Mairena del Alcor, municipality of Spain
Mairena del Alcor is a town in Seville province with narrow streets and whitewashed houses that speak of a long past. It contains the imposing Castillo de Luna with thick walls and towers, as well as the Gothic church Santa María de la Asunción, built in the 15th century.
The area was settled as far back as the final Stone Age, and later a treasure from the Tartessian period was found, showing the place's importance in ancient times. In the Middle Ages, the Calatrava military order controlled the region and had the castle built in the 14th century.
Mairena del Alcor is deeply connected to flamenco singing and was the birthplace of Antonio Mairena, a famous singer of this tradition. The town keeps this art form alive through regular contests and celebrations where locals and visitors experience traditional singing together.
The place is about 24 kilometers from Seville and easily reached by car or public transportation. The best way to explore the narrow streets and squares is on foot, and walking trails lead into the surrounding countryside with fields and olive groves.
Miguel de Cervantes mentioned the place in his story 'El coloquio de los perros' about two talking dogs, giving the town an unusual literary significance. This reference from a famous Spanish writer makes Mairena del Alcor a special place for lovers of classical literature.
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