Mairena del Alcor

History

The area of Los Alcores was a settlement of ancient civilizations since prehistoric times. There are archeological sites that prove the continuous use of the area since the Upper Paleolithic. Later on, during Neolithic times, small villages settled to explore agricultural properties of the land. In addition, several artifacts from the Metal Ages have been found, such as megalithic tombs and ceramic items. The treasure of 'Andres Morales', consisting of complex gold jewels, evidences the presence of Tartessians during the first millennium. In later times, Phoenicians, Greeks, Turdetani, Romans, Visigoths and Arabs have inhabited the area. At the time Arabs ruled the region, a defensive tower was built, maybe as part of a surveillance belt, defense of communication across Los Alcores. In the campaign of 1246, the village of Mairena was conquered by Castilian king Fernando III. On November 20, 1342, king Alfonso XI granted the estate of Mairena to Pedro Ponce de León, separating this from Carmona's jurisdiction. Since that time, the village has belonged to Casa de Arcos and a castle was built in the 14th century which promoted the development of a small town. Not much later in 1441, the King Juan II conceded permission for the celebration of a livestock market, which continues as a traditional festival today. During the Renaissance, the town of Mairena underwent significant growth thanks to the Discovery of America and the transatlantic trades. Production of olive oil and cereals was increased, and the successful farming and taming of horses became an art.

Most-observed species

• House Sparrow

  Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  2,107
• European Serin

  Serinus serinus (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  2,035
• Eurasian Blackbird

  Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  2,003
• Crested Lark

  Galerida cristata (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  1,947
• Eurasian Collared-Dove

  Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky, 1838) · Aves
  1,850
• European Greenfinch

  Chloris chloris (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  1,841
• Zitting Cisticola

  Cisticola juncidis (Rafinesque, 1810) · Aves
  1,698
• corn bunting

  Emberiza calandra Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  1,576