La provincia de Sevilla

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Dos Hermanas

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Dos Hermanas, legends, tradition and greatness

Dos Hermanas is second only in size to Seville. Inhabited by Turdetani, Romans and Arabs, it was not until the conquest of Seville by King Ferdinand III of Castile that the history of the current city began. Would you like to know from where comes the strange name of Dos Hermanas (Two Sisters)? Come and ask any local who were the sisters Elvira and Estefanía. They symbolise the name of the town and their surname, Nazareno, is the demonym for its inhabitants. Ask also about the legend of Virgin of Valme, the most revered religious icon, or about the mystery of the source of Fuente del Rey. Only then will you understand their feelings and the significance of this great town.

Beyond these legends, you can enjoy its rich architectural heritage, including the María Magdalena Parish Church, Santa Ana Chapel, Herberos Tower, Alquería Park and the vast farms and farmhouses scattered across the municipality. These farmsteads were the summer villas of the 19th century Sevillian bourgeoisie. Nowadays, many have been declared Sites of Cultural Interest

Owing to its proximity to Seville, many people have chosen Dos Hermanas as their place of residence. It is very well connected and has a wide variety of shopping outlets. It resembles a city while retaining its small-town charm. This is reflected in the atmosphere of its streets and bars, where homemade dishes are available everywhere. If you go in spring, you should try the caracoles en salsa sopeada. Interest in cultural matters is another positive strength of its people. Major international events are organised here, including the International Chess Tournament, the Nazarene Folklore Workshops (with dancers and musicians from across the world) and the International Clarinet Competition. The tourism offering is rounded off with its two protected areas: Brazo del Este Natural Park and La Corchuela Periurban Park.

Legendary landmarks, splendid haciendas, beautiful natural landscapes and unique cultural events await you at Dos Hermanas, the city of the Nazarenes. 


Getting to Dos Hermanas

By car:

From Seville, the A-8032 motorway will take you directly to Dos Hermanas. From Huelva, take the SE-30 ring road until exit B9 and drive onto the A-8032 highway. 

From Cádiz, the A-P4 motorway has an exit to the CA-31 road towards Dos Hermanas. 

From Córdoba or Jaén, take the A-4 motorway to the SE-40 exit that leads directly to Montequinto. From there connect with the A-392 to Dos Hermanas. 

From Málaga, Granada or Almería, take the A-92 motorway to the SE-40 road and from there to the A-392.

By train: Dos Hermanas’ train station is located at Plaza del Arenal. You can take the (C1) Lebrija-Lora del Río commuter line that also connects with Seville.

The Metro from Seville has two stops within the municipality of Dos Hermanas: Montequinto and Olivar de Quintos. 
There are five intercity bus lines to Dos Hermanas from Prado de San Sebastián Bus Station in Seville: M-131, M-132, M-132B, M-133 and M-134. 


Getting around

Walk and have fun discovering this great city. There are also five intercity bus lines to travel around the whole municipality. The Radio Taxi Valme service is also available. 


Reasons to visit

  • Lose yourself in La Alquería Park and discover the old summer villas, as well as trees and plants brought from America. 
  • Don’t miss the traditional Valme Pilgrimage, declared of National Tourist Interest, on the third Sunday of October. The float carrying the Virgin is decorated with paper flowers made by the locals. 
  • Go into the cave where the two sisters, Elvira and Estefanía, found the statue of Santa Ana. 
  • Discover the different dances and music of the world at the Nazarene Folklore Workshops in July. 
  • Visit San José Convent and taste the traditional sweets made by the Barefoot Carmelite nuns. 
  • Admire the majestic haciendas such as Molinos del Maestre, Clarevot, San Juan del Hornillo, Torre Doña María, Ibarburu and San Miguel de Montelirio, which has a Carriages Museum that will amaze you. 
  • Learn about the origins of Dos Hermanas in Carretera de la Isla industrial estate, home to the ruins of Orippo, a pre-Roman city.
  • Relax in Laguna Park at Fuente del Rey and be amazed by the legend of how the spring was formed. 
  • Do you like fairs? Enjoy this festivity beloved by the Nazarenes. It takes place immediately after the Seville Fair. 
  • If you want to know how mayonnaise is made, visit the Ybarra factory. 


What to see 

The tourist offering at Dos Hermanas is extensive. If you have a keen interest in religious architecture, your first stop should be Santa María Magdalena Parish Church. The church is home to Our Lady of Valme, the icon most revered by the Nazarenes. Legend has it that King Ferdinand III entrusted himself to the Virgin Mary before conquering Isbilia, with the phrase: “¡Váleme señora!” (Bless Me!), hence her name. Another interesting fact about this church is that it houses the remains of the last Moorish king of Seville. 

The next religious monument you should visit is Santa Ana Conventual Church, where you will learn about Dos Hermanas’ history. The chapel is in the cave where the sisters, Elvira and Estefanía, found the statue of Santa Ana. 

Do you need a break? You can first buy some handmade sweets made by the Barefoot Carmelite nuns at San José Convent and then head to Alquería Park. Admire the regional farmsteads and former summer villas that are now public buildings, while enjoying the unique flora from America. 

After the break, wander through the streets and be amazed by some old stately buildings that still preserve their façades. You can also visit the ruins of the pre-Roman city Orippo, located at Carretera de la Isla industrial estate, to learn about the origins of Dos Hermanas. The Herberos Tower still stands in the highest section of the city, the last remnant of the ancient fortress. 

You should not leave the city without going to the Fuente del Rey neighbourhood. A local will surely tell you the interesting legend about the spring that waters this land. Finally, enjoy a picnic at Corchuela Periurban Park or, if you prefer, keep walking through the beautiful Brazo del Este Natural Park.


Places to visit

  1. Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Valme (Cortijo de Cuarto)
  2. San Sebastián Church
  3. Chapel of Santa Ana, patron saint, and cave where her statue was found
  4. Santa María Magdalena Mother Church
  5. Juan Rodríguez Romero Municipal Theatre
  6. Alquería Park and neo-mudejar palace of the Alquería del Pilar
  7. 'La Corchuela' Periurban Park
  8. Plaza Menéndez Pelayo and sculpture to the Virgin of Valme
  9. La Almona, a Mudejar building, today a Cultural Centre
  10. Alpériz Palace (1905), now a senior citizens' social club
  11. Ruins of the Roman city of Orippo
  12. Herberos Tower
  13. Fuente del Rey, in its namesake neighbourhood
  14. La Almona Cultural Centre, also the façade of the former hacienda
  15. 'Laguna de Fuente del Rey' Nature Classroom
  16. Brazo del Este Natural Park
  17. Grand Racetrack of Andalusia
  18. San José Convent, Barefoot Carmelites


Surroundings

Dos Hermanas is located in the Guadalquivir River valley, just 16 kilometres from Seville’s metropolitan area of Seville. This privileged location affords excellent access to a vast network of transportation options. The municipality consists of four population centres: Dos Hermanas, Fuente del Rey, Adriano and Montequinto. 

Comarca
Guadalquivir-Doñana
Extension
160.50 Km²
Altitude
41.00 m
No. of inhabitants
133.168

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