Villamanrique de la Condesa
by Shenai Martínez Fernández, translated by Lily Chaplow
Villamanrique de la Condesa is a charming town located at the edge of the Guadalquivir marshes.
Visitors can take in stunning landscapes and visit the new Visitor Centre for the Doñana National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife.
The history of human activity is visible at the archaeological site of Cerro del Chillar.
The parish church of Santa María de la Magdalena, which was built in the 19th century on the site of a church from the 14th century. Its architecture is interesting.
Other interesting things to see include the Town Hall and the Palace of the Infantes, both dating back to the 16th century. These buildings feature lovely sculptures and gardens that showcase the town's rich heritage.
The town also honours the famous bullfighter Pascual Márquez with a monument. Handicrafts play a significant role in Villamanrique, especially the embroidery of Manila shawls, flamenco dresses, and saddlery.
For food lovers, the local cuisine offers delicious dishes such as venison stew, sardines with garlic tostón, snails, salmorejo, and carne sancochá.
If you have a sweet tooth, you can enjoy treats like roscos, buñuelos fritters, rosas, hojuelas, torrijas , tortas, and pestiños.
The town celebrates its patron saint, San Roque, on 16 August with vibrant festivities. This coincides with a cultural fair that lasts for five days during the second week of September. Villamanrique also participates in the famous pilgrimage to El Rocío.
Villamanrique de la Condesa is located 47 kilometres from Seville, easily reachable via the A-49 motorway, taking exit 28. From there, you can cross Pilas, continue along the A-474, and then link up with the A-8060 to arrive at this delightful destination.
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