Umbrete

UMBRETE

by Saskia Mier

Umbrete is not only known for its production of excellent and highly rated mosto (grape juice), but also for its historic and artistic wealth. It has about 8,600 inhabitants.

HISTORY

The origins of Umbrete go back to the Turdetanos, where a settlement called Osca existed. The Romans later developed the town, calling it Umbretum. After Muslim occupation, it became an alquería destined to agricultural exploitation until conquered by the Castilian armies of Fernando III in the middle of the thirteenth century.

During the Repartimiento de Sevilla, confirmed by Alfonso X El Sabio, Umbrete is awarded to the Seville Archbishopric, which faces its repopulation in the early fourteenth century.

During the eighteenth century, the Archbishop's Palace was restored and in the mid-nineteenth century, the confiscation of Mendizábal led to the seizure of the Archbishop's Palace by the City Council.

THINGS TO SEE

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Consolación
Baroque style church initiated in 1725 and was finished in 1793, at the expense of the Archbishop of Seville, Don Luis de Salcedo y Azcona. The main altarpiece dating to the middle of the eighteenth century was made by, Felipe Fernández del Castillo, following the design of, Pedro Duque Cornejo. Located on Calle Madre de la Iglesia.

Antiguo Palacio Arzobispal
The Archbishop's Palace was built in the seventeenth century, later renovated and refurbished in 1735 when it acquired its current physiognomy by mandate of Archbishop Salcedo, keeping many similarities with the Archbishop's Palace in Seville. Initially, it was only used for recreation purposes and events during local holidays but later it became the principal residence for the highest leaders of the church in Seville. Located in Plaza del Arzobispal.

Merendero
The recreational building was built in the mid eighteenth century as part of the garden of the Archbishop's Palace. It was recently renovated in 2008. 

El Arco
A genuine arched construction linking the Archbishop's Palace and the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Consolación. Built during the first third of the eighteenth century by, Diego Antonio Diaz.

Convento de las Hermanas de La Cruz
The convent was founded in 1941 with large courtyards and interior green areas, as well as an exterior fully integrated into the environment. Located on Calle Sor Angela de la Cruz.

Capilla de San Bartolomé
The chapel was built during the seventeenth century with wood panelling and gabled roof. Inside, there are some very fine paintings and images dating from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Located on Calle Campelo.

Haciendas
There are several large imposing historic estates in Umbrete. These baronial buildings give an insight into how the Andalusian gentry and Church leaders lived throughout history.

La Hacienda Quitapesares (Located in Plaza de la Virgen del Rocío) is the oldest example of one of these grand country houses. In contrast you can visit the Hacienda de Nuestra Señora del Rocio (Located in Plaza de los Monteros) which is one of the most modern.

Museo del Circo 'Cirklas'
The museum is a space where visitors can learn about the origins of the circus, its history and its evolution from when it started to the present day. It consists in an exhibition area (objects, posters, photographs, clothing, replica of an old wagon where the clowns were made up, etc), workshop area (juggling, unicycles, balance wire, makeup) and scenario and place of projections. Located on Calle Dolores Ibárruri.

Opening Times: Consult for opening times.
Tel: 635 44 49 76 or 955 71 61 57

GASTRONOMY

When in Umbrete, it is almost obligatory not to leave before you have visited at least one of the many bodegas, where you can sample the famous local drink mosto. Amongst the many excellent places to go is for example, Bodega Herrera (Located on Paseo Primero de Mayo).

The Fiesta del Mosto y de la Aceituna Fina del Aljarafe (Festival of Mosto and Aljarafe Olives) is held each year in February. In recent years, the addition of the Muestra Turístico -Gastronomica de Umbrete (Umbrete Gastronomic Tourist Fair) has been run in conjunction with this annual exhibition and feast of local food and drink. With at least 60 stands exhibiting regional gastronomic delights, ample tourist information and local arts and crafts made in Umbrete. Free samples of the famous mosto are offered throughout the fair, adding up to an incredible 4,000 litres during the weekend of the fair. Visitors enjoy sampling both mosto and the wonderful, locally produced olives, while getting an insight into the traditions, history and way of life in this colourful part of Andalusia.

FESTIVALS

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

Carnaval
Celebrated in February.

Fiesta del Mosto y de la Aceituna Fina del Aljarafe 
Celebrated the end of Febuary.

Semana Santa
Holy Week.

Feria de San Bartolomé
Celebrated the 24 August.

Día de la Pureza
Celebrated the 8 September.

Fiesta del Mosto y de la Aceituna Fina del Aljarafe 
Celebrated the last two weeks of November.

NEXT PLACES

The next villages to Umbrete are Espartinas, Sanlúcar La Mayor and Bollullos de la Mitación.

 

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