Very few Andalusian towns can compete with Chiclana when it comes to architecture. There are many neoclassical or Elizabethan style buildings and, above all, the religious architecture of Chiclana de la Frontera, which are definitely worth visiting. Among the most famous are remarkable examples such as the Church of St. John the Baptist (Iglesia Mayor) built in a neoclassical style, the chapel of Santa Ana, which is undoubtedly the most emblematic corner of the city, and the convent of Jesus of Nazareth, where one can find a statue of American origin that dates back to the 17th century.
It is also worth mentioning the Holy Trinity church (San Telmo) with an altar depicting Saint Elmo and the Our Lady of Los Remedios. Pay a visit to the Church of San Sebastián, dating from the 16th century, and the Chapel of Vera Cruz - the oldest religious building in the city (dating from the 15th century). Another chapel worth noting is in inside the San Martín Hospital.
In addition, there is also a lot of very impressive civil architecture in Chiclana de la Frontera. Start exploring it with the Clock Tower, which was built in the 18th century on one of the old town gates which was a part of the old Town Hall. Have a closer look at the Tower of Bermeja standing on the Barrosa beach. And try to visit the Puerco Tower, built in the 16th century and used for war purposes during the Battle of Barrosa on the 5th of March 1811. Furthermore, don’t forget to visit the Castle of Sancti Petri and the Consistorial House, which nowadays is home to the Town Hall. It is important to point out that Consistorial House was one of the first buildings in Spain to be built using reinforced concrete.
Moreover, pay attention to the houses of some of the wealthy local families, such as the Palaces of the Conde de Torres, the Conde del Pinar and the Conde de las Cinco Torres or the striking Casa Briones located in the Plaza Mayor.
The fact that the town centre of Chiclana de la Frontera has been declared a Place of Cultural Interest by the Andalusian Government, makes it a must see attraction.
Finally, we recommend visiting the Chiclana Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the town, and the Marín Dolls Museum-Factory. Founded in 1928 the Museum-Factory possesses a large collection of dolls depicting typical dresses from several regions of Spain. The factory has been known as a reference point in the Andalusian souvenir industry.
So, as you see, despite the fact that the local beaches are definitely the best beaches in southern Spain, they are not the only point of interest in this part of the Spanish coast. Staying in Chiclana de la Frontera during your holidays in Spain you can also enjoy the history of the area carved in its architecture or gathered in museums.
