One day we decided to get a train into Jerez de la Frontera, a 10 minute ride away. On arrival, the train station was architecturally stunning, amazing red brick and coloured tile building, built in 1854 it could pass for a Lego building!
Jerez is home to several large sherry bottling factories, including Tio Pepe.
Next we walked through the town to the Alcazar, a Moorish fort, looking like a Castle with Baroque buildings added later. The fort dates back to the 12th century, originally built as a Muslim fortress palace. Lots of arched doorways, water filled cool courtyards and swaying palm trees.
The Alcazar became a Christian garrison in 1248 until 1264 when Arabs took it back after building a tunnel underneath to gain access to the enclosures. It returned to Christian hands but fell into disrepair until the 18th century when the Baroque palace was built, repairs were made to the gates, towers, arab baths, pavilion and courtyards, the olive mill was added later. The Diez family who acquired it mid 1800s have improved the cloisters and surrounding parkland, maintained it and to this day family members stay in the house during local cultural events.
We walked a little around the town, arriving at the Cathedral just as it closed. We stopped for lunch in the sunny town square then took a train back to El Puerto de Santa Maria.
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