Castilleja de Guzmán, on the ridge of the Aljarafe
Castilleja de Guzmán, a town with beautiful landscapes, fascinating historical heritage and welcoming people, sits on the ridge of the Aljarafe. Come and stroll through the beautiful Jardines de Forestier, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, and enjoy unique views of the Aljarafe from its viewpoint.
These historic gardens on the grounds of the Palacio de los Guzmanes belonged to the Counts of Castilleja, for whom the town was named. From a distance, you can see the Torre de Contrapeso. This counterweight tower is the only remnant of the town’s olive-growing past and is now a local symbol. Whilst walking through its streets, you will discover other ruins and monuments that provide greater insight into the history of this area of the Aljarafe.
If you wish to enjoy nature, explore the numerous routes and trails, and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. There are different viewpoints from where you can admire the best views of the Aljarafe.
Experience the natural wealth and monuments of Castilleja de Guzmán.
Getting to Castilleja de Guzmán
By car from Seville, the fastest route is SE-30 ring road towards Huelva. Take the exit to Camas, and then the A-8077 until your destination.
There is no train station in this town, but you can get take the M-175 bus line from Plaza de Armas Bus Station in Seville.
Getting around
The best way to discover Castilleja de Guzmán is to stroll through its streets and explore some of its hiking routes. You can also bring your bike and sightsee the area.
Reasons to visit
- Visit the historical Jardines de Forestier. Its viewpoint offers a beautiful view of the Sierra Morena.
- Discover the natural surroundings of Arroyo de Alfileres with a great diversity of animal and plant species.
- Visit the Parque de la Cultura and admire the Dolmen del Señorío integrated into the surroundings. This funerary monument dates back to the Copper Age.
- Travel one of the hiking routes available and enjoy the scenery from the viewpoints.
- Come and experience Castilleja de Guzmán’s festivals. You cannot miss the Feria at the end of June and the festival in honour of the patron saint, the Virgen del Rosario, in October.
- Go to the local bars and restaurants and sample the typical carrillada, a pleasure for your palate.
What to see
Start your visit at the Plaza de España, where the Town Hall is located. Nearby is the San Benito Church with outstanding baroque artworks including the sculpture of the Crucified Christ by Francisco de Ocampo and a Baby Jesus, attributed to the school of Martínez Montañés.
Head now towards Calle Real where you will come across the Palacio de los Guzmanes, today a college dormitory. You can visit the original entrance of the palace and the famous Jardines de Forestier. These beautiful gardens were designed by the French architect, Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier, an expert in botany. Do not forget to take a picture of the stunning views from its viewpoint.
The Torre de Contrapeso is another tourist attraction on the same street. It has become a local symbol. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest, it was once part of an olive oil mill in a former 18th-century hacienda and is the only structure that has survived.
Finish your tour at the Parque de la Cultura. To get there, walk down Avenida Castilleja de la Cuesta until you come to a small path known as El Mirador. It will take you about 10 minutes on foot. The Dolmen del Señorío has been fully integrated into this park. Although much of the structure is underground, there is a wall chart with information about the historical period, its shape and dimensions.
Places to visit
- San Benito Parish Church
- Jardín Histórico de Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier
- Palacio de los Guzmanes
- Torre de Contrapeso
- Los Miradores route
- Arroyo de Alfileres route
- Dolmen del Señorío in the Parque de la Cultura
Surroundings
Castilleja de Guzmán is 8 kilometres from Seville in the Aljarafe region and very close to Valencina de la Concepción and Camas. Its municipal district is bordered to the north by a chain of hills the give way to the so-called ridge of Aljarafe, included in the List of Protected Areas.
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