Throughout its long history Jerez has been strongly influenced by the different cultures that have settled in its lands, each leaving its mark upon the already deep-rooted traditions of the city. These legacies now form an essential part of life in the city.
The cultures of Phoenician Xera, the strongly Roman Ceret, the important Muslim Sherish all made their presence felt up until Alfonso X, The Wise, took Jerez back from the Moors in 1264 and was responsible for the conversion of the city to Christianity. This melting pot of cultures and knowledge has helped to enhance the artistic heritage of the city.
The old centre, declared to be of Historical Artistic interest, is full of traditional, quaint streets and squares where you can discover secluded, hidden corners mixed in amongst fountains, orange trees, palaces, churches and sherry bodegas.