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Jerez
2002
WEG
 
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Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
Sunday
After breakfast, I decided to explore the area around the hotel by foot. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is only 1 1/2 blocks away. Two mounted police were standing in the street near the school. The school is closed on weekends, but what I could see through the gates is gorgeous. The school is in the 19th Century Palacio Duque de Abrantes, designed by the French
architect, Garnier, who also designed the Paris Opera and the Montecarlo Casino. Trees from South America and the Indies beautify the spacious grounds. Can't wait till tomorrow when the school is open for training session.
Jerez is known as the horse capital of Spain. Weekly shows at both the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and the State Stud Farm in Cartuja and the annual Horse Fair in May are just a few of the equestrian events. World Equestrian Games in September will be the most prestigous equestrian event in Jerez history.
Only a block from my hotel is the Plaza of the Horse (Plaza del Caballo) a block wide dominated by larger than life bronze horses.
The main street of Jerez is 6 lanes wide with sidewalks on both sides as wide as double car lanes. The buildings on the right side of the street are the tallest in the city at six floors while the buildings on the left side are limited to two stories. Jerez has the third densest population of Spain with 190,000. A bargain 8 euro bus tour of the city allows you to ride the buses all day getting on and off whenever you like. Guides are fluent in English, French, and German.
Remnants of the ancient walled city of Jerez still remain although the only surviving gate is modern 13th century.
Jerez is internationally known for its Sherry and flamenco dancing. Tio Pepe sherry is just one of the many Jerez sherries made in the heart of the city. Large wine cellars with high-tiled roofs keep the temperature and humidity perfect for aging the sherry and brandy. The Sandeman Winery
(Bodega) is next door to the Royal Andalusian School. The Tio Pepe weather wane atop the winery is the largest in the world according to the Guiness book of records.
The beautifully landscaped wineries are open to visitors daily.
Many peoples and cultures inhabited Jerez over the centuries including the Phoenicians, Romans and Moors until the 1264 Christian Conquest. Cathedrals and churches dot the city.
Jerez is the birthplace of Flamenco notably in the gypsy quarters of Santiago and San Miguel which still produce talented dancers of this passionate Spanish dance. Come to Jerez to see Flamenco at its best.
Much of the city of Jerez was built in ancient times - the reason for many narrow streets - wide enough for horse-drawn carriages. The bus driver carefully guided the bus through several places where you could touch the buildings on either side from the open topped double deck. I discovered that street signs are often on the wall of corner buildings.
Visit Jerez in September for the World Equestrian Games, but if you can't, plan on a visit to Jerez any year in May for the annual Horse Fair.
Ky
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