Carmona, living history amid walls, cinema and Andalusian flavor
12/05/2025
Places to visit
Less than an hour from Sevilla lies Carmona, a historical gem perched atop Los Alcores. Its privileged geographical location made it, for centuries, a strategic enclave coveted by cultures as diverse as the Tartessian, Roman, Islamic, and Christian. Each left an indelible mark that today forms the rich and fascinating historical heritage of Carmona.
Since ancient times, Carmona has been sought after for its setting, natural surroundings, and architectural richness. In medieval times, Pedro I de Castilla, known as Pedro el Cruel, chose it as one of his favorite towns, forever marking its history and urban profile by transforming its old Muslim fortress into today’s Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, one of the most iconic sights of the town.
But Carmona is not just stone and history. It is also light, color, and tradition. A simple walk through its streets reveals whitewashed façades, flower-filled balconies, and colorful trims that paint a picture-perfect Andalusian scene. Here, Semana Santa is lived with particular intensity, full of emotional and visual depth, making it one of the most anticipated times of the year. And as expected, gastronomy is one of its finest attractions.
The Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro: an eternal symbol of Carmona
A visit to Carmona almost inevitably includes a stop at the remains of the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, renovated by Pedro I in the 14th century to turn it into a royal residence. Like its Sevillian counterpart, the Reales Alcázares, it was built in the distinctive mudéjar style, blending Islamic and Christian elements.
Although the 1755 Lisbon earthquake destroyed much of the original building, several sections of the wall and structures survived, now housing the Parador. Climbing up to its terrace is a must: from there, an impressive panoramic view of the Vega de Carmona unfolds like a green sea at the foot of the town.
A curious detail that many are unaware of is that for much of the 20th century, this site housed the Carmona bullring, integrating the bullfighting tradition into the very heart of the castle.
Other must-sees during your visit to Carmona
Not far from the main Alcázar stands the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla, which also formed part of the city’s defensive system. Restored between the 14th and 15th centuries, and more recently in the 1970s, today it houses the Tourist Reception Center and is another essential stop for understanding Carmona’s historical evolution.
Carmona also stands out for its Roman legacy. The Roman Amphitheatre, dating from the 1st century, preserves much of its southern structure. Though not open to the public, it can be clearly admired from the outside. Very close by is the Roman Necropolis, an exceptional archaeological complex with tombs such as those of Servilia and the Elephant, bearing witness to the respect ancient Romans had for their dead and the archaeological interest Carmona has held since the 19th century.
On a cultural level, the Teatro Cerezo deserves special mention. It was built in the 1930s by a local resident who won the national lottery jackpot, and its style blends eclecticism with modernist touches, making it one of the main cultural venues in town.
A walk through palaces, churches and film sets
Carmona doesn’t hold back when it comes to stately architecture. The old town is dotted with palatial houses like those of the Briones, the Lasso de la Vega, the Aguilar or the Rueda. Many of these buildings have been turned into charming hotels, preserving original features and a distinguished atmosphere.
As for religious heritage, the highlights include the Iglesia de Santa María, built over the old main mosque, and the Convento de las Descalzas, whose lavish baroque décor leaves visitors speechless.
This monumental setting and Andalusian urban layout have made Carmona a natural film set. The town has been featured in films and series such as Manolete, La Peste, Carmen, Fugitivas, or Nadie conoce a nadie. There are even guided tours for film lovers eager to discover the corners where these productions were filmed.
On the outskirts: history carved in stone
Just outside the town lies the Cueva de la Batida, an ancient quarry used since Roman times. For centuries, stone blocks were extracted from here to build many of Carmona’s buildings. The walls still preserve stonemason marks, religious symbols, and natural signs that turn this site into a kind of mural carved into the rock.
Eating in Carmona: tradition and flavor
The cuisine of Carmona reflects its multicultural history. While it shares traits with other towns in the province of Sevilla, it boasts local gems like the torta inglesa made by the Clarisas nuns.
At restaurants like La Almazara de Carmona, set in an old olive oil mill, local flavors are combined with modern techniques to create dishes that respect the essence of seasonal produce.
At La Yedra, the charm comes from an Andalusian patio with a century-old lemon tree, while the palate delights in dishes like secreto ibérico with saffron aioli or rice with creamy boletus.
And for those seeking the atmosphere of a traditional eatery, Casa Curro Montoya offers recipes prepared with meats from the Sierra Norte de Sevilla, in a setting as welcoming as it is authentic.
Gravina 51, the perfect starting point
If you stay at Gravina 51, a 4* boutique hotel in central Sevilla, you can plan a getaway to Carmona in under an hour. After a day of monuments, history, and great food, you’ll return to an accommodation full of comfort, where attention to detail and personalized service make you feel right at home. Its elegant rooms are the perfect place to relax after exploring the province’s many charms.
