Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez is located in an exceptional position, 50 km from the provincial capital, in the fertile countryside of the lowlands of the Guadalquivir , next to the River Guadalete. It is only a short distance away from the beaches of the Atlantic coast and the Cadiz mountains. At an altitude of 56 metres, it has a population of 187,087 known as Jerezanos.
Its excellent geographic position ensures agreeable temperatures throughout the year. Thanks to its location close to the sea and its latitudinal position, its average temperature in winter is 11 ºC and 25º in summer, which means that the winters are mild and the summers pleasant. Jerez is located in a strategic position with excellent connections to the rest of Andalusia , Spain and Europe.
Its recently constructed international airport with its modern installations provides routes to numerous domestic and international destinations. There is also a recently renovated train station that offers multiple connections to the most important cities and capitals. Finally a complete motorway and dual carriageway network provides rapid and easy access to local towns and other Spanish cities.
The history of Jerez goes back to Tarshish times. Three thousand years ago, the Phoenicians founded a colony called Serit in the surrounding area. Under Roman rule, the city became known as Seritium, and later when it was an Arab fortress as Sheres or Xeres, until in 1264 King Alfonso X the Wise, brought it into the kingdom of Castilla . From then on it became known as Jerez de la Fronrtera, growing in importance after the times of the Catholic Kings when business with its famous wines began with the English.
The old city, declared an Artistic Historical Centre offers authentically traditional districts, hidden alleyways, squares and retreats. Fountains and orange trees blend in with palaces, churches and wine cellars making it an ideal place for taking a stroll through its pedestrian streets or for going shopping in its commercial area where there are a wide variety of traditional and international shops. Then, there is its magnificent cuisine that can be enjoyed in one of its many bars and restaurants that offer numerous Jerez style dishes and specialities and of course the �tapa� that is much more than a mere tradition in Jerez .
Its most notable MONUMENTS are:
- The collection of historic 11 th century buildings known as the Alcázar (citadel), that include the Arab baths, the Mosque Chapel of Sta. María la Real, the Armas Patio, Gardens, an Oil Mill and a camera obscura located in the Renaissance Villavicencio Palace.
- The Cathedral, a grand 18 th century Baroque collegiate church. The 15th century Mudéjar tower stands next to it.
- The Church of San Miguel. A Gothic Isabelline church finished in the 16 th century, one of the most notable monuments in the town.
- The Church of Santiago , of Gothic structure with a Baroque tower.
- The Church of San Dionisio , built in the Mudéjar style on the site of an old mosque.
- The Church of San Marcos , Gothic-Mudéjar style.
- Also the Church of San Mateo, the Church of San Juan de los Caballeros and the cloisters of the Convent of Sto. Domingo, are all important cuildings.
Today the wine industry continues to be Jerez 's main economic activity, thanks to its exceptional geographical location, its proximity to the Atlantic ocean , and the "tierras de albariza", its limy soil. This is where the vines grow, which combined together with the �Palomino� grape and the careful ageing of the grape juice in the wineries, which are not unlike cathedrals, where the wines are aged, allow us to enjoy a world famous unique product: Jerez sherry. Today it is possible to visit the different wineries, such as González & Byass, Pedro Domecq, Williams & Humbert, Sánchez Romate, Pilar Aranda, etc.
The wide selection of different wines means that there is a type of sherry to accompany many types of dishes and that is suitable for any occasion.
Thanks to its location between the sea and the mountains and due to its wines and brandy , Jerez has become one of the best known Spanish cities for cooking.
Jerez is also an area for stock breeding, famous for its fighting bulls and Carthusian horses which led to the area's horse breeding tradition. This overtime led to the creation of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art where one can admire the spectacle of the beauty and expressiveness of the Andalusian horses and their skilled riders.; one can also visit the Cartuja stud to enjoy the Andalusian horses, one of the most outstanding attractions of Jerez .
Today Jerez is a lively city, an important commercial centre with a growing cultural vocation that has exceptional and exclusive attractions and tourist resources.
One can visit several museums :
- The Municipal Archeological Museum , with exceptional pieces such as a Greek helmet from the year 60 BC.
- The Theme Centre "La Atalaya" that includes the Time Palace (The Old Clock Museum) and the Mystery of Jerez ( The Wine Museum), modern interactive museums that are an impressive show in an incomparable setting.
- Museum of Wine Labels.
- Museum of the Traje Corto (traditional rural riding costume).
- Bull Fighting Museum.
- Museum of Honey and Bees.
Jerez is also an important centre in Andalusia for sport., boasting numerous modern installations that allow the practise of many sports.
Amongst the most important sports facilities are the following:
- The Jerez Racing Track; The World Motorcycling Championship is held here annually as well as many other national and international motorbike and racing car championships throughout the year.
- The Olympic Stadium and the Chapin Sports Installations.
- The Montecastillo Golf Club.
- The Sherry Golf Jerez Golf Club.
Districts such as Santiago and San Miguel are the traditional home of the gypsy community that have produced many great artists for the city and the world, making Jerez the home of Flamenco.
To understand first hand Flamenco, one of Jerez 's purest and most genuine shows, one should visit:
- The Andalusian Flamenco Centre.
- The Jerez International Flamenco Festival (Feb/Mar).
- The Autumn Festivals, with numerous Flamenco activities.
- The Horse Fair.
- Enjoy the sacred songs of Holy Week.
- Enjoy the Flamenco of the best Flamenco Venues in Jerez such as "El Lagá de Tío Parrilla" and "La Taberna Flamenca".
Another ideal way to get to know Jerez is to visit during the celebration of one of its Festivities, many of which include the distinctive elements of Jerez such as its Horses, Flamenco or its Wine.:
- The Horse Fair that takes place in the first weeks of May and has been declared of International Tourist Interest.
- Holy Week, declared of International Tourist Interest.
- The Autumn Festivitiess celebrated in September.
- Christmas in Jerez.
