Today, there are nearly 62,000 inhabitants living in the town and the local economy is based principally on inshore fishing, agriculture and the production of the unique local wine, Manzanilla.

The roots of the towns’ foundation are lost deep in history with its origins being linked to the mythical empire of the Tartars. The most fascinating monuments, however, are related with the discovery of America and the rich developed commerce that sprung up between Spain and the new continent.

The majority of the most interesting monuments were built during this time with, perhaps the most important being those of the churches of Santo Domingo and La Merced.

Earlier monuments include the Church of Nuestra Señora de la O, the Castle of Santiago and the Palace of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, the home of the ancient first family of Sanlúcar.

In the 19th century, the Duke of Montpensier and his court from Seville adopted Sanlúcar as a summer residence, an event that generated a mini-renaissance of the town that has lasted until modern times.

In the old part of the town, two facets compete with each other in terms of architectural protagonism. The historic heritage of the town as a frontier region between Arabs and Christians vies for attention next to the many wine cellars that for centuries have made the famous Manzanilla; a dry white wine that is peculiar to Sanlúcar de Barrameda and which provides the local gastronomy, which is based on the fundamental ingredients of fish and shellfish, with its characteristic flavour.

There are many festivals and cultural activities based not only on the gastronomy of the region but also on the Manzanilla. The main cultural event of the year, however, is the horse racing that is held on the beach, an event that has been declared to be of International Interest to Tourism.

Sanlúcar de Barrameda boasts a typical Mediterranean oceanic climate with mild temperatures all year round; the average temperature being 17º centigrade. A microclimate which is characterised by the mildest temperatures in the province, less rain and a greater degree of humidity that, together with the unique geological properties of the local soil, makes the area ideal for the growth of the grape responsible for the flavour of Manzanilla.

The unsurpassed clarity of the light that the area enjoys is also one of its characteristic features. With over 3,000 hours of light every year Sanlúcar de Barrameda is one of the sunniest places in Europe.

Text provided by the Tourist Office of Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Ayuntamiento)

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More Information: http://www.turismosanlucar.com

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