Holiday apartment in Constantina: nature trails and cultural heritage

Constantina combines a historic town centre with trails through chestnut and riparian forests, as well as a distinctive local tradition of anise and mushrooms. Those wishing to combine nature and culture will find a wide range of facets here: designated trails, protected cultural heritage sites, historic architectural features and insights into the town’s former everyday life.

Nature and trails

The Sendero Los Castañares is designated as a circular trail measuring 5,582 metres, with a walking time of approximately two hours and a moderate level of difficulty. The trail leads through an exceptional chestnut forest. On the way back to Constantina, it reaches the road to Castillo de Constantina, where birds of prey can be observed. The circular trail begins at the end of the Alameda via Calle Venero and Camino de las Erillas.

The Sendero Molino del Corcho offers a different landscape. It follows the Rivera del Huesna through a riparian forest where alders, willows, ash trees and black poplars grow. The local wildlife includes otters, among other species. The trail to Cerro de El Hierro leads from Constantina via the Ermita de la Virgen del Robledo to the karst area of Cerro del Hierro. The chapel lies approximately 2.5 kilometres northeast of Constantina, while the first 6.8 kilometres of this trail run along a paved road. The trail can be travelled on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike and leads close to the Cueva de la Sima and the ruins of the Ermita de la Yedra.

The Centro de Visitantes El Robledo in Constantina is an information and exhibition centre in the heart of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural Park. It provides information and exhibitions about the protected area, an audiovisual presentation and an outdoor recreational area. Visitors can also access the adjacent El Robledo botanical garden.

Culture and history

The traditional town centre of Constantina and its surroundings were designated a site of special cultural interest (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC) in June 2004, in the category of a historic-artistic ensemble. In the Barrio de la Morería, the Muslim-influenced architectural features and street layout have largely been preserved.

Castillo de Constantina was designated a site of special cultural interest (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC) in 1985 under Spanish Law 16/1985 on historical heritage. The castle has Arab origins and stands on the remains of an earlier Roman castrum. In the historic centre, Plaza de Llano del Sol is also home to a distinctive tower with six structural sections and a height of 50 metres, which rises above the town. The tower’s design is attributed to Hernán Ruiz “El Joven”, the architect of Seville Cathedral.

A further historical perspective is offered by the permanent ethnographic exhibition at the Centro Cívico “Rafael Martos” in Constantina. It covers more than 250 square metres and displays around 1,000 objects relating to local history, traditions, the agri-food industry, traditional occupations and domestic life.

Local traditions

Constantina’s anise tradition developed from wine production. The distillation of aguardiente was fully established there in the 18th century. The town’s mushroom culture includes autumn dishes featuring local mushrooms and Boletus edulis; one example is the annual Jornadas Micológicas event.

Further destinations: Los Corrales, Alcalá De Guadaíra, Villamanrique De La Condesa, Écija, Valdezorras, Bormujos, Santiponce, Olivares

For the higher-level travel overview: Seville.