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Plaza de la Constitución, Umbrete. |
By Dee McMath
The village of Umbrete is not only known
because of the production of the excellent and highly rated mosto
(must, or grape juice) but also for its historic and artistic wealth.
The municipality of Umbrete is situated in the western part of Seville
province in the Aljarafe area. It is less than 18 kilometres from
the city of Seville.
With a current population of around 6,500, this
village has it origins from Turdetano times (the pre-Roman
era in Spain), when Umbrete was known as Osca. It was later
to be re-named Umbretum.
During Arabic times, Umbrete was a prosperous village, but it was
after the Christian rule that it really grew in importance. King
Alfonso X put the village into the hands of the Archbishop of Seville.
Evidence of this important connection with the Catholic Church explains
the abundance of religious art and history that remains today and
in particular, the Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal).
The first half of the 20th century saw Umbrete
grow gradually larger in size and population and in the 1960’s
new areas were created, such as: El Rocio (and Consolación,
an area that now reaches to the edge of the municipality.
Churches and Historic Monuments
Palacio Arzobispal
Construction of this impressive building began in
the 17th century and continued into the 18th century. As well as
its imposing façade, it has a very interesting central patio
with imposing columns as well. Initially, it was only used for recreation
purposes and events during local holidays but later it became the
principal residence for the highest leaders of the church in Seville.
Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Consolación
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Iglesia Nuestra Señora de consolación. |
Next to the Palacio Arzobispal is a fine
example of a baroque church and built in the 18th century. It is
joined on to the Palacio Arzobispal by a beautiful archway.
Inside the church, there are superb paintings and sculptures dating
back to the 16th century and the main altarpiece, from the 18th
Century, was made by Felipe Fernández del Castillo and designed
by the Seville sculptor, Pedro Duque Cornejo. The central image
of the Virgin of Consolation presides over this historic temple
and there are also impressive scenes around the walls depicting
various stages in her life. These and many other images make this
church well worth visiting from both an artistic and an historic
point of view.
Capilla de San Bartolomé
This 17th Century chapel is in Calle Campelo. Inside,
there are some very fine paintings and images dating from the 17th
and 18th centuries.
Haciendas (Country Estates)
There are several large imposing historic estates
in Umbrete. These baronial buildings give an insight into how the
Andalusian gentry and Church leaders lived throughout history. In
Umbrete’s Plaza de la Virgen del Rocío you
will find La Hacienda Quitapesares – thought to be
the oldest example of one of these grand country houses in Umbrete.
In contrast you can visit the Hacienda de Nuestra Señora
del Rocio, in the Plaza de los Monteros, which is
one of the most modern.
Gastronomy in Umbrete
When in Umbrete, it is almost obligatory not to
leave before you have visited at least one of the many bodegas,
where you can sample the famous local drink Mosto. Amongst
the many excellent places to go is for example, the Bodega Herrera
on the Paseo Primero de Mayo.
The Fiesta del Mosto y de la Aceituna Fina del
Aljarafe (Festival of Mosto and Aljarafe Olives) is held each
year at the beginning of February, in Umbrete’s fairground
area. In recent years, the addition of the Muestra Turístico
–Gastronomica de Umbrete (The Umbrete Gastronomic Tourist
Fair) has been run in conjunction with this annual exhibition and
feast of local food and drink. With at least 60 stands exhibiting
regional gastronomic delights, ample tourist information and local
arts and crafts made in Umbrete. Free samples of the famous mosto
are offered throughout the fair, adding up to an incredible 4,000
litres during the weekend of the fair. Visitors enjoy sampling both
mosto and the wonderful, locally produced olives, while
getting an insight into the traditions, history and way of life
in this colourful part of Andalusia.
For further information on Umbrete contact the Town Hall:
Ayuntamiento de Umbrete
Plaza de la Constitución
1041806 Umbrete
(Sevilla)
Tel: 955 715 300 / 955 715 984
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