Ecija Information
Located midway between Seville and Córdoba in a valley
of low hills, Ecija is home to several magnificent baroque churches,
the towers of each glisten with brilliantly coloured tiles which
can be spied from far in the distance. There are also some splendid
houses here which date back to the 18th century when the local
nobility bought homes in the town. Many of the mansions are particularly
distinctive for their flamboyant architecture displaying interesting
shapes and patterns.
You have to see the Roman mosaic on the ayuntamiento while two
of the most spectacular towers are on the Santa Maria church and
the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista.
Another highlight is the impressive Palacio de Peñaflor
on Calle Castellar with a curved facade decorated with frescos
and an elaborate baroque portal. Nearby is the San Gil Gothic-Mudéjar
church which is also worth a camera shot or two.
Places to stay include the Pension Santa Cruz, Calle Romero Gordillo
8 (95 483 0222 and Hotel Sol Pirula, Calle Miguel de Cervantes
50 (95 483 0300) while restaurants and bars are plentiful, particularly
around the Plaza Mayor.
There are daily buses to and from Seville and Córdoba.
Its proximity to nature parks such as Sierra Norte, Hornachuelos or subbética makes Ecija an ideal place to enjoy nature. A good opportunity is during the Falconry Championship of Spain, in which the professionals will leave you wide-eyed at the hunting of hers on horseback. The horses are another attraction. The city is the cradle of world-renowned thoroughbred Raza Española, thoroughbred Arab and Anglo-Arab horses. Herds such as those of Cárdenas, Díaz, Osuna, Puertohermoso, Tamarit and Rodriguez de Torres with their exceptional specimens have made the name of Ecija famous throughout the world. The stupendous quality of this countryside for the raising of horses has made Ecija one of the main horse centres of the country, with the Military Herd, the Equine Reproduction centre and the state selection centre for breeding dock being located in the city, as well as the headquarters of the Association of Anglo- Arab Horse Breeders, in whose centre racehorses and jumping horses are trained. With all this Ecija offers to whomever visits the opportunity to experience the worlds of the horse in the perfect place, participating as spectator in the organised activities in the equestrian environment.