Nothing says long weekend like a roadtrip, a quick stop in a village and the mass migration of people during the sacred puente. Not wanting to go too far, I settled on taking a day trip to Carmona, one of the province highlights that is often shadowed by Seville (even though, in my opinion, the province doesn’t offer too much by way of historical sites).
Rain was on the forecast, but it didn’t matter – Phyllis and I grabbed Pequeño Monty and took the A-4 all the way into town. My first trip to Carmona was five years ago on a similar, drizzly morning – I’ve been aching to return since (particularly because that was one of my poorest points of expat life – we didn’t pay to see anything and split two plates of food between five of us).
Most visitors to the city arrive to the Plaza del Estatuto, known to locals as the Plaza de Abajo. The oblong plaza is lined with old man bars. I swooned immediately.
This small city, perched on a hill above acres of wheat and olives, has seen traces of Bronze Age settlers, Roman emperors, Visigoth Kings and the Moors before its conquest in the 13th Century. In pounding the pavement, I felt like we were on the tails of history.
The old center winds up from the Puerta de Sevilla and its imposing city walls and onto Plaza San Fernando towards Calle Prim, called the Plaza de Abajo by locals. Hidden within the gradually steep walls that stretch to the Iglesia de Santiago and the Puerte de Córdoba are tucked-away plazas, convents, grandiose cathedrals and stately palaces. Many alleyways are so slim, you can touch both sides of the walls.
There was little car traffic (it seemed the whole town was either sleeping off the Carnival celebrations or at a wedding at the Priory of Santa María), and we practically had the whole place to ourselves.
Ending the day at the Necrópolis de Carmona (which is free, so you have no excuse to not go), we had gone from lavish renaissance palaces to the ruins of an ancient burial ground by just driving to the other part of town. Laying along the Via Augusta, Carmona has been attracting tourists for millennia. We were just two unassuming guiris still amazed that such old stuff exists.
Have you been to Carmona? What are you favorite villages in the Sevilla province? I’d recommend the following:
About Cat Gaa
I loved Carmona when my friend and I made a daytrip there last October. We also came on a rainy day, but fortunately it let up once the bus rolled into the main plaza, leaving a moody fog to linger until the sun came out. Like you, I enjoyed strolling around this warm, cozy pueblo layers deep in history
Props to you for seeing the necropolis…we tried to go there but they had closed admissions half an hour before closing
Trevor Huxham recently posted..Photo Post: Colexiata de Sar, the Leaning Church of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
I have Carmona on my wish list and I want to stay at the Parador!
Nicole recently posted..Southwestern Quinoa Cakes
You must! We wanted to have a quick coffee there, but the terrace was closed because of rain and wind. The town is so beautiful!
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Carmona before! I feel terrible 😛 It definitely looks like my sort of place, too, with all the history and the gorgeous architecture. Definitely somewhere to keep in mind!
Caitlyn recently posted..A return to Little Collins
What a cute town! I especially love those Moorish arcades. Glad you got to go again as a more well-to-do adult ;P
Cassandra recently posted..Oam Thong: Spicy Thai in Madrid
I wish I’d known about how great Carmona was last summer when I was visiting Sevilla! Looks awesome.
Corinne recently posted..Where to Eat in Singapore – More Hawker Stall Goodness
Gahhh I’m already in love with this little gem! The pictures are enchanting! I might have to make a little day trip next time I’m in Sevilla
Julia recently posted..48 Hours in Milan
Tapas, narrow winding alleys, Roman ruins? We’d love to visit Carmona (and Seville)…
Sand In My Suitcase recently posted..A sultan’s palace? No, Baraza Resort and Spa
Putting it on my list. I have heard people talk about Carmona but seeing your pictures makes me want to go.
Noted on my bucket list!
ben recently posted..Mackinac Island – the Island that Suits You Best
Seville is the most beautiful place in Spain!!!
Easy to agree!