Aznalcázar

AZNALCÁZAR

by Saskia Mier

Aznalcázar is one of the thirteen villages located within the Doñana National Park. It has about 4400 inhabitants.

HISTORY

Originally Aznalcázar was an important defensive system, as well as a way of communication and crossing of roads. Thanks to the elaboration of the Archaeological Chart, the area has a rich source of archaeological sites.

The current name of Aznalcázar derives from the Arabic, Hazn-al-chase, meaning 'fortress of the Alcázar or of the Palace'. According to the Andalusian Archaeological Yearbook of 1988 (General Directorate of Cultural Property-Junta de Andalucia), the settlement of the Calcolithic period is the oldest including reliable data. Even coins have been found confirming the existence of an ancient coin-minting population.

Roman presence is evident on the River Guadiamar, specifically with the presence of a Roman bridge and walled enclosure.

The Moors named the settlement, Hazn-Al-Kazar and the re-conquest took place in 1248 by San Fernando to the Crown of Castile. Later it became Lordship, head of the Marquisate of El Pedroso and Las Torres.   

Hotels

THINGS TO SEE

Casa Grande (Ayuntamiento)
An old manor house dating to the seventeenth century. Currently the Town Hall as well as the information point of the Doñana National Park. Located on Avenida de Juan Carlos.

Iglesia de San Pablo
The Mudejar church was constructed between the end of the fourteenth century and throughout the fifteenth century. A tombstone preserved in the church helps in the search of its chronology. Located on Calle de las Campanas.

Torre de la Iglesia de San Pablo
The tower is separated from the Iglesia de San Pablo. There are doubts as to whether it is a Christian construction; however the bells were introduced between 1765 and 1767 when Pedro de Silva carried out important reforms in the church. Located on Calle de las Campanas.

Capilla de Nuestro Padre Jesús
The Chapel was annexed to the Hospital Corpus de Dios (now non existence) and demolished in 1968 in order to build the current one, which was inaugurated in 1970. It was later remodelled several times. Located in Plaza de España.

Capilla de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
The chapel in spite of being a modern construction, it houses a Neo-classical altarpiece dating to the seventeenth century and a ceramic altarpiece from 1983, made in Seville, and painted by Manuel Romero Navarro. Located on Calle del Diezmo.

Fuente Vieja
A water source used for many centuries by the locals, with its healing virtues being used in Roman times. The complex is formed by two buildings dating from 1773 and 1789, two medieval cisterns and a pool. In 2000 it was restored and also includes a park and a natural viewpoint. Located in Calle La Fuente.

Cerro del Alcázar
This area corresponds to the first human settlements in the area, as the ceramic and Libyan-Punic coins seem to demonstrate as well as the scarce remains of the fortress. The Roman part is reduced almost exclusively to the foundations and some subterranean constructions. It is currently a rehabilitated leisure and recreation park. Located on Calle Alcazar.

Arco de la Pescadería
An archway that originally served as a gateway to Aznalcázar and had belonged to the walled enclosure that surrounded it. Located on Calle Arquillo.

THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE

Necrópolis de los Narros o los Navarros
A Roman necropolis abundant in pieces of the time, such as glass objects, gravestones and coins made in the area.

Puente Romano
The Roman bridge that crossed the River Guadiamar sank in 1912, although some of the fourteen arches that existed in the nineteenth century, can still be seen today. Located west of Aznalcázar.

COUNTRYSIDE WALKS

Due to its advantageous positioning of Aznalcázar within Doñana National Park offers unique protected natural spaces for nature lovers, walkers, cyclists and even horse riders. These routes are Ruta Circular Carril Bici, El Lince, Al Parque Nacional, Corredor Verde del Guadiamar, Ruta Buitrago, Ruta Urbana and Ruta Estación.

NATURAL AREAS

Los Pinares
One of the forest areas of major ecological interest within the province of Seville. Its geographical location makes this place an ideal spot for a large variety of species to inhabit. Los Pinares is equipped with barbecues, children's games area and campsite.

Parque Nacional Doñana
Doñana National Park is considered one of the most important protected natural areas of Europe. Crucial crossroads for bird migration routes between Africa and Europe, it is also the last refuge for many endangered species.

Corredor Verde
Aznalcázar is an essential part of the Paisaje Protegido del Corredor Verde del Guadiama. The natural space is equipped with an Interpretation Centre, botanical gardens (Parque Botánico de Buitrago) and several viewing points. There are also 3 walking routes available; Corredor Verde, Las Doblas and Jardin Botánico de Buitrago.

Opening Times:
January-June, Monday-Wednesday, 10:00-14:00hrs.
January-June, Thursday-Sunday, 10:00-14:00hrs and 17:00-20:00hrs.
July and August, Tuesday, 10:00-14:00hrs.
July and August, Wednesday-Monday, 10:00-14:00hrs and 20:00-23:00hrs.
September-December, Monday-Wednesday, 10:00-14:00hrs.
September-December, Thursday-Sunday, 10:00-14:00hrs and 17:00-20:00hrs.
Tel: 954 49 70 43 or 954 49 70 43.
Email: [email protected]

GASTRONOMY

Traditional dishes to try in Aznalcázar area specifically cocidos, potajes and pucheros (stews). One can also try garbanzos con tagarninas (chickpeas with thistle), chícharos con conejo (peas with rabbit), caldereta de liebre (hare stew), alcahuciles (artichokes) and gurumelos (wild sep). Homemade sweets include roscos, pestiños and hojuelas (honey or sugared pastries), traditionally eaten at Easter.

FESTIVALS

Cabalgata Reyes Magos
Three Kings procession celebrated on the evening of 5 January.

Carnaval
Celebrated in February.

Día de Andalucía
Celebrated the 28 February.

Semana Santa
Holy Week.

Feria
Celebrated the beginning of June.

Fiestas en Honor a Santiago Apóstol y la Virgen de las Angustias
Celebrated the 25 July.

Fiestas en Honor a la Virgen de la Encarnación
Celebrated the last Sunday of September.

Fiestas son en Honor a Nuestro Padre Jesús del Socorro
Celebrated the last Sunday of October.

NEXT PLACES

The next villages to Aznalcázar are Pilas, Bollullos de la Mitación and Benacazón.

 

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