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This village is world-famous for its wine, and endless
fields of grape-vines punctuate a landscape of gentle rolling hills.
Montilla dates back to Roman times although it was not considered
an important settlement during the subsequent period of Moorish
rule. After the Christian re-conquest in 1492, Montilla passed into
the hands of the lords of Aguilar who deemed it the centre of their
domain. The town subsequently developed into one of the most important
garrison towns in the area. Later, in the 18th century, Montilla
became an increasingly important religious and cultural centre with
the construction of various impressive palaces, convents and churches.
 For many people, however, Montilla is best known
for its dry white wine which is made using the same solera method
as sherry. The very sweet Pedro Ximenez grapes are used for the
wine so, consequently, it does not need fortifying. This wine is
known as Montilla in Spain and Amontillado elsewhere. See below
for details on visiting the bodgas. For more information about Andalucían
Wine, click here.
Castle
The castle ruins date back to Fernandez de Cordobas
in the fifteenth century. The original fortress consisted of a wall
flanked by towers that encompassed a huge area. Within this there
was a palace with magnificent halls and a courtyard large enough
to hold 400 horses. The family's disloyalty to the Catholic King
led to the castle's destruction in 1508: However in 1722, a large
granary was built; the remains of which may still be seen located
between the walls and towers.
Convent of Santa Clara
This convent dates back to 1512 and stands today
as one of the town's most prominent buildings. In front of the church
there is a small garden where, through a revolving hatch, you can
still buy the traditional biscuits made by the nuns without actually
seeing them face-to-face. The convent façade is a combination
of Gothic, Renaissance and Mudejar architectural styles, while the
church has a single nave with a distinctive and ornate mudejar ceiling.
Casa de La Inca
This mansion is constructed out of distinctive Ashlar
stone with a coat of arms over the door. The Peruvian writer, Garcilaso
de la Vega lived here from 1561 to 1591. He was born Cuzco in 1539
to a Spanish nobleman and Inca princess and wrote extensively about
the origins of the Incas. The courtyard and rooms reflect an important
historical period and the building now houses the Biblioteca Americanista.
Church of Santiago
The largest church was built at the beginning of
the 16th century. There is an interesting Baroque door at the entrance
and an imposing tower which dates back to 1789. Today, the church
houses sculptures by San Francisco Solano and San Pedro de Alcantara
by Pedro de Mena.
History Museum
This fascinating museum located in the Casa de la
Cultura includes many objects dating from Palaeolithic to modern
times. Opening hours are Sundays and holidays 10.30am-1.30pm and
weekdays by appointment only. Tel 957 654 194.
Wine Cellars
There are extensive wine cellars in the town. The
Montilla wine is first fermented in stainless steel vats then matured
further in upright tinajas or earthenware vessels, before being
placed in traditional wooden barrels.
Bodegas Alvear (tel: 957 650 100) and Bodegas Perez
Barquero Tel 957 650 500 visitors are welcome on weekdays by prior
appointment.
Festivals
A religious play is held in the village square on
Maundey Thursday during Holy Week.
July 9-14 Fiesta of the Patron Saint, San Francisco Solano.
Early September. Harvest Festival which includes the blessing of
the first wine.
Sights to See
Olive Oil Mills
There are several olive oil mills located in and around the town
which are open to the public and where you can also buy wonderful
olive oil straight from the press.
Church of Santa Maria La Mayor
An impressive church located in the centre of the town.
Plaza de la Constitution
Casa del Monte
A magnificent mansion with its own arcade
The Castle
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