Constantina: History, Nature and Hiking Trails

History

In June 2004, the traditional town center of Constantina and its surroundings were designated an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC) in the category of a historic-artistic ensemble.

In the Barrio de la Morería, the Muslim-influenced architectural forms and the Muslim street layout have been largely preserved. Castillo de Constantina was designated an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC) in 1985 under Spanish Law 16/1985 on Historical Heritage. Castillo de Constantina has Arab origins and stands on the remains of a former Roman castrum.

At Plaza de Llano del Sol, a striking tower with six structural sections and a height of 50 meters rises above the town in the historic center. The design of this tower is attributed to Hernán Ruiz “El Joven,” the architect of Seville Cathedral.

Culture

The permanent ethnographic exhibition at the Centro Cívico “Rafael Martos” covers more than 250 square meters and displays around 1,000 objects relating to local history, traditions, the agri-food industry, traditional occupations and domestic life.

Other destinations: Castilleja De La Cuesta, Sanlúcar La Mayor, Fuentes De Andalucía, Cañada Rosal, Gerena, Guadalcanal, La Lantejuela and La Puebla de Cazalla.

Nature

The El Robledo Visitor Center is located in Constantina, in the heart of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Nature Park. It offers information and exhibitions about the protected area, an audiovisual presentation, an outdoor recreation area and access to the adjacent El Robledo botanical garden.

The Sendero Molino del Corcho follows the Rivera del Huesna through a riparian forest with alders, willows, ash trees and black poplars. Its wildlife includes, among other species, otters.

Hiking Trails

The Sendero Los Castañares is designated as a circular trail measuring 5,582 meters, with a walking time of approximately two hours and a moderate level of difficulty. It passes through an exceptional chestnut forest and, on the return to Constantina, reaches the road to Castillo de Constantina, where birds of prey can be observed.

The circular trail begins at the end of the Alameda via Calle Venero and the Camino de las Erillas. It can be traversed on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike and leads close to the Cueva de la Sima and the ruins of the Ermita de la Yedra.

The trail to Cerro de El Hierro leads from Constantina via the Ermita de la Virgen del Robledo to the karst landscape of Cerro del Hierro. The chapel lies approximately 2.5 kilometers northeast of Constantina; the first 6.8 kilometers run along a paved road.

Regional Traditions

Constantina’s anise tradition developed from wine production; the distillation of aguardiente was fully established there in the 18th century.

Constantina’s mushroom culture includes autumn dishes made with local mushrooms and Boletus edulis. One example is the annual Jornadas Micológicas event.

For the main travel overview: Seville.