Brenes on the Guadalquivir: Nature, Gold Embroidery and History

The Ruta del Azahar is a circular hiking trail in Brenes with the itinerary Seville–Brenes–return to Seville. The route runs for over 8 km from Parque de la Chirritana in Brenes to Plaza Primero de Mayo by Brenes Town Hall.

Nature

On the Guadalquivir, the Ruta del Azahar leads to a floodplain forest of high scenic value. The route area is home to a very diverse range of wildlife, including hoopoes, red-necked nightjars, kingfishers, mallards and purple herons. The banks of the Guadalquivir near Brenes can be explored on foot or by bicycle; hiking is also possible in the surrounding natural landscape. Fishing is a possible leisure activity on the Guadalquivir near Brenes.

The route therefore connects the park at the starting point with the town centre by the Town Hall, while also leading to a natural area by the river. The riverside landscape can be experienced on foot or by bicycle along this route, while fishing on the Guadalquivir near Brenes is also possible.

Brenes lies between orange and olive groves on the banks of the Guadalquivir. The fertile agricultural landscape includes the cultivation of olives, cereals, oranges and peaches.

Culture

Gold embroidery in Brenes has a tradition of more than one hundred years and focuses particularly on religious textile art. Local gold embroidery workshops in Brenes have completed important commissions for brotherhoods throughout Spain.

Construction of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Brenes began in the 14th century under the Archbishops of Seville. Inside the church are a Mudéjar coffered ceiling and Baroque works of art. The church houses an altarpiece dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Rosario, the patron saint of Brenes.

The Feria de Octubre in Brenes takes place as part of the celebrations in honour of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. It begins on the Wednesday after the procession of the patron saint and ends on Sunday, approximately between 7 and 10 October.

History

The Hacienda de San Sebastián in Brenes dates from the late 17th century. It formed part of Brenes's agricultural heritage and was used for olive oil production. Its façade and the tower of the oil mill have been preserved.

The chimney known as the Torre de la Cigüeña is a preserved testament to Brenes's industrial past. The place name “Casas del Rey” is considered an indication of the area's medieval past. San Sebastián remains a centre for an annual pilgrimage held around the saint's feast day.

Different historical layers also stand side by side in the town centre: the church preserves medieval beginnings and Baroque art, while the hacienda, oil mill tower and chimney recall agriculture and industry. The pilgrimage around San Sebastián adds a religious tradition that continues to this day to these architectural testimonies.

Transport

Cercanías line C3 connects Santa Justa with Cazalla and Constantina.

Other destinations include Juan Gállego, Las Navas De La Concepción, Pilas, Sanlúcar La Mayor, Villanueva Del Río Y Minas, Bormujos, La Puebla de Cazalla and Las Cañadillas.

For the higher-level travel overview: Seville.