Almadén de la Plata - Seville - Sierra Norte

Almadén de la Plata is located on the north-west of Sevilla, it is 75 kilometres from the capital, the town of Almadén de la Plata is placed between Viar and Cala rivers, in the Nature Reserve of the sevillian Sierra Morena, at a height higher than 500 metres above sea level.

The existence of quarries and mines in the area has promoted many villages a long time ago. The first remains have been found in one of the most important sites, "Los Covachos", that correspond to the Neolithic and copper age.

Another important remains are located in the Archaeological Collection La Traviesa, proclaimed by law 16/85 of Historic Spanish Wealth and registered in the Archaeological Sites catalogue of Sevilla . Its origin comes from Phoenicians and Greeks.

But much more important are the remains of Roman and Moslem cultures, since people has a huge significance, thanks to the silver, copper and marble sites; even during Roman age minted its own currency.

Its present name comes from the Arab Al Medin Balat, which means "Las Minas de la Calzada". After the reconquest, Fernando III gave it Municipal Corporation and the right to have its own coat of arms. Later, the Catholic Monarchs gave this town the "title of loyal" because of its brave behaviour in the conquest of Granada, and Bailén battle.

Monuments

Casa Consistorial (Town Hall) 
Church of Santa María de Gracia 
Necropolis-Museum del Bronce "La Traviesa" 
Remains of Muralla del Castillo Mudéjar 
Plaza de Toros (Bullring)

Gastronomy

Stews with hunting meat, honey, olive oil, gañotes (throats), pestiños (honey-coated pancake), flowers, hornazos (meat pie).

How to get there

From Sevilla, take the Autovia A-3102, Crossing La Rinconada, Crossing Alcalá del Río. Cross Castilblanco de los Arroyos, continue through the Autovia A-3102, turn left SE-185, leave Castilblanco de los Arroyos. Continue through Se-185, take the Autovia A-450 and you arrive to Almadén de la Plata.

Distances

To Sevilla 69 km  
To Córdoba 156 km  
To Castilblanco de los Arroyos 29 km  
To El Pedroso 47 km 
To Cazalla de la Sierra 43 km