Gines, the birthplace of artists and rociero traditions
Come to Gines, a town of art, traditions and devotion to Our Lady of El Rocío. This is one of the best-known towns in the Aljarafe as the birthplace of great artists, including Manuel Pareja Obregón. He is the composer of many sevillanas, many of them for the renowned group Amigos de Gines. This town lives and breathes art.
Try to come in October to experience the famous Flamenco Festival, in which young talents compete. The town holds its eagerly awaited Carnival in February. It has earned a reputation as one of the best in the province of Seville.
However, what truly characterises the town’s spirit is its devotion to Our Lady of El Rocío. Come in May to see the horses and wagons head to her Shrine. This pilgrimage has been declared of Andalusian Tourist Interest. As has been an event called Una pará en Gines, which celebrates the town’s devotion to the Virgen del Rocío.
Gines also has a rich architectural heritage. Be sure to visit the haciendas that gave rise to the town. The stately homes, squares and church that make up the old quarters are complemented with the friendly atmosphere of its bars and restaurants.
You will love this town of artists and traditions.
Getting to Gines
If you travel by car from Seville, take the A-49 motorway, and then enter the A-8062 to the right. You will reach Gines in just a few minutes.
The town does not have a train station, but you can take the M-160 bus line from Plaza de Armas Station in Seville.
Getting around
The best way to discover Gines is to stroll through the old town and enjoy its architectural heritage. Alternatively, bring your bike and cycle around the countryside.
Reasons to visit
- Visit the local haciendas to learn about the town’s history.
- Experience the most eagerly awaited event in town, when the horses and wagons set off on their pilgrimage to the Shrine to the Virgen del Rocío, declared of Andalusian Tourist Interest.
- Be sure to come for Una Pará en Gines in September to learn about the town’s devotion to Our Lady of El Rocío. The festival lasts five days, with over 50 activities. This event, which is unique in Spain, has been declared of Andalusian Tourist Interest.
- Sample some of the local cuisine, including caldereta, carrillada and ropa (a brothless stew). Gines also hosts a local paella competition on Constitution Day.
- If you enjoy Carnival, you will have a fabulous time. Its chirigotas, comparsas and quartets competition is considered one of the best in the province of Seville.
- Dare to take an air balloon ride and get a bird’s-eye view of the Aljarafe. Two companies in Gines offer this experience.
- Are you a flamenco enthusiast? Come in October to the Gines Flamenco Festival, in which young flamenco singers compete.
- Experience ‘Gines en Corto’, the largest international short film festival in Andalusia in April. Over 50 countries participate in the event.
- At Christmastime, the town sends off the year with a Medieval Market. Enjoy the craft stalls, themed exhibitions, music performances and parades.
What to see
Start your visit to Gines at the Plaza de España, in the town’s historical centre. You will discover the Nuestra Señora de Belén Parish Church, a late Mudejar temple with an impressive rococo altarpiece. There are also beautiful artworks, including the painting Entierro de Santa Catalina attributed to the school of the great baroque master Francisco de Zurbarán.
In this same square, you can see the former Hacienda Torregines, now converted into the town’s Cultural and Recreation Centre. The building, which was the oldest hacienda in the town, preserves the tower with the oil press. Another hacienda near the square is Hacienda de Santa Rosalía, now the Casa de la Cultura with the Municipal Library and the Music School and the Theatre. You can go inside to look at the architecture.
Continue along the pedestrianised Calle Real until you reach another emblematic building, Hacienda del Marqués de Torrenueva. This beautiful palace is also known as El Liendo as it used to be a winery for many years. The local Virgen del Rocío Confraternity House is also on this street.
Head now to the Plaza de Santa Rosalía to visit the Shrine to Our Lady of El Rocío. The Monument in her honour is next to the square. The sculpture was made by various ceramic workshops in Triana in Seville.
If you need a break, go to the Plaza de la Merced, a very picturesque square.
Places to visit
- Hacienda del Marqués de Torrenueva
- Hacienda del Santo Ángel, known as El Molino
- Nuestra Señora de Belén Parish Church
- Square and Shrine to Santa Rosalía, now Casa de la Cultura
- Plaza de España
- Monument to the Virgen del Rocío
- Calle Real and local Virgen del Rocío Confraternity House
- Plaza de la Merced
- Hacienda de Torregines, currently the town’s Cultural and Recreation Centre (Social Club)
Surroundings
Gines is about 9 kilometres from Seville in the Aljarafe region. Its municipal district is small, but contains many farmsteads. The town borders Castilleja de la Cuesta, Valencina de la Concepción and Espartinas.
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