And thanks to its central location, you can continue exploring Sevilla on foot and enjoy unforgettable experiences both in and outside the city. At Gravina 51, every getaway becomes a unique memory.
Since ancient times, Carmona has been sought after for its setting, natural surroundings, and architectural richness. In medieval times, Pedro I de Castilla, known as Pedro el Cruel, chose it as one of his favorite towns, forever marking its history and urban profile by transforming its old Muslim fortress into today’s Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, one of the most iconic sights of the town.
But Carmona is not just stone and history. It is also light, color, and tradition. A simple walk through its streets reveals whitewashed façades, flower-filled balconies, and colorful trims that paint a picture-perfect Andalusian scene. Here, Semana Santa is lived with particular intensity, full of emotional and visual depth, making it one of the most anticipated times of the year. And as expected, gastronomy is one of its finest attractions.
The Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro: an eternal symbol of Carmona
A visit to Carmona almost inevitably includes a stop at the remains of the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, renovated by Pedro I in the 14th century to turn it into a royal residence. Like its Sevillian counterpart, the Reales Alcázares, it was built in the distinctive mudéjar style, blending Islamic and Christian elements.
Although the 1755 Lisbon earthquake destroyed much of the original building, several sections of the wall and structures survived, now housing the Parador. Climbing up to its terrace is a must: from there, an impressive panoramic view of the Vega de Carmona unfolds like a green sea at the foot of the town.
A curious detail that many are unaware of is that for much of the 20th century, this site housed the Carmona bullring, integrating the bullfighting tradition into the very heart of the castle.
Other must-sees during your visit to Carmona
Not far from the main Alcázar stands the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla, which also formed part of the city’s defensive system. Restored between the 14th and 15th centuries, and more recently in the 1970s, today it houses the Tourist Reception Center and is another essential stop for understanding Carmona’s historical evolution.
Carmona also stands out for its Roman legacy. The Roman Amphitheatre, dating from the 1st century, preserves much of its southern structure. Though not open to the public, it can be clearly admired from the outside. Very close by is the Roman Necropolis, an exceptional archaeological complex with tombs such as those of Servilia and the Elephant, bearing witness to the respect ancient Romans had for their dead and the archaeological interest Carmona has held since the 19th century.
On a cultural level, the Teatro Cerezo deserves special mention. It was built in the 1930s by a local resident who won the national lottery jackpot, and its style blends eclecticism with modernist touches, making it one of the main cultural venues in town.
A walk through palaces, churches and film sets
Carmona doesn’t hold back when it comes to stately architecture. The old town is dotted with palatial houses like those of the Briones, the Lasso de la Vega, the Aguilar or the Rueda. Many of these buildings have been turned into charming hotels, preserving original features and a distinguished atmosphere.
As for religious heritage, the highlights include the Iglesia de Santa María, built over the old main mosque, and the Convento de las Descalzas, whose lavish baroque décor leaves visitors speechless.
This monumental setting and Andalusian urban layout have made Carmona a natural film set. The town has been featured in films and series such as Manolete, La Peste, Carmen, Fugitivas, or Nadie conoce a nadie. There are even guided tours for film lovers eager to discover the corners where these productions were filmed.
On the outskirts: history carved in stone
Just outside the town lies the Cueva de la Batida, an ancient quarry used since Roman times. For centuries, stone blocks were extracted from here to build many of Carmona’s buildings. The walls still preserve stonemason marks, religious symbols, and natural signs that turn this site into a kind of mural carved into the rock.
Eating in Carmona: tradition and flavor
The cuisine of Carmona reflects its multicultural history. While it shares traits with other towns in the province of Sevilla, it boasts local gems like the torta inglesa made by the Clarisas nuns.
At restaurants like La Almazara de Carmona, set in an old olive oil mill, local flavors are combined with modern techniques to create dishes that respect the essence of seasonal produce.
At La Yedra, the charm comes from an Andalusian patio with a century-old lemon tree, while the palate delights in dishes like secreto ibérico with saffron aioli or rice with creamy boletus.
And for those seeking the atmosphere of a traditional eatery, Casa Curro Montoya offers recipes prepared with meats from the Sierra Norte de Sevilla, in a setting as welcoming as it is authentic.
Gravina 51, the perfect starting point
If you stay at Gravina 51, a 4* boutique hotel in central Sevilla, you can plan a getaway to Carmona in under an hour. After a day of monuments, history, and great food, you’ll return to an accommodation full of comfort, where attention to detail and personalized service make you feel right at home. Its elegant rooms are the perfect place to relax after exploring the province’s many charms.
And thanks to its central location, you can continue exploring Sevilla on foot and enjoy unforgettable experiences both in and outside the city. At Gravina 51, every getaway becomes a unique memory.
