Located on a ridge overlooking the central plain of Andalucia in the province of Seville just 43 km north east of the Andalucian capitol is the town of Carmona.

The town which is overlooked by the Sierra Morena on the north, and the peak of San Cristobal, on the south is well known for its trade in wine, olive oil, grain and cattle.

Like many of the towns and villages much of the architecture of the town has a strong Moorish influence although the roman influences are still in evidence. For instance the main entrance to the town is an old Moorish gateway; and the gate on the road to Cordoba is partly of Roman construction

Things To Do:

Roman Ruins
There is a large Roman necropolis located on Avenida Jorge Bonsor, close to the town which contained many rock-hewn sepulchral chambers, with niches for the cinerary urns, and occasionally with vestibules containing stone seats (triclinia). Two of the main points of interest are the Servilia’s Tomb and the Elephant Tomb

You can visit the Necropolis at the following times
Tuesday to Friday: 9 am to 6 pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
Monday: Closed
Two of the main points of interest are the
Servilia’s Tomb
Elephant Tomb
It was discovered in 1881 along with an amphitheatre, and another group of tombs, all belonging to the first four centuries A.D.
The amphitheatre is closed to the public, but can be viewed from outside.
You can also visit a small museum, maintained by the Carmona archaeological society where you can see the mosaics, inscriptions, portrait-heads and other antiquities which have been found in the area

KING PETER’S ALCAZAR
Located on Calle Los Alcázares this Alcazar or Moorish fortress is situated to the west of the walled town on the highest point of Carmona. It was restored in the 13th century by Peter 1st and it quickly became one of his favorite palaces
It was seriously affected by the 1755 earthquake and, since then, it has been progressively falling into ruin.  The ruins of this Alcazar surround what is now Carmona’s Parador de Turismo, a state-run hotel.

FORTRESS OF THE GATE OF SEVILLE
Located on the Plaza de Blas Infante  the fortress or Alcazar rises above the Puerta de Sevilla which is Spain’s most valuable example of a Roman gate

The fortress underwent major alterations in the 14th and 15th centuries and between1973 and 1975  restoration work included the refurbishing of several sections as venues for staging cultural events was carried out.

The main points of interest
• Tower of Gold: You get a beautiful view over Carmona from this tower
• Prisoners’ Hall: All that remains of the palace that stood inside the Alcazar
• Patio of Cisterns: in the middle of this courtyard there is an underground cistern excavated in the rock and featuring six skylights
• Keep: the tower is solid up to the level of the courtyard and its bossed ashlars remain intact
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday:  10 am to 6 pm
Sunday and bank holidays: 10 am to 3 pm
This is just a small selection of things to see in the town.
Some Important Dates
The Carmona Fair is held during  the third week in May and is well worth visiting the town at this time. The festivities are as colorful as the Seville April Fair with the stunning fixed casetas, or marquees and the traditional flamenco costumes
The fair dates back to 1466, when Henry IV of Castile granted the town of Carmona the privilege of celebrating a cattle fair each year.
Between the 8-16 September  the town honors the towns Patroness, the Virgin of Grace
On this occasion many of those who were born in Carmona but now live elsewhere choose to return to their roots for a few days. Cultural, sports, and children s activities, as well as concerts are staged.
For more information on the town visit the official website