In Chucena, several layers of architectural and art history meet wine traditions and routes through an agricultural landscape. When planning a stay, it helps to note the specific differences: the churches preserve various architectural and historical traces, while the two routes described offer very different information about their course and difficulty. Local festivals also have their own dates and focal points.

Churches, Haciendas and Historical Traces

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Estrella is a Renaissance-style church, dated to approximately the last third of the 18th century. Its Baroque altarpiece was created by Julián Giménes in 1788. At its center is an image of Nuestra Señora de la Estrella from the late 16th century, depicting Chucena’s patron saint. The building, altarpiece and image thus represent different periods that can be distinguished when looking at the church.

Another architectural development is seen in the Ermita de la Divina Pastora, also known as the templo de Alcalá de la Alameda. Ambrosio de Figueroa and his son built it between 1773 and 1781. The original building dates from 1781 and features Renaissance elements; its current Baroque character stems from a renovation in 1779. This should be distinguished from the former church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción y Santa Ana: after depopulation in the 19th century, it was converted into Chucena’s rural hermitage.

Haciendas also preserve tangible evidence of history. In the courtyard of the Hacienda de Alcalá, you can see the remains of an old olive oil mill dating to the 16th century. The grounds of the Hacienda Alcalá-Alameda, one of Chucena’s private haciendas, are open to visitors. El Juego de las Chapas is listed in Chucena as intangible cultural heritage, adding another cultural facet to the architectural heritage.

Routes Through the Landscape and Countryside

The Ruta Haciendas de Chucena follows the Camino de Chucena and the Camino del Puerto, then takes the A-481 and continues along Calle Torralba. It passes through a very flat, traditional cultural landscape dominated mainly by olive groves and fields of grain and sunflowers. Its named route and open agricultural landscape give this route its distinctive character. As route conditions can change, it is worth checking them before setting out.

The Ruta Manzanilla-Chucena has a different profile: it is 20 km long, linear, and rated as moderate; the stated duration is 2.5 hours. Its length and duration offer practical guidance for planning, while the difficulty rating provides an additional point of reference. The route is designated for birdwatching, cycling, nature observation and hiking. Its riverside vegetation includes holm oaks, poplars and white poplars. When choosing between the routes, you can compare the details about the course and landscape of the Ruta Haciendas with the explicitly stated route profile of the Ruta Manzanilla-Chucena.

Wine, Mosto and Event Dates

The Feria del Vino de Chucena takes place every year in November, at the end of the grape harvest. Planned activities include wine tastings and events pairing wine with food; workshops and activities for children are also part of the program. The specific program may vary from one edition to the next. The cooperative’s Chucena mosto is made predominantly from Zalema grapes grown in its members’ vineyards.

Other local events also have their own setting. The pilgrimage known as “el Romerito” takes place every year in May on the esplanade of the Ermita de la Divina Pastora; the exact date may vary. La Fritá is a countryside event organized by the Hermandad del Rocío de Chucena at Dehesa del Perú to raise funds. The dehesa is considered a natural area characterized by holm and cork oaks. If you want to plan your stay around a festival, check the latest event dates and programs in advance.

Discover more destinations: El Álamo, Isla Cristina, Molares, Almonaster La Real, Niebla, Nerva, Encinasola, Villablanca

For the main travel overview: Huelva.