San Juan de Aznalfarache, the ‘Balcony of Seville’
On the edge of Aljarafe, facing the River Guadalquivir, stands this beautiful Sevillian town of Turdetani origin. The ancient city of Osset is now San Juan de Aznalfarache. This cosmopolitan town has developed into a dormitory town in recent years owing to its proximity to Seville. Here you will experience the soul of a village, with all the comforts of a city. Shopping centres, leisure facilities, hotels, a casino and even two metro stops make San Juan de Aznalfarache a privileged spot in Seville’s Aljarafe.
At its highest point stands the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Monument Site, which offers unique views of the River Guadalquivir and Seville. This ‘Balcony of Seville’ was built on the old castle’s grounds, where part of the Almohad Walls, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, still remain. Stroll through its streets steeped in history and discover such picturesque spots as the Pasaje de la Marina.
Cuisine is another of its great treasures. With an olive-growing tradition, sample the pickled olives are produced in this town. You will love them! Typical local dishes include seafood rice, oxtail stew and veal tripe stew, which is available in any restaurant. For dessert, you should try gañotes, the traditional sweet eaten during the feasts of San Juan de Aznalfarache.
Come and discover this great Aljarafe town within the metropolitan area of Seville.
Getting to San Juan de Aznalfarache
If you go from Seville by car, take the SE-30 ring road to exit 15A to enter the A-8058 until your destination.
If you go by train, the Metro is the best option, as the town has two stops: San Juan Bajo and San Juan Alto.
If you decide to travel by bus from Seville, there is a regular service from Plaza de Armas Bus Station to San Juan de Aznalfarache (lines M-142, M-152, M-153, M-154, M-155 and M-162). You can also take the circular bus route from Aljarafe, which connects the towns in the area. Bus lines M-101 and M-108 connect Tomares with this town.
Getting around
There are two Metro stops available: one in uptown San Juan de Aznalfarache and the other in the downtown. Once you get off in either own, you can walk around and enjoy the beauty spots.
Reasons to visit
- Learn about the town’s Turdetani past at the Osset Archaeological Site, where you will find an ancient wine press.
- Enjoy the best views of Seville from the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Monument Site, a gem of the province.
- Visit the Almohad Wall in San Juan de Aznalfarache, declared a Site of Cultural Interest.
- This city is part of the Rice Route, along with other municipalities of Aljarafe and Marisma, so do not miss the local speciality: seafood rice.
- If you want to get a look behind the scenes of a TV station, take a guided tour of Canal Sur TV’s headquarters, which is located here.
- Learn all about rice processing at Herba, the world’s leader in this sector.
- Sit down and relax at the most beautiful spot in San Juan de Aznalfarache, the Pasaje de la Marina.
What to see
Start your visit to San Juan de Aznalfarache at the Loreto neighbourhood, where the Cerro de los Sagrados Corazones is located. This is the oldest part of the town, where the Turdetani town of Osset was founded. Later, the Muslim castle was built on this same site. Now, it is home to the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Monument Site, of the most beautiful places in the town.
Stroll through its extensive gardens and staircases on the slopes of the hill while enjoying the best views of Seville. It is popularly known as the ‘Balcony of Seville’. Atop this architectural site is the monumental tower with Jesus blessing the Guadalquivir. It is located in a semi-circular courtyard surrounded by other religious buildings of great historical value, such as Sagrados Corazones Parish Church.
Continue walking through the area, and you will come across the remains of the Almohad Wall, declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Nearby is the Osset Archaeological Site, the ancient Turdetani city, where you will see an antique wine press, as well as an exhibition of numerous remains and items from the period.
In the centre, opposite the Town Hall, is the Minas de Cala House, one of the most representative buildings of the town’s industrial past. It was once the offices and home of the director of the Cala-San Juan mining railway. Continue towards Calle Real and discover one of the most beautiful spots in town, the Pasaje de la Marina. It is decorated with flowerpots and a wrought iron cross, surrounded by lemon trees that the locals tend to every day. You will notice that the temperature here is cooler than in other parts of the town.
Nearby is the Virgin del Carmen River Walk that runs parallel to the river. This spot is popular with the devotees of this Virgin as the chapel dedicated to her stands nearby. Enjoy this walk with views of the Guadalquivir. You can also cycle if you wish, as it is allowed.
To complete your tour of San Juan de Aznalfarache, you can take a guided tour of Herba, one of Spain’s leading rice processing companies, or you can visit the Canal Sur TV station.
Places to visit
- Nuestra Señora del Rosario Chapel
- Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Monument Site
- Los Sagrados Corazones Parish Church
- San Juan Bautista Church
- Almohad Wall
- Virgin of Carmen River Walk
- Casa de las Minas de Cala House
- Otto Engelhart's House
- San José Obrero Church
- Pitufos Park
- Pasaje de la Marina
- Osset Archaeological Site
Surroundings
San Juan de Aznalfarache is about 6 kilometres from Seville. It sits on the eastern edge of the Aljarafe plateau, on the banks of the River Guadalquivir. It boasts a privileged location as a communications hub between Seville, the Aljarafe region and several Vega del Guadalquivir towns.
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