Chiclana de la Frontera
Chiclana de la Frontera | ||
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Postal code 11130 | ||
Dialing code | 956 | |
Website | Official website |
Chiclana de la Frontera (Spanish pronunciation:
History

Human presence in the area dates back to Paleolithic times. Several Neolithic villages have been discovered, including that of La Mesa a few miles east of the town.[6] The early history of the area is marked by the Phoenician and Punic presence. In 2006 preliminary building work was halted by the discovery of the remains of buildings, walls, cisterns, silos, pavements and ovens on the hill overlooking the river; El Cerro del Castillo. Subsequent excavations suggested that the site had been inhabited from the Late Bronze onwards. It was prized for its strategic position guarding the route up-river to Gerion's Castle at Medina Sidonia, overlooking an access to the bay of Cadiz, and its wharfs or docks. Much of the site was irretrievably lost to aggressive quarrying for sand and stone, but the traces of the medieval streets and cemetery can still be discerned on the hill's slopes. In 2023 an interpretation centre "La Nueva Gadeira" opened to the public on the site. It offers explanations and displays the excavation of a portion of the site under an impressive glass floor. Archeological finds from the area are displayed in the local Museum and in the Museum of Cadiz. A mention should be made of the tiny temple island at Santi Petri, in which Hannibal Barca prayed before his famous invasion of Italy. When the Romans took over, the temples were rebuilt and used by them.The names change but the rituals remain the same.Several bronzes and a roman marble statue of the 2nd century have been found in the waters off Sancti Petri.
Geography and climate
Chiclana de la Frontera is located on the Costa de la Luz in Andalusia, on the southwest coast of the province of Cádiz. The municipality borders Puerto Real to the north, San Fernando to the north-northwest and Conil de la Frontera to the south-southeast. The town itself is located about 20 kilometres (12 mi) southwest of the city of Cádiz and is about 95 kilometres (59 mi) northwest of Algeciras.Medina-Sidonia lies about 24 kilometres (15 mi) east of the town of Chiclana. Villages in the municipality include La Coquina, Los Gallos Cerromolinos, Pinar de los Guisos, Llano de las Maravillas, La Barrosa, Novo Sancti Petri, Melilla, Campano, El Olivar, Torre del Puerco, El Colorado, Barrio Nuevo, Hozanejos and Pago del Humo and Las Veguetas, although it is difficult to distinguish the exact boundaries of many of the settlements as many of the villages are joined.[citation needed]
The coastline is characterised by long sandy beaches, including those at Sancti Petri, the 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) long La Barrosa and La Loma del Puerco. Chiclana has an average elevation of 11 metres (36 ft) , the highest point being Cerro del Aguila at 52.3 metres (172 ft)
Chiclana's climate, as in the Bay of Cádiz, is typical of the southern Atlantic coast of Spain. The town is humid with an average temperature around 19 °C (66 °F), approaching the maximum 30 °C (86 °F) in August, with minimum temperatures are around at 2 °C (36 °F) (in January). The town has approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. The average rainfall is about 600 mm (24 in), with December the wettest month and the summer months the driest, but at times the municipality can receive heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions, making the town vulnerable to flooding. The mean wind ranges between 10 and 15 km/h (6 and 9 mph). The strongest winds usually rises in the east or southwest during the summer and late autumn and spring. The municipality has a number of pine, olive, oak and chaparral trees growing within it and it contains the Parque Forestal Municipal "Pinar del Hierro y de la Espartosa"; the park is popular with hikers and mountain bikers.[10]
Economy

La Fontanar was a pottery producing center in Chiclana de la Frontera which manufactured amphoras and other ceramics, possibly dating to before the reign of
The area is a fertile region, with much agriculture, including vineyards. Grapes have been grown in the area for many centuries and this area is recognised as having had considerable significance in the field of winemaking, especially in the 16th century with the rise of trade and the new discoveries in the Americas, when land was increasingly converted to produce wine for export to America, Flanders, England, France and Portugal. The industry reached its peak during the 19th century, which was when it had the most land devoted to the growing of grapes and the largest number of wineries. Currently, Chiclana has many different wineries, where fine wines both fragrant and muscatel are grown, and the wineries are visited by many tourists. The town is noted for its sherry, and Chiclana de la Frontera has been cited as one of the world's finest wine-producing areas.[14][15] La Bodega Cooperativa Unión de Viticultores Chiclaneros, incorporated as a cooperative in 1992, is one of several local wineries currently in operation.
Main sights

