Aznalcóllar, a mining town
Would you like to enjoy nature and discover an unforgettable town? Then, Aznalcóllar is the place for you. This former mining town in the Vía de la Plata region is a study in contrasts. The landscape is dominated by large pastures, its famous reservoir and the Guadiamar Green Corridor. You can enjoy a wide range of tourist activities and adventures here.
The town, which gets its name from the Arabs, has beautiful monuments, including the Zawiya, the Mudejar gem in the province of Seville. This chapel of Muslim-origin, situated in the local cemetery, is the only monument of its kind in Andalusia. The remains of the Roman aqueduct that carried water to Italica is also located near the mine.
As with other mountain towns, the cuisine is another tourist attraction. Some of the delicacies you should try are game meat, homemade stews and the traditional migas con ajo. Be sure to try the local honey, Aznalcóllar’s product par excellence. This town is the largest honey producer in the region; hence, its confectionery is exquisite.
What more could you ask for? Come and find out for yourself.
Getting to Aznalcóllar
If you travel by car from Seville, take the A-66 Ruta de la Plata motorway. Then take exit 795 to enter the A-477 towards Gerena, and continue until you reach Aznalcóllar.
The town does not have a train station. Still, you can get there by bus on the M-176 intercity line that runs from Plaza de Armas Bus Station in Seville.
Getting around
This town is perfect for a leisurely stroll through the old town to discover its charms. There is also a wide variety of outdoor activities available, including hiking and cycling through the beautiful natural surroundings.
Reasons to visit
- Discover the Zawiya, an Islamic monument intended for religious use and built around a tomb. It is the only chapel of its kind in Andalusia, and it is here in Aznalcóllar.
- Dare to experience bungee jumping, kayaking or hiking in the Guadiamar Green Corridor.
- Enjoy a picnic at the Pino Gordo Recreational Area.
- Sample piñonate and garrapiñada, typical sweet treats made with local honey.
- Do not miss the Pilgrimages of Las Santas Cruces de Arriba and Abajo in July and August. Live the healthy rivalry between these two centenary confraternities.
- Are you into mountain biking competitions? Sign up for the annual Mountain Bike Challenge held in spring.
- In September, experience the enthusiasm of the Festivals in honour of the Virgen de Fuente Clara, held at the Cortijo Garci Bravo. Legend has it that she appeared there.
- If you like migas, come to Aznalcóllar on Andalusia’s Day and eat to your heart’s content. Every year the town organises a fabulous feast.
What to see
Start your visit at Cerro del Castillo and admire the remains of this medieval building. Walk down to the local cemetery to see the Zawiya, a matchless monument in Andalusia. This privately-owned chapel of Muslin origin is open to the public. The beautiful Mudejar architecture inspired the architect Norman Foster when he designed the first drone airport in Rwanda.
Back in the town, the first building you come across is La Cruz de Arriba Chapel, in the small square with the same name. Inside is the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary, whose pilgrimage is celebrated in July at Dehesa de los Llanos. Nearby is La Cruz de Abajo Chapel, the confraternity that has historically been a rival of the former. The chapel houses the sculpture of Saint Helen, whose pilgrimage takes place at Dehesa del Palmar one month after the other pilgrimage. The healthy rivalry between the two confraternities is part of the local culture and character.
Continue down until the 18th-century Nuestra Señora de Consolación Church. Numerous works of art and a wrought-iron pulpit grace this parish church, home to the patron saint, Virgen de la Fuente Clara. Her story is quite fascinating, so be sure you ask about it.
There are also other notable buildings scattered across the town, including the old windmill and the monument to the Miners, which honours a trade that shaped the local people’s lives for centuries.
Finally, hike through the protected nature area of Guadiamar Green Corridor and discover traces of this town’s past. For instance, the remains of the aqueduct that reached the great ancient Roman city of Italica.
Places to visit
- Castle
- Zawiya (Mudejar chapel and cemetery)
- La Cruz de Abajo Chapel
- La Cruz de Arriba Chapel
- Misioneras Hermanas de Betania Convent
- Nuestra Señora de Consolación Parish Church
- Windmill
- Monuments to the Mining Railway
- Monument to the Miners
- Torreón de la Dehesilla (in ruins and outside the town)
- Remains of the Molino del Arroyo de los Frailes
- Railway Bridge
- Remains of the Italica aqueduct
- Guadiamar Green Corridor
Surroundings
Aznalcóllar is 40 kilometres from Seville, in the Vía de la Plata region. It is nestled between the Aljarafe countryside and the first foothills of the Sierra Morena.
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