Tour US Ambassador (eng)
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 1.21 mi
- Elevation gain
- 46 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 46 ft
- Max elevation
- 92 ft
- TrailRank
- 12
- Min elevation
- 30 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Time
- 3 hours 25 minutes
- Coordinates
- 308
- Uploaded
- September 18, 2023
- Recorded
- September 2023
near Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucía (España)
Viewed 5 times, downloaded 1 times
Itinerary description
Join us on this journey through the soul of Jerez.
Waypoints
Castle
0 ft
1. Alcázar of Jerez:
1. Alcázar of Jerez: Our first stop takes us to the Alcázar of Jerez, a 12th-century fortress reflecting the rich history of the city. This palace, once the epicenter of power, majestically stands in the southwest angle of the ancient walls. From the original construction, the doors, the mosque, the baths, the octagonal tower, and the pavilion of Doña Blanca's courtyard are preserved, elements that evoke past times and intertwined cultures. With Almoravid roots and transformations that tell the evolution of Jerez, the Alcázar has witnessed shifting loyalties and the influence of various cultures. Here, in addition to the original relics, we can admire the elegant baroque Villavicencio palace. It is undoubtedly an architectural gem that captures the Almohad essence in the Peninsula.
Castle
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2. Monument to Mr. Manuel María González:
Our tour now takes us to the iconic Monument to Don Manuel María González, the visionary founder of González Byass. In the 19th century, inspired and advised by his uncle José, the brand of fino TÍO PEPE was born, a name that would become synonymous with the wines of Jerez. But Manuel María did not stop there: his entrepreneurial spirit led him to be the first exporter of these exquisite wines and to promote significant commercial initiatives in the region, including the development of the railroad. This monument, a work of the talented Valencian sculptor Manuel Boix, is a sincere tribute from the city to a man who undoubtedly left his mark on Jerez and the world of wine.
Religious site
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3. Jerez Cathedral (Collegiate Church of Our Lord San Salvador):
We continue our journey towards the majestic Cathedral of Our Lord San Salvador. This 17th-century gem is a harmonious blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, thanks to the ingenious design of master Diego Moreno Meléndez. But what really makes this place special is its rich history. Beneath its foundations, traces of the ancient Great Mosque of Jerez and the revered Church of Salvador are found. Inside, the Cathedral Museum houses priceless treasures like 'The Virgin Girl' by Zurbarán, masterpieces of the local painter Juan Rodríguez El Tahonero, and an impressive collection of silverware and sacred ornaments that transport us to past eras.
Waypoint
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4. Palace of the Counts of Puerto Hermoso:
Our tour now takes us to the elegant Palace of the Counts of Puerto Hermoso, a neoclassical masterpiece designed by the talented architect Elías Gallegos in 1873. Located in the charming Plaza del Arroyo, this palace has witnessed a rich history, serving as a home to distinguished families of Jerez and even receiving royalty in 1925. It's curious to think that, for almost four decades, the corridors that once resonated with laughter and dances served as the headquarters for the National Police Station of Jerez. A building, undoubtedly, with many stories to tell.
Waypoint
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5. Palace of the Marquis of Bertemati:
Moving forward on our tour, we come across the Palace of the Marquis of Bertemati. This imposing building, located in the Plaza del Arroyo and near the cathedral, was erected in 1785 by the distinguished Sopranis-Dávila family. It represents the elegance of 18th-century Lower Andalusia and bears witness to the rich bourgeoisie of Jerez of that time. Its architecture is particularly notable, as it was one of the first palaces in the city to incorporate foreign influences into its design. Today, the palace has the honor of housing the headquarters of the Diocese of Asidonia-Jerez.
Waypoint
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6. Lola Flores Cultural Center:
Our next stop is the vibrant Centro Cultural Lola Flores. Located in Plaza de Belén, this center is situated in what was the historic Nave del Aceite and borders the future Flamenco Museum of Andalusia. Inside, we find a sentimental treasure related to La Faraona. From the iconic dress she wore at her wedding to Antonio González, known as el Pescaílla, to her dazzling jewels, through her emblematic tailcoats, writings, and drawings made by Lola herself. But that's not all, the Tablao Lola will soon open its doors, offering live performances and varied shows paying tribute to her legendary figure. Additionally, it will feature exhibitions, book presentations, and a shop specializing in souvenirs. And we must not forget the Patio de Flores, promising to be a dynamic space for outdoor meetings and events.
