Area

Area

MEDINA SIDONIA

At more than 300 metres above sea level, built on the so-called Cerro del Castillo, and facing west towards the Bay of Cádiz, Medina Sidonia stands out as "El Balcón de la Provincia", a place held special by many cultures and peoples over the course of its three thousand years of history.

Its foundation is attributed to the Phoenicians who originated from Sidón, the ancient port of what is now Lebanon and from whence it took its name. It has been declared a town of Special Historical and Artistic Interest and was awarded the Towns of Andalusia Embellishment Prize.

Medina was also a Roman colony of great importance and provincial capital in the times of the Visigoths. In the Muslim era it was an administrative centre and later a military headquarters during the Reconquista; in 1440 it was incorporated in to the hereditary Duchy of Medina Sidonia in 1440. Among its more notable monuments are: the Roman Archaeological sites (Cloacas and Calzada), the Visigoth Hermitage of Los Santos, the Ayuntamiento or Town Hall (17th century), the Market (19th century); its churches and convents, such as the Iglesia Mayor church of Gothic-Renaissance style and the Monastery of San José del Cuervo; the old Town Walls and Gates of the Muslim era; the ruins of the Castle and Villa Vieja; and the Castillo de Torrestrella, among others scattered over the large municipal area.

Considered as one of the most beautiful hill towns of Spain, Medina Sidonia is a paradise of tranquillity, where you can get away from the world and immerse yourself in nature,
in the Campiña Gaditana, the countryside hinterland of Cádiz, and the Alcornocales Natural Park.

Among other traditional attractions such as its diverse and much appreciated craftsmanship, the town is noted for its rich gastronomy, and in particular for its famous pastries and confectionery products made by hand in traditional fashion with ingredients of the highest quality, represented par excellence by its inimitable almond sweet, Alfajor. Medina Sidonia is justly proud to have been known as the confectionery capital of the Arab world.


Roman Archaeological remains

The Roman archaeological site can be found right in the centre of the town today. It consists of water conduits dating from the 1st century BC running along some 30 metres of gallery, similar to those discovered in Italy, and large domed structures that are identified with underground galleries or basements of a great building of the same epoch.
 

Town Hall

An 18th century building, in style between baroque and neoclassic, with an arch on columns in the lower part of its facade. The Municipal Historical Archive is housed on the fist floor.

Plaza de Abastos

Dating from the year 1871, the old fresh-food market has a porticoed structure and a certain Mudéjar-Plateresque style that recalls a "plaza mayor".

Arco de Belén

This arch leads to the heart of the medieval villa, adjacent to the remains of the old town wall and its facades, the tower and the Caballerizas del Duque, converted into the town's Cultural Centre.

Arco de la Pastora

Dating from the 10th century, the archway is a Muslim-style gate, with a great horse-shoe shaped arch and a broad stairway. It formed part of the defensive wall that surrounded the town and was possibly adapted after the destruction of the Arab wall.

Puerta del Sol

This is one of the oldest gates of the town. Its name is due to its orientation towards the East, thus catching the rays of the sun at dawn. It is situated at the back of what was, in its time, the Ducal Palace of Medina Sidonia.

The ruins of the Castle and Alcázar

These are situated at the highest part of the hill. Among the remains that have been preserved are stone facings of the town wall and towers. Currently further archeological excavations are taking place.

Castillo de Torrestrella

Ruins of an Arab castle which was known as the Castillo de Medina Sidonia until the time
when the Military Order of Santa María de España was created. The castle was then donated to the Order and renamed Estrella.

Church of Santa María la Mayor

The Church of Santa María la Mayor, la Coronada, belongs to the Gothic-Renaissance period of the 16th century. Its most notable feature is the Baroque altar, and the carved sculpture of the Cristo del Perdón, of Pedro Roldán. It was declared a Monument of Historic and Artistic Interest in June 1931.

Church of La Victoria

This was constructed on the Jesuit model, characterised by its broad central nave, a high dome and side naves under raised platforms. The religious order of Mínimos built it between 1676 and 1703, together with a convent that has not been preserved.

Church of Santiago

This construction belongs to the 16th century and displays the Mudéjar style. It is dedicated to the patron saint of the town, Santiago el Mayor.

Convent of San Cristóbal

Constructed between 1646 and 1651, the Convent is designed around a square patio of closed cloisters, and the church is small, although its capacity is enlarged with the space reserved for the nuns' choir. It has an excellent confectionery bakery.

Convent of Jesús, María and José

This is also known as the convent of Las Descalzas or the Nuns of Arriba, and its foundation dates from 1687. The church is circular in plan, and has a great dome decorated with frescoes.

Hermitage of the Santos Mártires

Remains from the Visigoth epoch can be seen in the structure of this hermitage. In its interior is the memorial stone tablet on which there is reference to the Asidonense Episcopal Seat and to Bishop Pimenio, dated to the year 630 AD. 

Carmelite Monastery of San José del Cuervo

A building of impressive dimensions, situated in the centre of the Natural Park of the Alcornocales, in Sierra Blanquilla, it is surrounded by steep rocky terrain and forests of cork oaks, a really beautiful setting.