The walled city of Carmona, Spain, is full of archaeological finds that are rich in culture and history. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Located 33 km northeast of Seville in the Andalusian countryside, this ancient town dates back to the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians’ conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 237 BC.
The Carthaginians are credited with building the layout of Carmona, and through the centuries, many ancient empires have fought over the city for its strategic location and fertile lands. In fact, Julius Caesar’s “De Bello Civile” references Carmona’s “mighty wall.”
The Romans called it “Carmo,” and the Muslims called it “Qarmuna,” eventually, it became known as Carmona.
The city of 30,000 is tentatively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A popular day trip from Sevilla, a visit to Carmona is usually combined with a stop at nearby Osuna. On my day trip, I could only glaze the surface, but the quick tour left a huge impression of the area’s significance and left me wanting more. I highly recommend staying overnight in a palace, which will elevate your experience if time allows.
Subscribe to be alerted to the next article as soon as it’s published. We pride ourselves in writing informative articles with interesting tips.
Search for accommodation anywhere by using Booking.Com, book a sightseeing tour using Viator or a flight with Expedia and any commissions earned will help keep this website running.
Best things to do in Carmona Spain
As our group approached the walled city, we saw the Parador de Carmona high on the hill.
Parador de Carmona. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Take a tour of the Parador de Carmona
Parador de Carmona, is a grand Andalusian palace built on the ruins of a 14th-century Moorish castle, once the Mudéjar palace of Pedro I of Castile. Though partially destroyed by earthquakes in the 19th century, it was meticulously rebuilt in 1976, preserving its historic charm.
Take a tour or stay in one of the Royal House rooms of the Parador de Carmona.
See fine examples of Mudejar architecture, exquisite tapestries and antiques and the majestic panoramic view from the terrace and its pool. The inner courtyard displays a Mudejar star motif.
The restaurant serves traditional local cuisine with Arabic influences and overlooks the valley below.
Spanish Paradores luxury historic monument hotels
Paradores are among some of the finest hotels in Spain and are found in ancient castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and old rural retreats. Though they are classed from three to five stars, these state-run hotels all offer a fabulous and unique environment with all the luxury of a modern hotel.
Parador de Carmona Hotel in Carmona Andalusia Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Parador de Carmona Hotel in Carmona Andalusia Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Inside Parador de Carmona Hotel in Carmona Andalusia Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Stunning courtyard inside Parador de Carmona Hotel in Carmona Andalusia Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Stunning views from the balcony of Parador de Carmona overlooking the hotel’s pool area and the beautiful Andalusian countryside. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Old Town Carmona
Old Town Carmona is flanked by the historic Cordoba and Seville Gates, one of Andalusia’s most ancient places. As I walked through the winding labyrinth of cobblestoned streets, I was in awe at the layers of history unfolding before me.
A whole spectrum of architectural styles, each with distinct differences, are woven together as a silent reminder of Islamic and Roman occupation through the ages: the Moorish-influenced 12th-century Mudéjar, 16th-century Andalusian Moorish, and 18th-century Spanish Baroque palaces.
Gates of Cordoba, Carmona Spain. – Best things to do in the ancient city of Carmona Spain in Andalusia. Canva
Narrow winding streets of Old Town Carmona, Andalusia Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
San Fernando Square
SanFernado Square was once the site of the Roman Forum. The buildings surrounding the square are mostly three floors in height and display many different architectural styles.
San Fernando Square in Carmona’s old town. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
San Fernando Square in Carmona’s old town. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
San Fernando Square in Carmona’s old town. Fine examples of Mudejar architecture. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
San Fernando Square in Carmona’s old town. Fine examples of Mudejar architecture. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla
Located at the Gate of Sevilla in Old Town Carmona, the impressive ruins of Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla have stood the test of time for centuries. This stronghold was a coveted fortress that underwent various alterations throughout the ages, most notably during the 14th-15th centuries.
Climb the Tower of Gold for breathtaking views of Carmona.
The tourism office can be found as you enter the Moorish fortress.
Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla in Carmona Adalusia Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla in Carmona Adalusia Spain and the Sevilla Gate. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla in Carmona Adalusia Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Roof tiles at the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla in Carmona Andalusia, Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Stone walls at the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla in Carmona Andalusia, Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr© Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
View from the top of Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla in Carmona Andalusia, Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Ciudad de Carmona Museum
The Ciudad de Carmona Museum is housed in a 16th-century palace. Exhibits and artifacts display the complete history of Carmona. Guided tours are available.
Ciudad de Carmona Museum in Old Town Carmona, Andalusia Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Palatial House of the Marquis of San Martín
Once you step inside, you will be surprised at how large these wonderful palaces are. The Casa Palacio Marquis of San Martin, originally owned by King Fernando III, has been passed down through the generations to the existing descendant Marquis of Caltojar.
The elegant palace has a swimming pool, stables, barn, seven courtyards, many halls and more.
Impressive entrances. The doorway on the left is the Palatial House of the Marquis of San Martín in Old Town Carmona, Andalusia, Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Palacio de don Alonso Bernal Escamilla
The historic Palacio de don Alonso Bernal Escamilla, also known as House of Chains, commemorates the visit of King Felipe IV and his brother, the Infante Don Carlos. The mansion includes a Summer House with six living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and more. There is a WinterHouse and a servant area.
Palacio de don Alonso Bernal Escamilla, also known as the Turmos Palace Carmona, Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
A walled courtyard in ancient Old Town Carmona Adalusia Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Stunning courtyard brickwork In Old Town Carmona Adalusia Spain. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Guided Tours of Carmona
Take advantage of the guided tours offered on select days by the Carmona Tourist Office located at the entrance of the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla.
If you have mobility issues, two electric vehicles are available to help you explore Carmona’s Old Town.
Spanish words to know
- Alcázar is a Spanish fortress or palace
- Mudéjar refers to Muslims from late medieval period who remained in Iberia following the Christian reconquest from the 13-15th century.
- Iberia is a peninsula in southwestern Europe comprising lands from Spain, Portugal, France, Gibraltar, and Andorra.
If you plan to explore Spain and its many wonders, check out extraordinary Cordoba Spain a portal into another time, Best things to do in Extremadura Spain a true European treasure and watch for more of the series of articles about touring Sevilla, Osuna, Mallorca and Madrid.
Other areas you may be interested in: Travel Norway, Travel Scotland, and Travel Canada.
Wendy Nordvik-Carr was a guest of Spain’s tourism board. It did not review or approve the story.
About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
Have you been here? Want to go or have other tips or comments. We'd love to hear from you.