Jerez de la Frontera(Destination)

The essence of Andalusia

Portray of the Destination

Jerez shelters all the essence of Andalusia. Its traditions and appearance have been strongly influenced by different cultures throughout history. A unique heritage has shaped the layout of Jerez: traces of the ancient Xera, as the Phoenicians called it, the Roman Ceret, and the Moorish Sherish, and constructions subsequent to the Christian conquest.

The jerez wine (a kind of sherry) is worldwide renown. It is produced in cellars which are considered wine temples. It is also the cradle of flamenco, which was precisely born in the quarter of Santiago, birthplace of the best flamenco singers and guitarists. One of the most elegant and outstanding horse breeds comes from Jerez: the Carthusian horse. Nowadays, spectacular top level horse shows can be enjoyed in the city.

Furthermore, Jerez also features the Jerez racetrack, venue for worldwide motor racing championships; an important zoo, famous in all Europe; and natural parks.

The old appearance of Jerez blends with a modern city with large avenues and shopping centres.

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Jerez de la Frontera(Touristic Zone)

The essence of Andalusia

Description

 

Highlights

Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (Andalusian Royal Riding School)

Founded in 1973 in the Palacio Recreo de las Cadenas, this 19th century work by Delganier has a Renaissance style with a Baroque touch, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

The elegant horse breed of Jerez is named after the Carthusian monks who began to breed them during the Middle Ages. This school has trained some of the best horsemen and experts in horse breaking. Equestrian shows are outstanding here, where in spite of the horsemen skills, the unquestionable star of the show is the Carthusian horse.


Carthusian Monastery of Santa María de la Defensión

The Carthusian monks began to breed horses in this place, turning it into a real symbol of Jerez.

It is one of the most important religious buildings regarding its artistic value in the province of Cadiz, a sample of the succession between the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. It was risen up thanks to the mediation of the Knight Alvaro Obertos de Vatleto. Its Greco-Roman portico is outstanding, as well as the Chapel of Santa María de la Defensión, the Gothic cloister, and the Patio de los Arrayanes. The high altar is ornamented with valuable paintings by Roelas.


Quarter of Santiago

The quarter of Santiago, the traditional settlement of the gypsy community, is the cradle of Flamenco, and Jerez has been the birthplace of the best flamenco singers and guitarists since long ago.

The Church of Santiago, that shelters the image of the "Señor del Prendimiento" (the arrest of Our Lord), blends Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The "Centro Andaluz de Flamenco" (the Andalusian Centre of Flamenco), situated in the Palace of Pemartín, boasts an important record library and facilities with state-of-the-art technology.

The Archaeological Museum and the Church of San Marcos are considered sites of Cultural Interest and, in the Church of San Juan de los Caballeros, legend has it that the knights that guarded the city asked for the help of King Sancho IV, writing a letter with their own blood.


Horse Fair (Feria del Caballo)

The Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair) of Jerez de la Frontera is the city's biggest and most important festival, next to the Easter celebrations. The festival has a deep-rooted history as a cattle market, and is considered the most prestigious equine event in Spain.
It generally takes place in May, after the Feria de Abril (April Fair) in Seville, and is considered an international tourist event. For one week, the best singers and dancers take to the stage, and the streets come alive with bullfighting and equine competitions, where the best horsemanship and decoration is chosen. The horses and their riders march through the streets every day; the men wear tailored rider's suits and the women wear gyspy dresses by day and more formal attire by night. Sherry is, of course, the favoured tipple. The festival offers a varied cuisine, including local stews such as bull's tail, asparagus, Jerez cabbage and, of course, the finest seafood. Following legislation by mayor Pedro Pacheco, which prohibited private casetas (stage shows), the show is now open to all.
It is located in the Parque González Hontoria, next to the Palacio de Ferias y Congreso.

