Carmona is a town located in the province of Seville with a population of around 28,000 and an area of 924 km².
It is one of the most important historic towns in Andalusia, given the number of times it was occupied throughout its history, as well as the importance it acquired during certain periods. Its diverse religious and civil architecture includes Roman and Moorish ruins but heritage from the Baroque era to more contemporary times is also prominent.
Human settlers first arrived in the place where Carmona is now located in the Neolithic Age, as the neighbouring archaeological sites prove. When Carmona was occupied by the Romans, it even had the privilege to coin its own currency. It was considered one of the most important periods in the town’s history, as shown by the numerous archaeological sites from this period. Carmona held significant political relevance during the Moorish domain and was even the capital of one of the Taifa kingdoms. Finally, in 1247, Ferdinand III conquered it for the Christians. Carmona’s participation in the Granada War was significant. In 1630, King Felipe IV granted Carmona town status.
Carmona’s abundant heritage of religious, civil and military architecture makes it one of the most interesting places to visit in Andalusia.
Among the most emblematic military and civil buildings are the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla (Seville Gate Tower) and the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, a fortress which is currently home to the tourist information centre. The town’s museum is housed in the Marqués de las Torres palace.
The town’s most remarkable Roman monument is a large-scale necropolis, consisting of hundreds of burial chambers.
Carmona’s historic centre has numerous Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque-style buildings, which were the town’s most bountiful periods of history.
The town’s most important monument is the Gothic Santa María church, also known locally as the “cathedral”. San Felipe, Santiago and San Blas churches offer the best examples of Mudejar architecture. Baroque churches dedicated to San Pedro, San Bartolomé and Salvador are also worth visiting.
Holy Week is the most important time of year in Carmona.
Since the Holy Week processions unfold within the town’s ancient walls, a sublime, solemn expression of devotion and aesthetic beauty resonate through its narrow streets and hidden squares. The sheer grandness of the town makes for an exceptional backdrop for the processions organised by Carmona’s eight brotherhoods.
The unquestionable artistic interest of this religious expression is reflected in the impressive Lord of Sorrow, sculpted in 1521 by Jorge Fernández Alemán.
The accessories and decorations that accompany the processions are also worthy of mention: embroidery, sculptures, sumptuous fabrics and ornate silverware enrich Carmona’s Holy Week.
Another important religious celebration is the Corpus Christi during which a sixteenth-century monstrance is paraded through the town’s streets adorned with reeds, petals and altars.
