Well known for its wines, horses and flamenco, Jerez de la Frontera preserves a historic city centre that has been declared a site of historic and artistic value. As one of the noblest towns in the province of Cadiz, it blends the majesty of aristocratic palaces with the working-class flavour of typically Andalusian country houses, characteristics which are on display every year in celebration of the Feria del Caballo (Jerez Horse Fair), which has been declared of international touristic interest. This fantastic cultural offering is enriched by the zest of the regional gastronomy, the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda Designations of Origin of which are highlights. A visit to one of the city’s wine cellars will aid the traveller in delving deeper into the wine-making tradition.
The Alcázar is the oldest construction still standing in Jerez de la Frontera. This fortress from the 12th century, of Islamic origin, stands out for the Puerta de la Ciudad (the entrance to the fortress from the city), the Mosque, the Patio de Armas (courtyard where troops were stationed) and the Palace of Villavicencio, as well as its gardens, the Puerta del Campo (the other fortress entrance) and the Arabic Baths.
The Cathedral was built as a collegiate church because Jerez was not the seat of a bishopric until 1980. Construction began in 1695 and was finished in 1778. Architects renowned in their day such as Diego Moreno Meléndez, Rodrigo del Pozo, Diego Díaz, Juan de Pina, Torcuato Cayón de la Vega, Juan de Vargas and Pedro Ángel de Albizu participated in its construction. The building has a rectangular floor plan with five naves and is built in Baroque style.
The Cartuja Monastery is considered one of the buildings with the greatest artistic value in the province of Cádiz. It was erected in the second half of the 15th century on the initiative of the knight Don Álvaro Obertos de Valeto. Of particular interest are its Greco-Roman portico, the Santa María de la Defensión chapel, the Gothic style cloister, and also the Courtyard of the Myrtles. In its church, the most notable elements are the paintings by Roelas decorating the main altar.