La provincia de Sevilla

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Life and landscape in a diverse and monumental province

El Castillo de las Guardas

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El Castillo de las Guardas, nature in its purest form

Visit El Castillo de las Guardas to discover an exceptional natural spot with incomparable surroundings that has been populated since the Stone Age. The urban area consists of 10 villages. Although each one has its own unique characteristics, they all share a common feature: the River Guadiamar. The source of the river is in one of the villages, very popular with the devotees of Our Lady of El Rocío who ford the river at Aznalcázar every year. It is worth taking a route through these villages to discover both their historical and natural treasures. 

The extensive pastures at El Castillo de las Guardas add to the beauty of the landscape. The fighting bulls from the sizeable Spanish stockbreeding farms graze here. The farms are deeply-rooted in the area and are fascinating to visit.

El Castillo de las Guardas Nature Reserve, one of the most spectacular wildlife parks in Europe, is the most famous landmark. Located near the town’s old mine, it is home to more than 100 species kept in semi-open enclosures. You can also play paintball, go karting, or practise other multi-adventure sports. 

If there is one thing that characterises El Castillo de las Guardas, that is undoubtedly its fortified enclosure, for which the town was named following the Christian conquest. This town was a strategic lookout point on the Vía de la Plata. You will understand why when you enjoy the breathtaking views from the Cerro del Castillo Viewpoint. Stroll through the town centre to discover its attractive cultural heritage. Last but not least, enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Be sure to try the excellent cured meats and Iberian ham, as well as the typical dish, gandinga.

This beautiful town on the Corredor de la Plata is a place not to be missed. Enjoy nature in its purest form. 


Getting to El Castillo de las Guardas

If you travel by car from Seville, take the A-66 Ruta de la Plata motorway. Enter the N-433 at exit 782 to El Garrobo. Then, enter the A-433 until El Castillo de las Guardas. 

The town does not have a train station. However, you can take a bus from Plaza de Armas Bus Station in Seville. 


Getting around

Wander through the streets and admire its architectural heritage. Various hiking routes allow you to discover the natural surroundings and the ten villages. El Castillo de las Guardas Nature Reserve has a tourist train that will conveniently shuttle you around. 


Reasons to visit

  • Walk up to Cerro del Castillo Viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking views.
  • Take a guided tour of a farm and see the fighting bulls up close. 
  • If you are a mountain bike enthusiast, practise the sport in the town’s natural setting. 
  • Spend a day with the animals at El Castillo de las Guardas Nature Reserve. Are you brave enough to swim with sea lions?
  • Are you a thrill-seeker? You can go climbing, canoeing and much more. 
  • Sample the gandinga, the traditional local dish made with pork liver. 
  • Visit at Christmas to admire the beautifully decorated town and the live nativity scene at El Cerro del Castillo, which you will love. 
  • Explore the nearby villages to see the dolmens and the source of the River Guadiamar.


What to see 

Begin your visit to El Castillo de las Guardas at the Plaza del Llano. The Town Hall and the main temple, San Juan Bautista Church, are located here. The church, built over the remains of an Arab cemetery and mosque, is named after the town’s patron saint. It is one of few churches in the province that look like a fortress. 

Head towards the remains of the old Castle, from which the town gets its name. Its tower was used to control the mineral ore transported from the Río Tinto Mines to the port of Seville. Go to the Cerro del Castillo Viewpoint to see the pastures and the River Guadiamar. The Plaza de Toros is another attractive building. What makes this bullring unique is that it only has grandstands on one side of the ring. Given the town’s bullfighting tradition, the locals are fervent bullfighting enthusiasts. 

If you continue through the streets, you will come across the Abrevadero Fountain, an emblem of the town. Its waters come from a spring that is about 300 metres away. It has been a local meeting point for centuries. The old washhouse has also been restored. 

Continue your visit to discover its other villages, for instance, the Shrine to San Antonio de Padua in La Alcornocosa or the source of the River Guadiamar at Valdeflores. However, if you want to learn more about the origins of this area, go to Las Cañadillas to see the so-called Lapa del Moro Dolmen, a Bronze Age burial mound.

Last but not least, see the animals at El Castillo de las Guardas Nature Reserve and enjoy the multi-adventure activities it offers. It is the only park of its kind in the province. 


Places to visit

  1. La Inmaculada Concepción Chapel
  2. Shrine to San Antonio de Padua
  3. Abrevadero Fountain
  4. San Juan Bautista Parish Church
  5. Megaliths
  6. Remains of El Torreón Castle
  7. El Castillo de las Guardas Nature Reserve
  8. Plaza de Toros
  9. Town Hall 


Surroundings

El Castillo de las Guardas is about 56 kilometres from Seville, in the tourist region of Vía de la Plata. The town is located in the first foothills of the Seville’s Sierra Morena  and the River Guadiamar runs through its countryside. The municipal district encompasses ten villages: La Alcornocosa, Archidona, Arroyo de la Plata, La Aulaga, Las Cañadillas, El Cañuelo, Las Cortecillas, El Peralejo, Peroamigo and Valdeflores. The source of the Guadiamar River is in Valdeflores. 

Comarca
La Vía de la Plata
Extension
259.10 Km²
Altitude
349.00 m
No. of inhabitants
1.439

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