Towers
There are three significant towers in the area. The Torre del Puerco (36°19′52″N 6°09′41″W / 36.331186°N 6.161276°W) dates to the 16th century, but later was used as a defensive post during the Battle of Barrosa in 1811. The Torre Bermeja (36°22′30″N 6°11′29″W / 36.374989°N 6.191318°W) is a defensive tower located on the Playa de la Barrosa. The Torre del Reloj (36°25′05″N 6°08′46″W / 36.418191°N 6.146216°W) is the clock tower, popularly known as Arquillo del Reloj, and is one of the most emblematic buildings of Chiclana, located on the Plaza Mayor. It was built in the 18th century on one of the ancient gates of the town, and was originally part of the old Town Hall. It consists of four sections, with an octagonal bell tower and dome topped with a Latin cross.
Civic buildings
The historic city center is home to several examples of neoclassical architecture and Elizabethan houses that belonged to the nobility and gentry of Cádiz, built to enrichment of the area thanks to trades with America. The Plaza Mayor is the oldest public space and historic interest of Chiclana. It was the center of the village during the 15th to the 18th centuries, containing the only parish jail. Casa Briones, located on the Plaza Mayor is one of the finest examples of 18th-century buildings in the city and is attributed to the neoclassical architect Torcuato Cayon; it currently houses the Museo de Chiclana.
Castles and palaces
The

Casa-palacio del Conde del Pinar is located in the central Calle Fierro. It is named after Conde del Pinar, an important character of French origin who arrived in the city of Cádiz, who like many others was attracted by economic expansion as a result of their trade with America.[18] Built during the 18th century, it shows the evolution of the neoclassical baroque, mixing elements of both styles. It has a high façade exterior with three floors and is structured with stone pillars. Inside is a square courtyard with columns and marble floors and the original staircase. Currently it is used for cultural activities, including a school. The Casa-palacio del Conde de las Cinco Torres is located in the centre of the city on the Calle García Gutiérrez, and as far as the mid-19th century dominated the neighborhood of San Alejandro. The house is perhaps the best example of a neo-classical mansion in the city, built during the 18th century at the time of greatest economic boom in Cádiz. The exterior has a stone façade, two stories high and with six pilastres.
Churches



The Capilla del Santo Cristo (Chapel of the Holy Christ), dating from the late 15th century, is the oldest religious building in the city. In it is situated the confraternity of the Vera Cruz,[19] one of the oldest existing penitential brotherhoods in Andalusia. The current façade of the church is a result of the many restorations that the building has experienced. The chapel contains a huge atrium.
There are two religious buildings from the 16th century. The Iglesia de San Sebastián (36°25′14″N 6°08′39″W / 36.420611°N 6.144232°W), which is located next to the bridge of Remedios. This church has undergone several renovations throughout its history. In the courtyard stands a monument to Antonio Cabrera, a speaker, scientist and botanist and son of the town. The Hospital de San Martín (36°25′09″N 6°08′50″W / 36.419063°N 6.147276°W) is now part of the "Niño Jesús" college. Although it has undergone several reforms, this old building remained inside the Capilla del Sagrado Corazón, with several Baroque altarpieces. 17th century religious buildings include the Convento de Jesús Nazareno (36°25′08″N 6°08′58″W / 36.418813°N 6.149395°W), a baroque church founded by Mother Antonia de Jesús in the year 1666;[20] as well as the Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad (San Telmo) (36°25′15″N 6°08′55″W / 36.420962°N 6.148624°W) which has a high Baroque style altar and has a belfry with a unique angular design.
The 18th century
Culture
Museums
The
Festivals

Chiclana de la Frontera celebrates many festivals and feast days. Carnaval is held at the beginning of Lent the festival includes a parade and performances. The San Antonio Fair is held in mid June.[26] There is a parade and dancing in the stands, and an opportunity for people to wear local costumes. The celebration of Corpus Christi includes streets decorated with rosemary, incense and floral altars; there is also a religious procession.[27] The Festival of El Pilar celebrates the Virgen del Pilar, patron of the State Security Forces;[28] the icon is located in the Church of San Juan Bautista. Las Cruces de Mayo Chiclaneras festival occurs in May with a procession. Typically, courtyards are decorated with flowers and religious symbols. The Festival of Parpuja occurs in August and consists of a gala attended by the leading national figures of flamenco such as José Mercé, Rancapino, and others.[29] Traditional foods are accompanied by wines from Chiclana.
Feast days are celebrated as rites of the Catholic religion. These include the Feast of San Juan Bautista, held on 23–24 June,[30] in which a procession is accompanied by brass bands in the Plaza Mayor. A typical dish at this time of year are snails. The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, held on July 16, venerates the Virgin del Carmen Barrosa, an icon of which is carried in the procession.[31] The Feast of Santa Ana, held on July 26, includes a procession-pilgrimage featuring Santa Ana through the center of the city and the Santa Ana neighborhood. There are festivities around the shrine of this saint. A typical dish at this time are the sweets "Campanas de Santa Ana". The Feast of Our Lady of Remedies, held on September 8, includes a procession featuring the icon of the Virgen de los Remedios, patron saint of the city.[32] Another tribute to the patron features horse riders competing in front of the Parish of the Holy Trinity (San Telmo). There is also a traditional pressing of the grapes, which symbolizes the beginning of the harvest. In recent years, this day also celebrates the Feast of Pescao of Estero, a fish tasting event at the Alameda del Rio. The Feast of All Saints Tosantos is celebrated on November 1.[31]
In fiction
- Cornwell, Bernard, ISBN 978-0-06-053048-8
- "The Girl at the Inn" (Spanish: La niña de la venta): a 1951 Spanish musical comedy film directed by Ramón Torrado and starring Lola Flores, Manolo Caracol and Manuel Requena that takes place in Cadiz. It was shot in the fishing village of Sancti Petri, in Chiclana de la Frontera.
Notable people

