Medina Sidonia

We've been planning a visit to Medina Sidonia for a while, it is aparently a lovely little town near to Jerez so today is the day. We set off and stopped en route at Alcala de Los Gazules, we were not that keen on this town - it was very industrial and busy. Typically we were stopped by some Brits that lived there, they spotted the car and came over to talk to the dogs. They love it as it is really easy to get to Gib!

This is us having Ice Cream in the town square.

We spotted a car wash and as the car was filthy we pulled in, it was one of these bays with a jet wash that needed euros to work. I got out and fed an euro into it, the jet was in a metal holster thing on the wall, it didn't have a trigger on it so the water was coming out of it. I cleaned the car, it was a really good powerful jet. It ran out before I had finished so I droped it on the ground then went and stuck another euro in it, as soon as the coin dropped I realised the hose would be flying around with the water pressure. Right enough this hose and jet was flying around the wash bay, luckily it did not hit the car, I managed to grab it but it was really powerful and was flapping around my head, Susan was killing herself in the car as I chased this thing around getting wet and muddy.

We drove onto Medina, parked on the outskirts and walked up to the church at the top of the town. We had lunch in a restaurant and we had to sit outside, it was a bit grotty but the food was good. We've decided the weather is now too hot for the dogs so unless we are taking them somewhere to walk them then they will need to stay in the house.

Our dining area!

This is Medina from above the Church, there are lots of Roman Ruins here but they seemed closed today, not sure if they are ever open. There was evidence of work being done but nothing was happening today.

A view across the valley.

Another one

Susan and the dogs

So Jutwallah, what is this then - your task of the day!

Roman Ruins

The Church

We wandered round the town for a bit looking at various old artifacts then stopped for a drink in the main town square. It was very pleasant sitting there watching the world go by. On the way back to the car we stopped in a little park where we were able to let the dogs off for a run. We sat for a while then workmen arrived, they started up a Lawnmower, Ben loves these mowers and was desperate to chase it but we managed to hold him back.

We drove home Via Arcos for a change, on the way we spotted a field full of bright red poppies which were lovely but it was not safe to stop and photograph them.

Further info on Medina:

Medina Sidonia is an unspoilt, little known ancient hill-top town despite its important history. The town was one of Spain's most important ducal seats in the 15th century; producing an admiral who led the Armada against England. The title of Duque de Medina Sidonia was bestowed upon the family of Guzmán El Bueno for his valiant role in taking the town, a line which continues and is currently led by the controversial socialist, Duchess of Medina Sidonia,. The village has a slightly shabby grandeur with medieval walls and tidy narrow cobbled streets flanked by rows of reja-fronted houses.
Sights to See
Plaza de España - Elegant rectangular plaza with plenty of public seating, surrounded by handsome three storey buildings.The Town Hall - A 17th century building reflecting Baroque and Neo-classical architecture with a magnificent Renaissance façade.Santa Maria la Coronado Church - Built on the foundations of the original castle and later a mosque, this church is a fine example of Andalusian Gothic architecture. Inside there is an enormous 15m high and exquisite retablo, that typically depicts scenes from the life of Christ.
There is also a fine sculpted image of Cristo del Perdón attributed to Luisa Roldán, and several sixteenth century benches that were apparently used by the Inquisition. During Roman times, Medina was known as Asido Caesarino. Some remarkable Roman sewers still exist from this era (entry on Calle Espíritu Santo 3) that date from the first century AD. The sewers stand over two metres in height and are a tribute to Roman engineering skills. Medina Sidonia also has three Moorish gates including the magnificent Arco de la Pastora, close to the Jerez road.