Alcazár
Jerez was a frontier town that went back and forth between Moors and Christians, and this fortress was built in the 11th century as a rural outpost to hold the line against Christian encroachment. The bent entrance of the horseshoe-arched Puerto de la Ciudad demonstrates the emphasis on security.
After many years of decay, the huge site has been largely restored, showcasing an austerely beautiful mosque, authentically recreated gardens, and one of the best-preserved Moorish bathhouses in Andalucía. Its star-shaped skylights create a magical effect. Although the mosque was converted into a church when the Christians prevailed in 1264, its mihrab, or prayer niche, has been preserved —as was the boiler system of the baths, enabling you to see how they operated. The alcázar also functions as a local history museum, displaying two of the ancient olive mills. (In the 1700s, Jerez had 32 active olive mills.)
The fortress also contains the Palacio Villavicencio, home to the wealthy family that ran the olive oil operation. Its tower houses a camera obscura that projects images of the city in a darkened room. In summer, look out for atmospheric nighttime visits, including actors in period costume.
The Alcazár stands opposite the huge Gonzalez Byass bodega, flanked by lemon trees.
Jerez was a frontier town that went back and forth between Moors and Christians, and this fortress was built in the 11th century as a rural outpost to hold the line against Christian encroachment. The bent entrance of the horseshoe-arched Puerto de la Ciudad demonstrates the emphasis on security.
After many years of decay, the huge site has been largely restored, showcasing an austerely beautiful mosque, authentically recreated gardens, and one of the best-preserved Moorish bathhouses in Andalucía. Its star-shaped skylights create a magical effect. Although the mosque was converted into a church when the Christians prevailed in 1264, its mihrab, or prayer niche, has been preserved —as was the boiler system of the baths, enabling you to see how they operated. The alcázar also functions as a local history museum, displaying two of the ancient olive mills. (In the 1700s, Jerez had 32 active olive mills.)
The fortress also contains the Palacio Villavicencio, home to the wealthy family that ran the olive oil operation. Its tower houses a camera obscura that projects images of the city in a darkened room. In summer, look out for atmospheric nighttime visits, including actors in period costume.
The Alcazár stands opposite the huge Gonzalez Byass bodega, flanked by lemon trees.
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