- Antonio Alemania, singer, songwriter
- Antonio García Gutiérrez, poet, playwright and librettist
- Sebastián Gessa y Arias (1840–1920), painter
- Fernando Quiñones, writer
- Enrique Montero Ruiz, musician
- Antonio Cabrera y Curro, priest, philosopher and botanist
- Juan Álvarez Mendizábal, Minister of Finance and former Prime Minister
- Enrique de las Morenas y Fossi, Captain of "Los Últimos de Filipinas" during the Spanish War of Independence
- José Marín Verdugo, artist and entrepreneur
- La Prohibida
- José Moreno, actor
- Pepa Rus, actress
- El Granaíno (Juan José Jiménez Ramos)
- Rancapino, singer
- José Manuel Moreno (cyclist), cyclist, Olympic champion in 1992
- José Antonio Butrón, Motocross champion
- Jesús Ruiz "Jesuli", volleyball player and Mediterranean Games gold medalist
- Manuel Muñoz Ramírez, footballer known as Manolito
- Fernando VII
- Francisco Montes Reina, bullfighter
Twin towns
Chiclana de la Frontera is twinned with:[33]
El Astillero, Spain
Béziers, France
See also
References
- ^ Municipal Register of Spain 2018. National Statistics Institute.
- ^ a b Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 6 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 131.
- ^ a b Columbian cyclopedia (Public domain ed.). Garretson, Cox & Company. 1897. pp. 765–. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-85229-633-2. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ISBN 9780863825552. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ISBN 978-1-84171-421-9. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ Charnock, Richard Stephen (1865). Bradshaw's illustrated hand-book to Spain and Portugal (Public domain ed.). W.J. Adams. pp. 66–. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ^ The Electrical review (Public domain. ed.). The Electrical review, ltd. 1900. pp. 768–. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ISBN 978-0-313-30292-3. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "Parque Forestal Municipal "Pinar del Hierro y de la Espartosa". Government of Chiclana. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
- ISBN 978-0-292-73464-7. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-84353-068-8. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ a b "Chiclana de la Frontera". www.costadelaluz.biz. Archived from the original on 9 February 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ISBN 978-0-394-51781-0. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ISBN 978-0-8120-4574-1. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "Museo de Chiclana". Dechicana.com. Archived from the original on 5 September 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "La nueva Casa Consistorial, lista para su recepción el próximo miércoles". Diario de Cádiz. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ "Palacete del Conde Pinar". Dechiclana.com. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ISBN 978-84-8472-333-2. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ISBN 978-84-9828-208-5. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ Centro Nacional de Información Artística, Arqueológica y Etnológica (Spain); Alcalde, Mercedes Moreno (1978). Inventario del patrimonio artístico y arqueológico de España: declaraciones de monumentos, conjuntos histórico-artísticos, y parajes pintorescos. Centro Nacional de Información Artística, Arqueológica y Etnológica. p. 49. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "Ermita de Santa Ana Chiclana". Dechiclana.com. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ISBN 978-84-8374-416-1. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
- ^ Lewin, Edward (July 10, 2005). "Death and the Sun". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
- ^ "Fábrica-Museo de Muñecos Marín – Marín Dolls Museum-Factory". Spain.info.en. Archived from the original on 20 January 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ^ "Feria de San Antionio". Frigiliana.es. Archived from the original on 1 January 2012. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ^ "San Juan y el Corpus Christi en Chiclana". Una Cádiz. Archived from the original on 19 April 2013. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ^ "Plan de Actividades 2011". Government of Chiclana. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ^ "Festivales: XII Fiesta de la Parpuja de Chiclana". Revistalaflamenca.com. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ^ Repertorio cronológico de legislación. Editorial Aranzadi. 1969. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ^ a b "Fiestas y gastronomia en Chiclana". SobreCádiz.com. 2009-01-07. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ISBN 978-0-7391-3343-9. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
- ^ "Hermandad con Béziers y El Astillero" (in Spanish). Diario de Cádiz. 16 June 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
External links