Écija Between Towers, History and Landscapes

Écija Between Towers and Eras

Écija bears the nickname „City of Towers“ because its cityscape is crowned by eleven towers, nine bell gables, as well as numerous temples, palaces and viewpoints. In 1966, Écija was declared a Historic-Artistic Site. Its cityscape therefore combines buildings and viewpoints with a cultural and historical character spanning several eras.

A notable example is the Palacio de Benamejí. It is an outstanding example of Écija’s 18th-century Baroque style and is catalogued as a Historic-Artistic Monument. The Iglesia de Santa María in Écija is also an 18th-century church, but was built over an earlier Mudéjar temple. It houses an archaeological collection featuring a Roman marble head.

Another historical layer is preserved at the Plaza de Armas archaeological site in Écija. Turdetanian and Roman remains can be found there, along with sections of the wall of a Muslim castle. The settlement layers stretch from the beginnings of Écija around the 8th century BC to the present day. Different periods of the city’s history thus converge in one place.

The Convento de las Teresas also represents a connection between different eras. It is located in the former palace of the Counts of Palma, a Mudéjar building constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Paths, Gardens and Activities on the Water

The landscape around Écija includes the Vía Verde de la Campiña, also known as the Camino Natural de La Campiña Sevillana. Within the municipality of Écija, it follows the former railway line from Marchena to Valchillón. The route therefore connects the present-day designation of a greenway with a former railway line.

The Parque San Pablo in Écija is protected as a historic garden in Écija’s heritage catalogue. Alongside the towers, palaces and archaeological sites, this means that a protected historic garden is also a distinct part of the town.

On the Río Genil, the Club de Piragüismo offers canoeing and rafting trips for different ability levels. No prior experience is required, equipment is provided, and the activity is supervised by an instructor. Écija also has approved routes for equestrian tourism. These activities clearly differ in their means of transport: the Río Genil is associated with trips on the water, while the approved routes are intended for equestrian tourism.

A Historic Market

The Plaza de Abastos market in Écija was built in 1844. Alongside the religious buildings, palaces, archaeological traces, routes and historic garden, this means that a market building with a clearly specified year of construction is also one of the town’s specific landmarks.

Other places: Cañada De Rabadán, Estepa, Tomares, El Cuervo De Sevilla, Mairena Del Alcor, La Campana, Coria Del Río

For the overview of the wider destination: Seville.

More About the Destination

Useful information for planning your trip:

Écija: towers, palaces and trip planning near Seville.