The City Hall in collaboration with the ONCE (Spanish Organization for the Blind) has just published a Guide in Braille to this tourist highlight in the city. Actually, the first books were distributed last 30 th September to a group of visitors from the ONCE. The proposed tour in the Alcazar complex for blind/visually impaired visitors includes tactile elements in addition to verbal descriptions.
The Alcazar, Mosque and Arab Baths complex in Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz) is classified as a Monument of Historical, Artistic and Cultural Interest , this is the oldest and most important historical monument in the city. It dates from the 12th Century but was reformed in the 15th Century, only to be modified again in the 18th and 20th Century, currently conserving a great part of its primitive construction. It is made up of the Mosque, Olive Oil Mill, Moorish Baths and the Octagonal, Homage and Ponce de Leon Towers, the Courtyard, the Gates protecting the two entrances and part of the Wall which surrounded it. In the 18th Century the Villavicencio Palace was built upon the ruins of the primitive Moorish palace, and which now houses the Camera Obscure (not accessible for PMR/wheelchair users). The Alcazar complex is equipped with easy access by means of ramps and a lift to access the second floor is available, too.
The OMAD in Jerez (Oficina Municipal de Atención a la discapacidad) has edited a Guide with Resources for the Disabled available in the city, which also offers tourist information about accessible facilities in the city. Information is provided in Spanish in the "Guía Local de Recursos para personas con discapacidad" clicking on "Recursos", then Cultura, Ocio y Deportes, and then "Guía de Jerez accesible" or "Guía de hoteles jerezanos accesibles para viajeros en sillas de ruedas" (wheelchair accesible hotels in Jerez) www.omad.jerez.es/fileadmin/guia_recursos
The OMAD-Jerez office arranges every year reserved areas for wheelchair users and people with impairments in Alameda Cristina to see the " procesiones " during Semana Santa: if you would like to request one of these reserved spaces you may through their website.
O.M.A.D.
Tfno:956 359226 Fax : 956 359921
www.omad.jerez.es
e-mail: omad@aytojerez.es
ALCÁZAR DE JEREZ
CONJUNTO MONUMENTAL Y CÁMARA OSCURA
TEL.956 31 97 98
Fax. 956 31 95 61
E-mail: info.visitas.alcazar@aytojerez.es
Ayuntamiento de Jerez de la Frontera : www.webjerez.com
Oficina Municipal de Turismo
Alameda Cristina, s/n
Tfno: 956 331 150 /956 331 162
e-mail: turismo2@aytojerez.es
www.turismojerez.com
Rebecca Arce