La provincia de Sevilla

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Los Palacios y Villafranca

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Los Palacios y Villafranca, bringing two towns together

Los Palacios y Villafranca is nestled between the Las Marismas and La Campiña regions in the province of Seville. It was formed from the union of two towns, Los Palacios de la Atalayuela and Villafranca de la Marisma. Two historical towns of the Bajo Guadalquivir, on the side of the N-IV road. The town gradually grew during its heyday of trade with the Indies. They merged in 1835 and now form a big town that is a stone’s throw from Seville. 

You can enjoy countless activities at Los Palacios y Villafranca that will make your visit an unforgettable experience. It has a rich architectural heritage, including the 15th-century Santa María La Blanca Parish Church. You can also practise an adventure sport in numerous green areas and parks. If you prefer to immerse yourself in nature, hike through the stunning landscapes of its three wetlands, home to a large variety of protected species. 

However, the town is mostly famous for its signature product, tomatoes. In a salad, soup or fried... Try them in every way possible! Only then will you know why they are so famous. Indeed, the Tomate de Los Palacios label was given the National Collective Brand award in 2012. 

And it is not just tomatoes; rice is also an essential part of the local cuisine. This town, along with others in these wetlands, is included in the Ruta del Arroz in the province of Seville. 

Do you need any more reasons to come to Los Palacios y Villafranca? If so, here are a few more. 


Getting to Los Palacios y Villafranca

There are two options by car from Seville. You can take the A-4 motorway until exit 558 towards the N-IV road and continue until you reach your destination. 

Alternatively, continue on the A-4 motorway, and enter the AP-4 Autopista del Sur toll road. Leave this toll road at exit 23, and you will arrive in Los Palacios y Villafranca. 

This town does not have a train station, but the M-134 bus line regularly runs from Avenida de Portugal in Seville.


Getting around

Stroll through the town centre and discover its heritage. Go hiking, horse riding or cycling through its surroundings. There is also a taxi service.


Reasons to visit

  • Experience the Ruta Literaria mentioned in the book ‘Pueblo lejano’ that Joaquín Romero Murube wrote about this town. You will discover places with a unique charm. 
  • Come to the Feria Agroganadera in April, famous across Spain. The buying and selling of livestock are still sealed with a handshake, like in the past.
  • If you like athletics, sign up for the International Half Marathon that takes place in December. This top-rated annual sporting event began in the 1970s.
  • Be sure to try the Los Palacios Tomato, the town’s signature product, and the partridge rice, a culinary delight. 
  • Would you like to listen to good music? Come to the Tomate Blues Festival held in October at Las Marismas Park. 
  • Practise some adventure sports at Maribáñez Park. 
  • In addition to picture-perfect landscapes, you will see protected bird species at La Mejorada lagoon, El Pantano wetland or Cerro de las Cigueñas.
  • Experience the San Isidro Labrador Pilgrimage in May, declared an Andalusian Festival of Tourist Interest in 2007. 
  • Experience the best flamenco at the Mistela Festival. It takes place in June and brings together the best performers in the country. 
  • Bring your bike to commemorate Andalusia Day. The locals cycle around town and then spend a day together in La Corchuela Peri-urban Park. 


What to see 

Begin your visit at the Plaza de España, where the Arroyo La Raya used to flow a few years ago. This usually dry stream divided the towns of Los Palacios de la Atalayuela and Villafranca de La Marisma. Today, it is a meeting point for the locals and the heart of Los Palacios y Villafranca. You will find shops, businesses and restaurants here.

The oldest temple in town is Santa María La Blanca Parish Church, a three-minute walk away. This 15th-century church was commissioned by the Dukes of Arcos, the Lords of Los Palacios. 

Take the ‘Pueblo Lejano’ Literary Route, named after the book authored by Joaquín Romero Murube, a Los Palacios native. He dedicated this book to his town. The route is signposted with 20 ceramic panels decorated with quotes from this book. If you take this route, you will see the most prominent monuments of the local heritage, including the 16th-century San Sebastián Chapel that houses this town’s patron saint. 

Visit the Baroque style Aurora Chapel, and the Casa de la Cultura. This building imitates the architecture of the station in Cercedilla, a town in Madrid. If you want to see something interesting, ask about Juan Begines, nicknamed el Santito. He founded the town’s Ethnography and Technology Museum. It contains a remarkable collection of cars, appliances, bikes, telephones, sewing machines and countless antique items. You will also learn about the town’s history. This museum provides a snapshot of the world of inventions.

Head to one of the town’s parks to relax. You can choose Las Marismas Park, Puente Verde Park, Los Hermanamientos Park, Corchuela Park or Maribáñez Park. In the latter, a company offers adventure sports. However, the best way to enjoy nature is to follow a trail through the wetlands of Los Palacios y Villafranca, where you can watch different protected bird species.

To finish, take a break and sample the town’s sumptuous cuisine. Words are unnecessary.


Places to visit

  1. Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles Chapel
  2. San Sebastián Chapel
  3. Shrine to Nuestra Señora de la Aurora
  4. Santa María la Blanca Parish Church
  5. Buen Pastor Parish Church
  6. El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Parish Church
  7. Atalayuela Mansion
  8. Juan Begines Ethnography and Technology Museum
  9. Unión Fountain
  10. Town Hall 
  11. Pedro Pérez Fernández Municipal Theatre
  12. Casa de la Cultura
  13. Cerro de las Cigüeñas
  14. El Pantano Wetland
  15. La Mejorada Lagoon, Diego Puerta Lake
  16. Los Hermanamientos Park
  17. Las Marismas Park
  18. Puente Verde Park
  19. Maribáñez Forest Park
  20. La Corchuela Peri-urban Park


Surroundings

The town of Los Palacios y Villafranca is 32 kilometres from Seville in the Guadalquivir-Doñana tourist region. Its natural environment consists of the Cerro de las Cigueñas and El Pantano wetlands and La Mejorada lagoon. Furthermore, part of La Corchuela Peri-urban Park sits in its municipal district. 

Comarca
Guadalquivir-Doñana
Extension
109.50 Km²
Altitude
7.00 m
No. of inhabitants
38.246

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