Free walking tours in Villamanrique de la Condesa and what to see

Must-sees

Villamanrique de la Condesa is a village in the south of Seville province, on the edge of Doñana, surrounded by pine forests, marshes and farmland. Its most notable building is the Palacio de Villamanrique, also called the Orleans Palace, a protected heritage site. It was a retreat for the Dukes of Montpensier during hunting seasons and keeps romantic Andalusian gardens, with a small cloister from a former Franciscan convent.

Beside the Plaza de España stands the church of Santa María Magdalena, the village's main church. But Villamanrique is best known for its link with El Rocío: its brotherhood is one of the oldest in the Rocío world, and each year dozens of affiliated brotherhoods cross its streets on their way to the village, with wagons, banners and riders. The equestrian tradition is very present all year round.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Villamanrique. The activity you can book is a horse ride around Doñana, a very local way to discover the pine forests and pilgrim tracks. For the village's heritage, it's best to ask the town council about possible visits. Excursions to Doñana and El Rocío also leave from Seville and pass through the area.

How long to spend

The village can be explored in a couple of hours: the square, the church and the outside of the palace. If you add the horse ride, allow half a day. With a full day you can combine Villamanrique with the village of El Rocío and a walk around Doñana. On the days when the brotherhoods pass through, the village fills up, so plan carefully.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Villamanrique is limited, with a rural house or two and places on estates around the village, ideal if you're driving and enjoy the countryside. A good alternative is the village of El Rocío, a short distance away, with more beds and a Rocío atmosphere. Seville, less than an hour's drive away, has the widest choice if you'd rather do the visit as a day trip.