the local olives when visiting Albaida del Aljarafe, specifically those stuffed with anchovy. Other dishes include gazpacho, cocido en colorao (stew) which are traditionally served with olives, garbanzos con bacalao en amarillo (chickpeas with cod and saffron) and potaje de chícharos (pork stew). Typical sweet treats include rosquitos (sweet pastries) and bizcocho (traditional sponge cake).
Handicrafts
The handicrafts of Albaida del Aljarafe are concentrated almost exclusively in the woodwork of the local carpenters. Until recently, several brick kilns from the moorish period operated in the area of the ravine, where there is a fountain (Fuente Salobre) of Roman origin.
Gastronomy
In the gastronomy of Albaida del Aljarafe, the traditional dish is cocido en colorao, but gazpacho, chickpeas with yellow cod and pea stew are also worthy of mention. For those with a sweet tooth, there are rosquitos, bizcochos and piñonates.
FESTIVALS
Cabalgata Reyes Magos
Three Kings procession celebrated on the evening of 5 January.
Carnival
Carnivaltraditions are celebrated celebrated before Lent. Check dates for events locally.
Fiesta de San Sebastián
Celebrated the 20 January.
Día de Andalucía
Celebrated the 28 February.
Semana Santa
Easter week or Holy Week processions take place in town and village accross Andalucia.
Festividad de la Santa Cruz
Celebrated the Sunday before the 3 May.
Festividad de la Virgen de los Dolores en su Soledad
Celebrated around the 8th September, with the Romería (pilgrimage) taking part sometime during these days.
Corpus Cristi
Corpus Cristi feast is the Catholic solemnity. It is held in either May or June depending on when Easter occurs.
Festividad de la Virgen de la Piedad
Celebrated on the weekend closest to the 14th of September.
The village also celebrates the feast day of San Sebastián and, on 6 September, a popular pilgrimage to the sanctuary of Loreto.
NEXT PLACES
The next villages to Albaida del Aljarafe are Olivares, Sanlúcar La Mayor and Salteras.
Albaida del Aljarafe is 17 kilometres from Seville city, which can be reached by the A-8077 motorway, taking the Camas exit in the direction of Olivares. Or by the A-49. Once you have passed through Loreto, take the A-8076 and A-8075 until you get to Olivares, and then take the SE-522 road, which will take you to Albaida del Aljarafe.
Hover the cursor over Albaida del Aljarafe to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.