Villanueva del Ariscal

VILLANUEVA DEL ARISCAL

by Saskia Mier

Villanueva del Ariscal was an agricultural town previously known as Villanueva Aliscar. It has about 6,400 inhabitants.

HISTORY

Villanueva del Ariscal was originally a Roman villa and later a Moorish farmhouse. During the Repartimiento of Seville, the villa was passed onto the Order of Santiago in 1253. From the end of the fourteenth century, it was constituted as an administrative and judicial centre of the Order of Santiago in Aljarafe. In 1831 it was no longer the head of the Order of Santiago.

Until 1873 it belonged to the Priorato de San Marcos de León. From that year it was annexed to the diocese of Seville.

From the beginning of the twentieth century until 1965 the growth towards the west continued. From 1965 to 1980, the growth was caused by several housing estates of second residences and some semi-detached housing estates started in the 1960s were also completed.

THINGS TO SEE

Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María de las Nieves
The church was built at the expense of, Cardinal Delgado y Venegas, illustrious son of the town, and finished in 1777. It was built over a previous temple which already existed in 1583.

There are paintings of great artistic value and images of Sevillian sculptors such as, Juan de Mesa and Montes de Oca. Several restorations have been carried out on artwork, roofing and the bell tower. In 2008 the work was carried out for the artistic illumination sponsored by Sevillian foundations. The main feature is the organ; a Baroque instrument of great size and sonority, in perfect state of use. Located on Calle Servando Arbolí.

Ermita de San Miguel
The chapel was constructed in the sixteenth century with its entrance being constructed later in the eighteenth century. The interior has been excellently restored. Located on Avenida La Ermita.

Hacienda Pata de Hierro
The farmhouse still preserves a sixteenth century wooden beam press in perfect state of use thanks to the care of its owners. It is a unique experience to see it in fully function for grape pressing. The Hacienda is currently home to Bodegas Góngora. Guided tours are available by appointment. Located on Calle Santísimo Cristo De La Vera Cruz.
Tel: 954 11 37 00

GASTRONOMY

The most traditional dish to try in Villanueva del Ariscal is the tostada con huevo (toast with poached egg, usually accompanied by spring onions or olives). For sweet treats, try the bollitos de vino, tortas de masa, tortas de naranjas, tortas de relleno and piñonates. The town is also part of the Ruta del Mosto, due to its grape pressing heritage.

HANDICRAFTS

Crafts typically seen in Villanueva del Ariscal include furniture making, mixing English styles with French and Spanish. Every year the town hosts the Muestra Artesanal, Gastronómica y Vinícola; a food, wine and crafts fair.

FESTIVALS

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

Día de Andalucía
Celebrated the 28 Febuary.

Carnaval
Celebrated in February.

Semana Santa
Holy Week.

Fiesta de Su Divina Majestad
Celebrated the first Sunday of May.

Fiestas Patronales de Santaigo y Corpus
Celebrated the 24-26 July.

Feria y Fiesta de la Vendimia
Celebrated at the end of August/beginning of September.

Muestra Artesanal, Gastronómica y Vinícola
Celebrated at the beginning of December.

Fiestas Patronales en Honor a la Inmaculada Concepción
Celebrated the 8 December.

NEXT PLACES

The next villages to Villanueva del Ariscal are Espartinas, Olivares and Sanlúcar La Mayor.

 

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