Carmona Tourist Information

Carmona stands on a fertile plateau dominating the lower Guadalquivir Valley just 30 kms from Seville.

Its origins can be traced back to the Neolithic period and throughout history it been an important population centre.

Carthaginians settled here in the 3rd century BC locating their town on a former Iberian settlement.

Carmona was a major Roman town and even today its town planning is clearly Roman in style. Roman remains include a road (the Augustan Causeway), a Roman bridge and two defensive gates (Seville and Córdoba).

However, by far the most outstanding Roman monument is the necropolis, or Roman burial ground. 

The Necropolis of Carmona

Avda. de Jorge Bonsor, 9 
41410 Carmona (Sevilla)
Tlf. 954 14 08 11
Fax: 954 19 14 76

This was discovered and excavated at the end of the 19th century. It consists of over 900 family tombs which date from 2BC to 4AD. The tombs have maintained a large number of paintings in typical Pompeian style showing birds and fruit.

There are two particularly outstanding tombs that stand out. The elaborate Elephant Tomb (Tumba del Elefante) next to which you can see a bath, kitchen, benches and banquet table which show how families celebrated the death of their relatives.

The Tomb of the Slave (Tumba de Servilia) is even more impressive as it is on two floors with columns and a wide patio. 

Moorish and Christian Carmona

Carmona maintained its importance during Muslim rule and became an independent Taifa (small kingdom) after the fall of Cordoba. In 1247 Carmona surrendered to King Ferdinand III ("the Saint"). King Pedro "the Cruel" liked Carmona and built a royal residence there. Today this is the Parador hotel.

Parador of Carmona

Address: Alcázar, S/N .41410 Carmona . Sevilla 
Telephone: 00 34 95 414 10 10
Fax: 00 34 95 414 17 12
Email: carmona@parador.es
Reserve: Reserve Carmona Parador

This is the best place to stay in Carmona and even if you're not staying it's worth a visit just to have a drink and take a look across the fertile plain below planted with sunflowers, barley and wheat. There are splendid views of the fortress from the parador's swimming pool as well as landscaped areas and a courtyard with a Mudejar fountain. The bedrooms are spacious, bright, and in exquisite taste thanks to the classical decoration which, along with the Sevillian tiles, enhances the value of this 14th century fortress. The Bermejo function room contains rugs and numerous antiques whilst the refectory, now a dining room, is recognized as one of the best in the chain of paradors.