Marchena

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.