The Monastery of Santa Maria de la Defension, usually called La Cartuja de Jerez, is one of the strongest architectural sights outside the city's sherry-and-horse circuit. Founded in the second half of the 15th century, it combines late Gothic monastic spaces with a showpiece Renaissance entrance and later artistic additions.
The setting matters: the monastery stands outside the compact centre, which makes it feel separate from the bodegas and busy streets of Jerez. Go for the portico, the cloister, the church, and the calm of a working religious site rather than for a quick checklist stop. Visitor access can be limited, so confirm tours or opening arrangements before heading out.