Carmona: History, Landscape and Culture

Landscape

Carmona is situated on a plateau of the Alcor above the fertile Guadalquivir Valley. The Escarpe de los Alcores is a particularly impressive landscape of tablelands and lies at an elevation of 100 to 220 metres. The Vía Verde de los Alcores follows the route of a disused railway line. Along this path, visitors can see mineral formations and Mediterranean vegetation on the Alcor. The elevation, steep slope and strata of the Alcor make the area suitable for sports such as climbing and paragliding.

History and Monuments

The Roman Necropolis of Carmona was used approximately during the 1st and 2nd centuries. Cremation was the most common burial ritual in the necropolis. The Tomb of the Elephant is one of the particularly impressive tombs in this Roman complex.

Built in Roman times, the Puerta de Córdoba was a passageway for the Via Augusta through Carmona. The Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla rises above the Puerta de Sevilla and, together with it, forms an almost impregnable defensive complex. The Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro is a Moorish fortress west of the walled city, at Carmona’s highest point. Its terrace offers views of the plain known as the Vega de Carmona. The Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla also houses Carmona’s tourist information centre.

The Convento de Santa Clara is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category. The Convento de las Agustinas Descalzas de la Santísima Trinidad is also protected in this category. The Convento de la Santísima Trinidad comprises a church, choir, sacristy and cloistered rooms arranged around a central courtyard.

Culture

The Teatro Cerezo is catalogued as a Bien de Interés Cultural because of its association with the Modernist movement and has been included in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage. As a public municipal cultural venue, it provides a setting for theatre performances, film screenings, festival addresses and other cultural events. The Museo de la Ciudad de Carmona displays archaeological remains from the Palaeolithic as well as from the Chalcolithic, Turdetanian and Andalusian periods.

Discover other Andalusian destinations via Palomares Del Rio, Huévar Del Aljarafe, Alcolea Del Río, Seville, Villamanrique De La Condesa, Las Navas De La Concepción and El Real De La Jara.

Cuisine

Tortas de almendras are among Carmona’s traditional desserts, belonging to Andalusian and Mudejar-influenced cuisine. In the reception area of the Convento de Santa Clara, visitors can purchase sweets made by the Poor Clares in the Arab tradition, as well as other baked goods.

Routes and Views

The walk to the Puente Romano offers views of the Vega del Corbones, the cultivated fields and Carmona from a different perspective. The Puente Romano can be reached via a path on the ancient Roman road; this begins after leaving Carmona through the Puerta de Córdoba.

More about the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Carmona: Old Town, Roman History and a Trip from Seville.

To the higher-level travel overview: Seville.