Past centuries have bequeathed Ecija with a rich architectural legacy of mansions, palaces, convents and churches. It is also known as the city of towers for the church towers, steeples and domes dotting the skyline. Tour the collection of monumental buildings and pick up insights into the past in its museums.
Ecija enjoyed a golden age of architecture during the entire 18th century when 40 noble families went on a spending spree that fostered a building boom. Visit some of the buildings that were constructed during this time, such as the Convent of the Sisters of the Cross, the Palace of Peñaflor and the Church of Santa Maria and its tower.
Tour buildings that go back further into the past. Go to the 14th-century Convent of San Jose and marvel at the vast altarpiece in the Church of Santiago, a gothic structure from the 15th century.
Take time out from your wanderings by enjoying refreshments in a café on the Plaza de España, the main square. Among the notable historical buildings bordering the large rectangular space are the 19th-century town hall building and the Church of San Francisco.
Learn more about Ecija’s history in the House Museum of the Palace of the Palma Family. The City Museum of History of Ecija is located in the baroque Palace of Benameji.
Explore the countryside around the ancient town and participate in active pursuits. Go cycling, hiking or horseback riding on the Camino Natural de la Campiña Sevillana. This green pathway stretches for almost 19 miles (30 kilometers) along an old railway line. Kayak on the River Genil and thrill to zip-line adventures and scale climbing walls at the Parque Multiaventuras Ocio y Salud, a multi-adventure park.
Ecija lies between the Andalusian cities of Cordoba and Seville, which are respectively 35 miles (56 kilometers) and 60 miles (96 kilometers) away. Travel by bus from either of these locations or drive. Once you are in the town, you can easily get around to most of the significant sights on foot.
