A visitor arriving in Marchena thinks he is in Rome
when he spots the bell towers of its churches on the
horizon. The best way to get to know Marchena is to
start in the Old Plaza, and from there enter the historic
city centre by the fabulous la rosa Arch.
You can then wander in the back streets to see its
churches, some of them of great historic value, such
as those of Santa maría de Mota and San Juan
Bautista (both of mudejar style); San Miguel ; San
Agustin, san Sebastian and Santo Domingo.
The best time for seeing this impressive complex
of religious art is during Holy Week which has been
declared of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia.
Open your ears at the passage of the images people
will be singing moving saeta songs from every corner.
The sacred dramatisations of the Passion of Christ
such as The Mandate held on Good Friday are outstanding.
And don’t even think of leaving marchena without
visiting the Plaza Ducal and its environs, which are
its most important secular architectural treasure
and which have been designated a joint historic and
artistic monument.
In the past, it was the site of the purest Gypsy
songs and dance, where the greatest flamenco singers
of past centuries sang. Today this art is performed
at the Guitar Fiesta So much art.