Tocina between the Guadalquivir, pilgrimage routes and church culture

Between riverside landscapes and traces of history

Tocina and Los Rosales are located in the Guadalquivir-Doñana tourist region. In Tocina, paths through the landscape, religious traditions and distinctive sacred buildings come together. The present-day streetscape and buildings such as the Church of San Vicente bear witness to the former presence of the Order of St John in the town. Tocina can therefore be discovered on several levels: as a stop on the river, as a destination for routes and as a place with a clearly visible ecclesiastical-historical character.

Exploring pilgrimage and landscape routes

The seventh stage of the Camino Benedictino runs through Tocina from north to south. Along the way, it passes the parish church of San Vicente Mártir and the Chapel of San Benito Abad. For planning a stage, this route combines the course of a pilgrimage trail with two specific religious buildings. Route 2 from Brenes to Tocina follows the southern bank of the Guadalquivir, passing through orchards and cotton fields.

The La Playita nature area lies on the Guadalquivir. It has picnic areas and numerous paths for outdoor recreation. The combination of riverside landscape, paths and places to stop offers a different perspective from the historic town centre. Those approaching Tocina by bicycle over a longer distance will also find the linear Seville–Los Rosales–Tocina cycle route, which is 49.30 km long. The length of 49.30 km helps put a cycling tour into perspective as a continuous stage.

Getting your bearings between Seville and Tocina

For travel planning, there is a rail connection via Cercanías line C3: it runs from Seville Santa Justa station to Tocina stop. This provides a clearly defined connection between Seville and Tocina alongside the pilgrimage, hiking and cycling routes. The different routes and means of transport make it clear that the town can be explored both as a planned stage and through individual excursions into the countryside.

Church, architectural history and religious heritage

The Church of San Vicente has a basilical floor plan with three naves, a straight chancel termination and two square façade towers. Its exterior follows the Maltese architectural canons of the early 18th century. The foundation stone of the church was laid on 18 May 1703. The floor plan, chancel termination and towers shape the appearance of the building, while the specific date refers to its history of construction.

Another religious site is the Ermita de la Soledad. It is a Baroque building and houses the statues of the local religious brotherhoods. The ermita formerly served as a cemetery.

A long-standing procession

The Romería de la Virgen de Fátima has been celebrated in May since 1958. After a Mass, the romería proceeds on foot and on horseback, with the Simpecado on a carriage, to the area known as El Eucaliptal. The event combines a religious occasion with a procession through the town and its surroundings. Those looking for a cultural focal point during a stay in Tocina will find a tradition that has existed since 1958 and takes place in May.

Other destinations from the same selection: Castilleja De La Cuesta, Écija, El Ronquillo, Coria Del Río, Los Corrales, Constantina, Cerro de Hierro, Bormujos.

For the overarching travel overview: Seville.