Carrión de los Céspedes
by Shenai Martínez Fernández translated by Lily Chaplow
Carrión de los Céspedes has its origins in an old Arab farmhouse, and about 50% of its population is still involved in agriculture today. You can see the remains of an old water mill that once used the flow of the river Alcarayón.
A major highlight is the church of San Martín, a stunning Mudejar-style building from the late 15th century, which features a beautiful neoclassical altarpiece.
You can also visit the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación, a 17th-century neoclassical structure that was remodeled after the Lisbon earthquake.
One notable figure from this town is Don Joaquín Galeano de Paz, who left for the Americas in 1742 and returned wealthy, leading to the creation of the Plaza del Indiano in his honour.
Carrión de los Céspedes is known for its craftsmanship, particularly the unique embroidery of Manila shawls, which are highly regarded throughout Spain.
Food lovers will enjoy local dishes like witches' stew, tostón with sardines or cod, dried broad beans, chickpea stew, migas, and meat stew. For those with a sweet tooth, try the rosas, poleá, leche frita, petacas, pestiños, and rollitos.
The town hosts festivals in honour of Nuestra Señora de Consolación and the Corpus Christi, usually in May or June, depending on when Corpus Christi falls. As a traditional ‘rociero’ village, locals embark on a pilgrimage to Almonte at the end of May. In September, there’s a fair and celebrations for Our Lady of the Rosary.
Carrión de los Céspedes is about 33 kilometres from Seville. You can easily reach it via the A-49 road, taking exit 28 toward Carrión, and then follow the A-8153 to your destination.
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