Casariche, formerly the city of Ventippo
Casariche is a town with a noteworthy Roman past. The ancient city of Ventippo is today a stately town in the heart of Seville’s Sierra Sur. The historical and cultural heritage that is part of the Ruta del Tempranillo will take you back in time. The pardon of the famous 19th-century bandit, José María’ El Tempranillo’, was agreed in this town.
Visit the quarry that supplied stones for Imperial Rome or learn the art of mosaic design in its topic centre. You can also learn about the history of the Battle of Munda, fought by Julius Caesar in this part of the region. The Romanorum Festum Ventippo, an annual festival that recreates what life was like in Casariche during Roman times, is another tourist attraction. It is the most eagerly awaited event by locals and always draws massive crowds.
You can also enjoy Casariche’s delicious cuisine. Olive oil and table olives are the town’s culinary products par excellence. Visit the bars and sample the typical dishes such as encebollado de bacalao, patatas chorizadas or maimones. If you come for Holy Week, try the traditional rosco.
Come and experience Casariche, and discover its past and present.
Getting to Casariche
If you travel by car from Seville, the fastest route is the A-92 motorway. Then take exit 113 to enter the A-379. Finally, take the SE-751 until Casariche.
There is no direct train from Seville to Casariche, but you can take the Córdoba-Seville and Casariche-Córdoba lines. You will have to change at Córdoba.
You can also take a bus to Casariche from Prado de San Sebastián Station in Seville.
Getting around
The best way to discover Casariche is on foot. You will enjoy learning about its history and meeting the locals. You can also hike in the natural surroundings.
Reasons to visit
- Visit the José Herrera Rodas Mosaic Museum, admire the Roman mosaic depicting the Judgement of Paris, and learn about mosaic design.
- Follow Casariche’s Ruta del Tempranillo and find out more about the exploits of the famous outlaw.
- Hike along the River Yeguas, the perfect way to enjoy nature.
- Come to the Romanorum Festum Ventippo in August, and experience what it feels like to be an authentic Roman citizen.
- If you like flamenco, do not miss the Casariche Flamenco Festival in July.
- Do you love reading? Visit the Marcos Ana Municipal Library, opened by the poet for which it is named.
What to see
Start your visit at the Town Hall, an iconic 19th-century building. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets until you arrive at Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Church. It is home to relics that have shaped the town’s history, including a 17th-century baptismal font, precious metal artefacts and several significant sculptures.
Next, visit the Marcos Ana Municipal Library and lose yourself among its bookshelves. After exploring the library, take a 5-minute walk to the José Herrera Rodas Mosaic Museum to admire the mosaics and learn about Casariche’s Roman past.
If you want to see Roman remains in the heart of nature, hike through Cerro de La Atalaya, one of the most important archaeological sites in Andalusia. Cerro Bellido is also fascinating. Visit the viewpoint atop this hill to see a Roman quarry that dates back over two thousand years.
Places to visit
- Town Hall
- Cerro Bellido Roman Quarries
- José Herrera Rodas Mosaic Museum
- Shrine to San Marcos
- Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Parish Church
Surroundings
Casariche is 125 kilometres from Seville in the Sierra Sur region. Its municipal district extends across the River Yeguas plain. Its fields are given over to olive groves. The Cerro de La Atalaya and the Roman quarries of Cerro Bellido are also worth visiting.
2 comments
Mi pueblo bonito casariche olé olé ya no es lo que era ahora mismo se parece una ciudad
Gracias por tu comentario José María. Un saludo
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