Welcome to the Cultural and Heritage Route of the Historic Center of Puerto Real, a unique experience that invites you to immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural richness of our city!
This route will take you through the cobblestone streets and historical monuments that make up the heart of Puerto Real, where every corner tells the fascinating story of times past.
The Chapel of El Rocío
formerly known as the Chapel of Carmen, was blessed on July 11, 1959. It is a chapel erected on the María y José estate, owned at that time by José Luis Domínguez Gutiérrez and María Luisa Vega Sánchez.
Inside is preserved an image of the Virgen del Rocío, a reproduction of the patron saint of Almonte made by the Sevillian sculptor Fernando Aguado Hernández in 2011. It also houses a crucifix from the old chapel of Cortijo de Guerra, which must have been made in the 1940s by a sculptor from the circle of Juan Luis Vassallo Parodi or Luis Ortega Bru.
The chapel is located in an area popularly known as “El Gallinero”, in the surroundings of which is located an important site from the Roman period (1st century A.D.), being visitable an amphora production furnace with a circular plant of 4.5 meters in diameter, put in value since 2011.
Also in this place was installed in 1823 the so-called Battery of Angoulême, a bastion from where the troops of the Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis, commanded by the Duke of Angoulême, organized the definitive attack on the Cortadura pipe, next to the San Pedro River, in the famous Battle of the Trocadero.
The Chapel of El Rocío
The Chapel of El Rocío
formerly known as the Chapel of Carmen, was blessed on July 11, 1959. It is a chapel erected on the María y José estate, owned at that time by José Luis Domínguez Gutiérrez and María Luisa Vega Sánchez.
Inside is preserved an image of the Virgen del Rocío, a reproduction of the patron saint of Almonte made by the Sevillian sculptor Fernando Aguado Hernández in 2011. It also houses a crucifix from the old chapel of Cortijo de Guerra, which must have been made in the 1940s by a sculptor from the circle of Juan Luis Vassallo Parodi or Luis Ortega Bru.
The chapel is located in an area popularly known as “El Gallinero”, in the surroundings of which is located an important site from the Roman period (1st century A.D.), being visitable an amphora production furnace with a circular plant of 4.5 meters in diameter, put in value since 2011.
Also in this place was installed in 1823 the so-called Battery of Angoulême, a bastion from where the troops of the Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis, commanded by the Duke of Angoulême, organized the definitive attack on the Cortadura pipe, next to the San Pedro River, in the famous Battle of the Trocadero.
In a short time the surrounding blocks were built and it took on its present appearance as a small street with a single access and a balcony overlooking the sea, framed at both ends by ornamental semicircular arches of oyster stone topped by baroque elements. In 1798 Callejón del Arco already had four houses. In the arch facing the sea a tombstone was placed in 1964 dedicated to the apocryphal Machado poet José María Torres and his poem entitled “Sea”, whose birth places Antonio Machado in Puerto Real in 1838.
The neighbors always keep this place decorated with colorful pots of geraniums and rose bushes, making it one of the most typical pictures of Puerto Real. All this earned him the award for tourism promotion of the town of Puerto Real.
We continue to the Teatro Principal, currently the second oldest theater in Andalusia in use. Its construction began in 1856 on the initiative of Antonio Matalobos, a businessman from El Puerto de Santa María, following the project of the Cadiz architect Manuel García del Álamo. It was inaugurated on April 24, 1859 with an initial capacity of 650 people.
Its name has changed over the years, being called “Teatro de Isabel II“, “Teatro del Príncipe Alfonso“, “Teatro Infanta Isabel” or “Teatro de la Libertad“. At present its name is “Teatro Principal“.
From its origin it was privately owned until the end of the 20th century when it became the property of the Puerto Real City Council, undergoing a major rehabilitation between 1989 and 1993. Since then, it has been one of the main elements of Puerto Real‘s culture.
The building has largely preserved its original appearance, with a neoclassical exterior and a modernist interior. It is inspired by the Italian theater model of the 19th century, in which the foyer, the horseshoe-shaped hall and the stage are linked along a main axis where the halls, corridors and staircases are located.
Popularly known as “the square” is a neoclassical building built following the project of Torcuato Benjumeda y Laguada, one of the most important neoclassical architects of Andalusia. Antonio Ruiz Florindo also participated in its execution as master builder. The works began in 1791, ending in 1802, although commercial activity began in this area as early as 1800. The purpose was to construct a building to house the stalls selling products to supply the population, mainly meat and fish, in a more hygienic and controlled manner than at that time.
