Carmona, Spain. A hidden gem in Andalusia.
Carmona is a beautiful and historic town in Andalusia that we visited for four days from Seville. It’s full of charm, with winding streets, ancient city gates, and a relaxed local vibe. In this post, we’re sharing a few highlights from our visit to go along with our podcast episode, including Carmona’s cathedral, main square, annual celebrations, and more.
Carmona is a small, historic town in Andalusia, about 30 minutes east of Seville. It's perched on a ridge overlooking the surrounding plains, which gives it sweeping views of the countryside. The town has a long history dating back to the Phoenicians and Romans, and you’ll notice layers of Roman, Moorish, and Christian architecture as you explore the streets. It’s quiet, charming, and easy to walk around, making it a great day trip or short stay from Seville.
The Church of Santa María de la Asunción is Carmona’s main cathedral. It was built on the site of a former mosque, and you can still see parts of the original structure, including the minaret that became the bell tower. The interior is spacious, with a mix of Gothic and Mudejar styles, and there’s a small museum attached with religious art and. artifacts
Carmona still has sections of its old city walls and two main gates - the Puerta de Sevilla and the Puerta de Córdoba. The Puerta de Sevilla is especially impressive and has been restored so you can walk up for views over the town. These gates were once key defensive points and show how important Carmona was in ancient times, especially during Roman and Moorish rule.
Each year, the Pilgrim Fraternity of Carmona (Hermandad del Rocío) holds a special celebration as part of their pilgrimage to the El Rocío shrine in Huelva. It’s a colourful and traditional event, with horses, carriages, music, and plenty of locals dressed in flamenco-style clothing. It usually takes place in late May or early June and brings a festive buzz to the town.
Plaza de San Fernando is the main square in Carmona and the heart of local life. It’s surrounded by cafés, small shops, and historic buildings with balconies. The square is a great place to sit with a coffee or a drink and people-watch. There’s a relaxed atmosphere, and it’s where locals gather, especially in the evenings.
We enjoyed our few days in Carmona. A highlight was meeting Michael Portillo. Also enjoying the lively tapas scene at night when the small village comes alive. Highly recommend visiting - and stay overnight to enjoy the village like the locals do.