Introduction:

Marchena, is a town in the province of Sevilla. According to the 2005 Census, Marchena had a population of about 20,000. It is situated at an altitude of 131 metres. Marchena is often called the “unknown Beauty” as it has great scenic locales and fascinating backgrounds. It is one of the few towns of Spain that has both great monumental sites and folklore.

History:

Marchena is quite rich in history. There had been presence of men in this town that dates back to The Bronze Age. Romans used it and made Marchena a great agricultural town and helped it gain importance in the province of Sevilla. Along with the Muslims, they achieved significant city-planning improvement and development. Marchena is based and located on two hills of about the same altitude united by a lower part of the valley. A fortress was built situated to the north and extended towards the south towards the hill. The present name given to the population came from the early Decree of king Catolicos. The “Door of Sevilla” or “The Arc Of The Rose” is still open today and is still a great public and tourist attraction. The town has great historical influence still now, but the urban developments that are being made are concentrated more towards the south.

Site Seeing:

If you are planning to visit the magnificent town of Marchena, it is suggested that you make it a priority to walk past the city’s most handsome and historical monuments. Some main places of interest are: Puerta de Sevilla - The Arc of The Rose, The church of San Juan Buatista, The Diocesan Museum, The Ducal Castle, The Church of Santa Maria De La Mota and Puerta De Moron. At the Puerta de Sevilla, impressive gates, in the form of a horseshoe arch, and bastions which was at one time part of the wall of the Moorish city can be seen. In the 15th century it was rebuilt and upgraded to withstand the diverse conditions. Even still today this magnificent gate maintains its architectural design. The church of San Juan Buatista and The Diocesan Museum are places you should certainly try and visit. Its construction began is the 1490’s and the great Altarpiece is one of the finest examples of Gothic Sevilla Art. The Choir and the Sacristy are also of great interest to the locals as well as the thousands of visitors that flock to Marchena each year. The church and the museum consist of a collection of valuable canvases and an impressive collection of gold and silver based sacramental objects. The inner bailey of The Ducal Castle has gone a major recent installation but still it has got great significance and popularity. The other churches such as the Church of San Miguel, San Sebastian, San Agustin, Iglesia de Santa Clara, Santa Maria de la Mota and the Convent of the Inmaculada Concepcion also ooze history and culture and date back to the 13th century, thus attracting travellers as well as people interested or engaged with the study of history. The Puerta De Moron was built in the 13th Centrury (the Almohad period) and is presently home to the Lorenzo Collaut Valera Museum. 

Industry:

The industrial development of Marchena has also improved in leaps and bounds as it hosts a number of important industries like cooperatives, olive industry, agricultural firms, flour industry etc. The greater development of the government industries is located towards the west where the urban character of the town is also clearly visible.

Gastronomy:

Marchena has great gastronomical interest as it can satisfy the food habits and wishes of many people with different tastes from around the world. The chilies of Spain are especially famous because of their hotness and even some festivals are popularly arranged on its various food delights.

Nightlife:

The nightlife of Marchena, is also quite active. You will find a lot of restaurants in Marchena, so the food available will always be good. Fast food restaurants, bars, cafés are plentiful which can equally be enjoyed in the day as well as at night. There are however some more exclusive restaurants if you want to have a quiet, elegant dinner with someone or your family.

Summary:

So, if you are travelling around the various provinces of Spain, and happen to be around Marchena, you should visit the place and explore its historical and traditional architecture and various other sites of interest. It also offers you all the modern facilities and luxuries of the urban life. So, think about coming here, you will not regret it!

Useful Business Links for Marchena:

Do you offer a service in this area?  If so, why not put a link here directly to your website.  Contact Ask Olive today.