Plaza de San Dionisio

Beside the beautiful Plaza de San Dionisio lies the church that worships the city patron saint. It combines Moorish features such as the Mudejar tower of La Atalaya, the door of the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de Mayor Dolor, the Chapel of El Bautismo, the renovated coffered ceiling and the pillars of the central nave. The Antiguo Cabildo building blends Mudejar and Plateresque features, it is the most important Renaissance building in Jerez. The Marqués de Bertemati Palace, also in Renaissance style, shows a wonderful façade.


Church of San Miguel

The quarter of San Miguel, of deep-rooted flamenco tradition, is named after this church. It was erected in the 15th century, and holds Isabelline Gothic and Baroque features with magnificent columns. The high altarpiece, a work by Martínez de Montañés and José de Arce, is considered a real jewel among the Spanish altarpieces.


Jerez Zoo

This is one of the most prestigious zoos in Europe with more than 1,200 animals. A great work regarding the preservation of species in danger of extinction is also done here. It shelters the only specimen of white tiger in Spain with its descendants. A tourist train makes a tour around the city, visiting the zoo on its way.


La Atalaya Theme Centre

If you wish to learn about the production of the famous Jerez sherry, the Wine Museum is a must. It is located in cellars dating back to 1853 which have been completely renovated.

Learn more about the history and traditions of Jerez and its prize-winning wine, how it is made, the first exportations, the vines, flamenco and horses through comprehensive images that will take you on an imaginary trip. The theme centre La Atalaya also features the Palacio del Tiempo (Time Palace) that shelters over three hundred watches and clocks from many periods and origins, from the 17th to the 19th century. A guided visit along a unique collection offers the best visual and sound effects will amaze visitors.


Cathedral

It was built on the former Church of El Salvador between 1695 and 1778, blending Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical features, where, even before, the main mosque was standing. Particularly, a tower with Mudejar origins stands out, which is separated from what seems to be an old minaret.

The main features of the Cathedral are the Chapel of Las Ánimas, devoted to the "Cristo de la Viga" (Lord of the Beam), the Chapels of La Inmaculada and of El Sagrario. It also holds the magnificent painting by Zurbarán "La Virgen de Niña" and some works by "El Tahonero".


Alcazar

It was built during the 11th and 12th centuries, and used to be the residence of the Moorish governors. The Alcazar is surrounded by towers and in the midst the Palace of Villavicencia puts up. On top of the walled compound, the unique Almohad Mosque dating back to the Moorish era is located. Subsequent to the Christian conquest, this mosque was devoted to Santa María La Real. It features the ablutions’ courtyard, the minaret, the qibla and the mihrab. The Arab Baths are very luminous and holds majestic vaults.

Hotel Palacio Garvey(Hotel)

Four stars

Address, Telephone and fax number

Hotel Palacio Garvey
Plaza Rafael Rivero
Tornería 24 E-11403
Jerez de la Frontera
Cádiz
Phone +34 956 32 67 00
Fax +34 956 32 73 40

A few words

This exclusive 19th century palace is located in the heart of the historic quarter of Jerez de la Frontera. The Palacio Garvey, built in 1850, was in its day the grand residence of the Garvey family. Today, this spectacular monument has been meticulously restored and transformed into a luxury hotel while maintaining its original 19th century neo-classical architectural style. This is where the refinement and beauty of the old merge with the comfort and functionality of the modern providing a truly unique experience to all its guests.

Rooms

The Hotel Palacio Garvey is, without question, one of the most exclusive hotels in Spain. Its 16 luxurious (single, double and junior suite) and spacious rooms are surprisingly exquisite in decor. Each guest will be able to enjoy the elegance and sophistication of a style achieved by a careful selection of detail.
Each room contains:

• Spacious beds
• Ultra modern bathroom that includes a hydro-massage spa bath and some of them also a hydro-massage shower
• Wengé wooden floor

Activities offered by the hotel or close by

 

Room

 

• Air-Conditioning
• Satellite TV
• Shower and Bathtub
• Internet access
• CD player
• Safe
• Television
• Direct telephone