Medina Sidonia is situated in the province of Cádiz, east of Chiclana de la Frontera and south of Jerez de la Fronterain in Andalucia. It is one of the oldest towns in the south west of Spain and a typical “pueblo blanco” (white town) with narrow cobbled streets. It has slightly more than 11.000 inhabitants.

There are different ways to get there, depending on where you come from. Coming from the north (Jerez de la Frontera) you can take the highway A-381 to the south (about 35 km). Coming from the south (Algeciras) you take the A-381 to the north (about 60km).
Although the highway is without any doubt the easiest and fastest way to get to Medina Sidonia, the most interesting way in my opinion is to take the road A-396 from Vejer de la Frontera. Heading northeast, the first part of the road you are driving through a mainly flat landscape with some pretty flower fields. After about 20 km suddenly two hills appear. On the second and highest hill, which is about 300 meters high, Medina Sidonia is built.

Due to its strategic position between the Atlantic coast and the Campo de Gibraltar and its elevated location, Medina Sidonia has been inhabited by various civilizations which all left their mark. One of the first inhabitants where the Phoenicians. Coming from the town Sidón in Lebanon, they arrived about 3000 years ago in the south of Spain and called their new settlement Sidón. Around 200 B.C. the Romans conquered the town and called it Asido Caesarina. In the 5th century the Visigoths occupied the area and in 711 the Muslims came. They changed the name of the town into Cora de Saduana. In 1440 the Christians finally conquered the town. The name of Medina Sidonia still retains its Arabic and Phoenician roots: Medina (Arabic for town) and Sidonia (of Sidón).

Because of the various civilizations that occupied the town, there are many places of interest.

Fortaleza and Alcazar
The Moorish fortress dates from the 12th – 15th century and is located at the highest point of the town, on top of the hill. Unfortunately you can’t have a close look at it, as it is closed due to restoration work. Still it’s worth to climb the hill to enjoy the panoramic views over the town and the bay of Cadiz.

The Duke stables
Located close to the Moorish castle, the stables were built in the 16th century. In 1994 they were completely refurbished and the municipality has changed them into an exhibition hall.

Puerta de Belén, Puerta del Sol and Puerta de la Pastora
Three arches that date from the Muslim era and are built between the 10th and 13th century. The Arch of Belen (Puerta de Belén) leads to the heart of the medieval part of the town and the Duke stables. Although originally a Moorish Arch, it has undergone several changes since the 13th century. The name of the Arch comes from the altar of María Santísima de Belén which is placed in a niche at the top of the arch.

The Shepherds Arch (Puerta de la Pastora) is built in the 10th century and is of the most pure Muslim style. It is the oldest and most beautiful of the three arches. The Virgen de la Pastora gave the arch its name.

The Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) is faced towards the east where the sun rises every day, what explains the name of the arch. The arch itself is not very special, but on the outside of it you have beautiful views over the surrounding area.

Plaza de España
An attractive rectangular square surrounded by three storey buildings. It is the central meeting point of the town where you find most bars and restaurants.

Town hall
Situated on the Plaza de España the town hall dates from the 17th century. The architecture of the first floor is Baroque and of the second floor Neo-classical. It has a Renaissance façade.

Iglesia Santa María la Mayor la Coronada. One of the many Spanish churches that are built on top of a former mosque. It is a typical example of Andalusian Gothic architecture. Most of the church was built in the 16th century, with exception of the tower which dates from the 17th century. Inside it has 3 naves and a marble statue of Santa María Coronada.

Abovementioned is just a small selection of all the interesting sites Medina Sidonia has to offer. For more information about Medina Sidonia and the surrounding area it is best to visit the tourist office, which is situated on the Plaza de Iglesia Mayor in the east of the old town.