Waypoint
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7. Bethlehem Square:
"We head towards Plaza Belén, a space that has witnessed Jerez's rich historical tapestry. Anchored in the ancient Andalusian medina, the square saw the founding of the Convent of Our Lady of Belén in 1648, later turning into a prison and, subsequently, a public school. Renovated and reopened to the public in 2018, the square now houses an outdoor auditorium and a children's play area. However, the historic heart of the square still beats in the old Oil Warehouse, which is now the home of the Lola Flores Cultural Center." e del Aceite, que ahora es el hogar del Centro Cultural Lola Flores."
Religious site
0 ft
8. Assumption Square:
We continue our tour at the Plaza de la Asunción. This corner, formerly called Plaza de Los Escribanos, presents a fascinating fusion of architectural styles: Renaissance, Mudéjar, and Neoclassical. Dominating the square is the distinctive monument to La Asunción, whose design reminds us of a flaming sail. And surrounding it, two gems of Jerez history: the Old Cabildo and the Church of San Dionisio, each with its own narrative and essence.
Religious site
0 ft
9. Silversmiths Square:
We advance towards Plaza Plateros, a corner rooted in the historic heart of Jerez and a few steps from the Church of San Dionisio. This square, one of the oldest in the city, offers us a privileged view of the Atalaya Tower, a magnificent example of Mudejar art. Its peculiar name, 'Silversmiths', transports us to ancient times, when the square vibrated with the pulse of goldsmiths and artisans, both Christian and Muslim, dedicated to the noble art of working silver.
Religious site
0 ft
10. Herb Square
"We continue our journey through time arriving at Plaza de la Yerba, a mirror to the past reflecting Jerez's architectural diversity. In this enclave, the medieval layout intertwines with 19th-century traditional shops, imposing baroque palaces, and civil structures dating back to the Middle Ages. In the past, in the heart of the walled Jerez, Plaza de la Yerba was not only a commercial meeting point that, alongside Plaza Plateros, set the rhythm of life in the Andalusian Jerez but also a religious epicenter due to the presence of mosques and a Jewish quarter, and military due to its proximity to Plaza del Arenal."
Religious site
0 ft
11. City Hall Courtyard:
"We are now at the Town Hall Courtyard, the epicenter of local administration where the mayor's office and the main administrative offices are located. But did you know that this imposing building used to be a hospital in the 17th century? Upon entering, you will be greeted by a charming square inner courtyard, surrounded by semicircular arches that evoke bygone times. Looking up, the upper floor stands out with its meticulously framed windows, a silent testament to the rich history this place holds."
Waypoint
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12. Council Street:
As we walk along Consistorio Street, we are treading on centuries of history and tradition. This road has had many names over the years, reflecting the different chapters in the city's history. From the name given by Alfonso X the Wise as Puerta Real, to the Street of Charity, in honor of the Santa Caridad Hospital that stood here, to names of prominent political figures like Niceto Alcalá Zamora and Calvo Sotelo. But in 1840, when the Town Hall moved to its current location, this emblematic road regained its name of "Consistorio". A street that has undoubtedly witnessed and been an integral part of the evolution of our beloved city.
Waypoint
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13. Arenal Square:
We now arrive at the Arenal Square, a space that has witnessed countless historic moments. Originally known as the Andalusian mussara, it was a vast terrain intended for large congregations, be they prayers or military parades. After the Reconquest, this place became a stage for confrontations, earning its evocative name "arenarium", which means 'place of battles'. But time has softened its character, and today, the Arenal Square stands as the green and peaceful heart of the city, adorned with lush trees and elegant promenades. A meeting point for locals and visitors, before returning to our starting point, the majestic Alcázar.
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