2022, the momentum of Lebrija
The House of Culture Lebrija , located in the old Ecclesiastical Cilla, is decked out. Everything is ready for the opening of the exhibition hall Tartessian Lebrija . The sample, which exhibits one of the two replicas of the famous “Candelabros de Lebrija” , is another step by the Delegation of Culture, Heritage and Local Tourism so that the municipality settles among the main destinations of the tourist network of the province of Seville.
Not far from there, in the courtyard of the Town Hall, is the interpretation space of Elio Antonio de Nebrija. This humanist from Lebrija was the author of the first Grammar of the Castilian Language in 1492 and in 2022 the V Centenary of his death . The municipality has been preparing for months the event is the springboard towards the arrival of more visitors.
Elio Antonio de Nebrija
“Lebrija has never looked at tourism although it has attractions to do so”, says the Delegate for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, José Martínez . Its location, between the countryside and the Guadalquivir marshes , have meant that agriculture has always been its main economic engine.
In addition, the revitalization of tourism is complicated due to the proximity of places such as Utrera, Jerez de la Frontera or Seville.
But there is potential. Its historical and socio-cultural heritage, based on artisan activity and tradition and on flamenco, make Lebrija seek to become a place where you don't just go to "spend the day" . And for this, the gastronomic offer strives to cajole the most gourmets.
VINEYARD TRADITION
Hidden, without wanting to take away the prominence of the Olive Church , is found the Winery of the Marquis of San Gil . This space has been in the heart of Lebrija since 1711 and can be visited as long as you agree in advance. Along with the characteristic dependencies linked to the production and aging of its wines, the house-cellar has an oil mill, some stables, an orchard area and gardens spread over a space that reaches 4000m2.
The visit lasts approximately one hour and is an opportunity to get to know the project that one of the sisters of the Marquis revived in 2015: Bodegas Halcón. These winemakers have consolidated Lebrija's relationship with the Marco de Jerez ; is the only Sevillian town in the production area of the Appellation of origin.
In addition, in its facilities there is an office where you can buy its fortified wines (the Oloroso, “Zamarrita”, is blessed glory!), sweet liquor wines (cream and Pedro Ximenez) and vermouth.
The Bodega del Marqués de San Gil has been in the heart of Lebrija since 1711
In the wine sector, Lebrija holds the only Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) of the province of Seville . The González-Palacios Winery , founded in 1960, promotes the production, elaboration and aging of wines that have been limited to the municipalities of Lebrija and El Cuervo since 2005.
"There are Lebrijanos who do not know that we have a PDO," says the commercial director, Felix Gonzalez , who seeks to put in the wine bet that his father started. For this he makes visits to his vineyards and to the Los Arcos winery, in the historic center of the city , to taste a tasting of its wines, among which the red Crianza stands out Overo , the flower of Lebrija vial , the biologically aged white wine Only " and the Lebrija Old Dry Wine.
Gónzalez keeps a map with the historic wineries of Lebrija , which at the beginning of the 20th century had about 50. By then there was already Smoked Cellars , popularly known as the crash . Manuel Ahumada supervises his own production and maintains a tradition that spans four generations.
In its Marines street establishment the grapes are ground at the end of summer and in the sacristy, at the back of the bar, the wines that are enjoyed by neighbors and visitors are aged. “Everything stays the same. We haven't changed”, says Manuel . The shock is a meeting place, meeting place and where it is allowed to bring food from the street. Manuel puts the wine in one of the most folkloric places in Lebrija.
CULT OF THE TELERA
The City Council of Lebrija has started the procedures so that the local bread obtains the distinction of Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) . In his crusade against expansion of par-baked bread , several local bakers want to add value to a product that they hope will soon obtain this identification from the European Union.
La telera, the quintessential piece of Lebrija , it will then be another reason for the municipality to appear on the bakery maps of Spain. "The PGI can give a boost to bread that is not sufficiently recognized here," says the baker Domi Vélez, in charge of the technical secretariat of the IGP.
La Cañada bakery and confectionery
The telera is the emblem that this town in the Guadalquivir-Doñana region wants to raise along with other national breads such as Alfacar, Galician or peasant.
In the Consistory they know that the PGI is another attraction for gastronomic tourism and that it will bring many visitors who can enjoy the elaborations of various ovens and workshops such as The Oven of Velez, La Cañada, Colón Bakery or Our Lady of the Rosary Bakery.
WHERE TO EAT
The Lebrija flamenco festival, one of its main cultural events, is called La Caracolá. It is not surprising that one of the reference dishes of the municipality is, therefore, the snails in broth and the goats in sauce. And the season has just started!
Miano Restaurant , that serves goats all year round , is not enough. The star dish here is the goats with tomato. Another alternative is the The Pava Bar where for many they put the best snails in Lebrija.
to tap, Anselm House . It is the oldest shop in Lebrija and has been open since 1836. In its menu you can find Iberian cheeses and cured meats, preserves and all kinds of montaditos. For homemade meals, the Ruiz family proposes a traditional offer in its Lechuga Bar.
Cod with pill-pill
If you find a place, Lebrija's gastronomic point of reference is Venta Luis Rey. Rubén Caballero innovates with home cooking to leave the diner engrossed with the usual flavors, but whose presentations are very innovative. If you can, try the seasonal artichokes with trotters and foie gras!
Roman, Tartessian, Flemish and artisan. Winery, bakery and birthplace of, perhaps, the most recognized Spanish humanist . Lebrija has advantages to consolidate its tourist attraction. 2022 is just around the corner.