Jerez de la Frontera It is a quiet destination that we can get closer to whether we go to Seville or Cádiz. In addition, it has its own airport, which makes things easier for us if we want to see this Andalusian city. In Jerez there are several things to see and do, although it is not a particularly large place, so we can simply dedicate a weekend getaway to it.
Let's do a list of main places and the things to do in Jerez de la Frontera, that is, its essentials. So you will be very clear about what to see as soon as you arrive in the city, so as not to waste time. In this city the equestrian art, the famous wine and its historic center stand out, but we are going to see everything in detail.
Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
This is one of the star tours of the city of Jerez de la Frontera. In this city there is a great tradition of equestrian art, so it is the ideal place to see how the horses dance. But this royal school is much more than that, since it is made up of several parts and is like a museum where you can get to know in depth this beautiful art of the equestrian world. First of all, we must warn that if we want to see the beautiful spectacle of the dancing horses, we must go to this school on Tuesdays or Thursdays at twelve in the morning, because that is when these events take place. On its website it is possible to see the schedules and buy the tickets directly. They even offer the possibility of holding private exhibitions at events.
La school opens at 10 in the morning and there are many things to do if we like horses, as they also have courses. If we only make a visit we can see the stables, the training tracks or the riding hall. The visits can be guided or independent, according to our needs. It begins at the Visitors Reception Center to continue through an audiovisual room where the history of equestrian art is explained, it continues through the gardens and in the basement is the museum, with up to eleven rooms. The tour ends at the Enganche Museum, where it is possible to see carriages. You should also visit the Palace of Recreo de las Cadenas, from the XNUMXth century, where harnesses are made.
Alcazar of Jerez
The Alcázar de Jerez is located in the historic area of the city and has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument. It stands out for being one of the few Almohad buildings that remain in the Iberian Peninsula. It is a group of fortified buildings between walls, towers and gates. You can see some parts of the original Islamic fortress, such as the mosque or the Arab baths. The visit begins at the City Gate and continues through the mosque, which stands out with its large dome. You can also see other places such as the oil mill, the large gardens, the parade ground or the Arab baths. We will see other emblematic places such as the Palace of Villavicencio, the Octagonal Tower or the Torre del Homenaje. Keep in mind that it is normally open in the morning and in summer until 17:30 p.m.
Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral
Jerez Cathedral is another of the most visited spots in the city. Dedicated to San Salvador, it has been built in Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. It dates from the seventeenth century and sits on the old Great Mosque of Jerez and the church of El Salvador. Inside you can visit a permanent museum where you can see the painting 'La Virgen Niña' by the famous painter Zurbarán. It is nice to visit it at night, when it is fully illuminated.
Charterhouse of Jerez
La Cartuja is another Historic-Artistic Monument and is known as the Charterhouse of Santa María de la Defensión. Its style is the late Gothic of the XNUMXth century. Especially noteworthy is that beautiful Renaissance façade full of details, created by Andrés de Ribera. Inside you can enjoy the atrium with a baroque façade. In the surroundings there are some beautiful gardens, since this monumental complex is not located in the center, but three kilometers away. Perhaps that is why it should be one of the visits that we leave for last, when we leave the city.
Cloisters of Santo Domingo
These are some of the biggest and most beautiful Andalusian Gothic enclosed courtyards. They have a square structure, with a beautiful central patio with a fountain and various rooms around it. Temporary exhibitions are also held, although the most interesting are the buildings.
Arenal Square
If we want to relax a little after so many historical visits, it is time to go to the central Plaza del Arenal. Next to it is also the Calle Larga that is pedestrianized, a place to walk and see shops. The ideal place to stop for something to eat or enjoy a sherry wine.