La provincia de Sevilla

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Life and landscape in a diverse and monumental province

Gilena

1710
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Gilena, a place of stone

All the civilisations and cultures that populated the Iberian Peninsula passed through Gilena, a small town in the Sierra Sur. The town’s name means a place of flintstone, derived from the Latin ‘Silex’. Indeed, the first thing you will see from afar is the huge stone quarry, the key economic driver for Gilena. 

The town has beautiful natural surroundings and a variety of exciting adventure routes through the mountains. You can practise hiking, mountain biking or motocross. On top of that, you will enjoy the best views of Seville’s La Campiña. 

The peaceful atmosphere of this pleasant town and its welcoming people will also captivate you. Learn about the charming heritage and sample the local cuisine, based on game meat and locally grown vegetables. 

Come and experience the festivals. The Castra Legionis Festival, held in September, recreates the town’s Roman past, making you feel like a real Roman legionnaire. You will also learn about the history of Silex, as Gilena was known in the ancient Baetica. 

What are you waiting for? 


Getting to Gilena

If you travel by car from Seville, the fastest route is the A-92 motorway towards the SE-486. Then take the A-353 to reach Gilena.

You can also go by bus from Prado de San Sebastián Station. 

Another option is to travel by train. The nearest station is in Pedrera, about 3.76 kilometres away. From there you have to take a bus to Gilena.


Getting around

Discover this charming town on foot and visit its main monuments. You can also go hiking or cycling on the beautiful routes around the town.


Reasons to visit

  • Visit the Colección Museográfica de Arte e Historia to learn about Gilena’s past.
  • Sample the delicious local cuisine, including conejo al ajillo and cazuela de habas both made with local products. 
  • Dare to climb the Sierra de Gilena. The beautiful views from the Acebuchosa Viewpoint are undoubtedly worth it.
  • Visit Gilena during Holy Week to see the famous Roman Centuria marching in the processions. 
  • Try Gilena’s mantecados, which differ from those made in Estepa in that they have a crunchy bottom and soft top. You will love them. 
  • If you want to have some fun, come to the popular Fiesta de los Tontos on 28 December, with street parties and a costume competition. The event is eagerly awaited by locals, who plan their costumes weeks in advance. 
  • Learn about Gilena’s Roman history at the Castra Legionis Festival in September. The festival recreates the life of the Roman army in ancient Baetica. 
  • Spend a day in the countryside at Manantial del Ojo, where the stream rises. There are a picnic area and several routes you can enjoy in this natural setting. 


What to see 

Start your visit to Gilena at the Inmaculada Concepción Parish Church. This Romanesque temple, commissioned by the Marquises of Estepa, houses valuable paintings, panel paintings and precious metal artefacts from different periods. 

Head now to the Plaza Virgen de los Dolores to visit the Francisco Maireles Vela Museum of Contemporary Art. This artist is considered the best painter of 20th-century Sevillian religious art. 

The Colección Museográfica de Gilena is located on the next street. The collection of archaeological remains spans prehistory to the Visigoths. You can learn about the history of ancient Roman Silex in this museum.

To finish, follow a route through the Sierra de Gilena. Alternatively, you can walk up to the Acebuchosa Viewpoint and enjoy some beautiful views of the town.


Places to visit

  1. Shrine to Nuestra Señora de la Salud
  2. Inmaculada Concepción Parish Church 
  3. Colección Museográfica de Gilena
  4. Francisco Maireles Vela Museum of Contemporary Art
  5. Acebuchosa Viewpoint


Surroundings

Gilena is about 107 kilometres from Seville in the Sierra Sur region. It is nestled in the valley surrounding the mountainous massif known as Sierra de Gilena. The nearest towns are Estepa and Pedrera.

Comarca
Sierra Sur
Extension
52.00 Km²
Altitude
464.00 m
No. of inhabitants
3.790
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