Holidays to Jerez de la Frontera

Jerez, crowned by a Moorish castle (Alcázer) is the home of Sherry, Flamenco, Equestrianism (the birthplace of the Carthusian horse) and Tabancos (traditional small taveras).  It is a city of 52 picturesque squares, resplendent with cafés and restaurants, 100 palaces and is the 5th largest city in Andalucia with a population of 212,000. Both coast (12km) and mountains are within easy reach.

Jerez has been inhabited since Neolithic times and under the Romans was called Asta Regia. The Arabs conquered the region in 711 and for some of the time ruled it together with Arcos. Under the Almohads in the 12th and 13th centuries the city boomed and the old town developed at this time.  The Castilians, under Alfonso X, conquered Jerez in 1264 and added the words ‘de la frontera’ meaning that this was a frontier town between the Moors and the Christians.

The Discovery of America in the 16th century made Jerez a very prosperous city as a result of its proximity to the ports of Seville and Cadiz. The 17th, 18th and 19th centuries saw a lot of investment and fame as a result of the booming wine trade and the town centre is ringed by world famous sherry producers like Gonzalez Byass, Pedro  Domecq, Sandeman and Lustau.

The blend of moorish, baroque, gothic, renaissance and neoclassical styles within the old town makes Jerez a fascinating city to explore. Jacaranda and orange trees are everywhere.  Many churches, including the spectacular cathedral, were one time mosques.  Jerez comes alive after 7.00pm when the cafés and restaurants buzz with activity and chat.

Finally, one should not leave without a visit to the Andalusian School of Equestrian Art to see those magnificent horses.