The market will be built on a plot that was previously a space occupied by several private houses that were acquired by the city council for the market, so the current building has facades on two streets, Soledad and Nueva streets.
The original layout underwent some modifications, eliminating one floor in height from the project, leaving it with the current appearance of a single square floor with four bays around a central courtyard or plaza. Its double façade has seven arches on Nueva Street and five arches on Soledad Street, consisting of open arcades in the enclosure wall, covered with stone imitating ashlar with a cornice. The arches are topped with decorated ironwork oculi. It is currently the oldest food market in Andalusia that still retains its original use.
ROUTE SHEET
Duration: 60′ minutes (on foot)
Difficulty: Basic
Kilometers: 2.46 Km
Activity: Walking / Biking
The heart of Puerto Real
This route offers visitors the chance to explore the heart of Puerto Real, taking them through its emblematic streets, historic squares and buildings with centuries of history. Through this experience, the visitor will understand and appreciate the cultural and architectural richness of the city, connecting with its past and present.
Horno Romano - Plaza de Jesus
We will begin our tour at the Horno Romano del Gallinero, witness of the history of the city for centuries. From there, we will head to the picturesque Chapel of El Rocío, a place full of spirituality and tradition.
We will continue through the unique Callejón del Arco, which stands out for being the most characteristic stamp of Puerto Real with its colorful flowers. Next, we enter the busy Plaza de Jesús, the epicenter of the city’s activity, where we will be greeted by the unique architecture of the City Hall.
Vaqueros Street - La Victoria Church
We cannot overlook the crossroads that connects Calle Vaqueros with Calle Real, where we can enjoy the imposing stone facade and facades of the Church of San José, now converted into a Cultural Center. Next to it is the Cultural Interpretation Center, which will open the doors to the centuries of history of the city.
Just a few steps away, the Priory of San Sebastian will amaze us with its orientation that breaks the architectural line of the streets of Puerto Real. Where the Cruz Verde Street stands out, a road that will lead us to the historic set of farms of the Casas de los Goyena, from where we will go to the Conventual Church of La Victoria, a temple erected by the Franciscan order of the Mínimos de la Victoria.
Main Theater
We will continue walking to the Teatro Principal, the second oldest theater in Andalusia, to continue our walk to the Mercado de Abastos, where we will discover the flavors and colors of the authentic life of Puerto Real.
Caja del Agua and end of route
We will conclude our trip in the romantic Jardines del Porvenir and the Caja del Agua, where you will be able to contemplate the natural beauty that completes the historical richness of our city.
Join us on this fascinating journey and discover the historic center of Puerto Real, where every stone, every street and every corner will connect you with the past and present of this Andalusian jewel!
During the walk through the streets of the historic center, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, we can see many stately homes of the eighteenth century, with facades of oyster stone, extracted from the park of Las Canteras.
These houses are composed of large balconies, closings and windows with bars , as well as some with twin doorways and a trio of doorways that give access to the different floors of the building.
Tips
- Bring water, sunscreen and a map or GPS to follow the route.
- Respect the natural environment and do not leave trash.
- Enjoy the beauty of nature and the unique views that this route offers!
OTHER ROUTES THAT MIGHT ALSO INTEREST YOU
Route 2. Landscape and Natural
An opportunity to enjoy the maritime landscape of Puerto Real and its coastline, traveling from the beach of La Cachucha, the fortification of the Media Luneta, the pier, the Club Nautico El Trocadero, the promenade to the sundial, highlighting the natural beauty of the coastal area, and images of the Bay of Cadiz, allowing visitors to disconnect and relax while enjoying the panoramic views of the sea and its surroundings.
Duration: 30′ minutes (on foot)
Difficulty: Easy
Kilometers: 2.40 Km
Route 3. San Pedro River – Los Toruños
Located in the Natural Park of the Bay of Cadiz and Metropolitan Algaida- Los Toruños this route is a paradise for nature lovers and especially for those interested in bird watching. With an impressive biodiversity, visitors can see various species of birds in their natural habitat, as well as enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the green environment, which makes up the beaches of El Conchal and Río San Pedro, as well as the surrounding pine forests, La Algaida and Los Toruños.
