Eleven towers and nine bell gables define Écija as the “City of Towers”; the cityscape also includes numerous temples, palaces and viewpoints. If you are looking for accommodation in Écija, you can focus on architectural history, archaeology or activities. The city combines buildings from different centuries with archaeological evidence and opportunities for equestrian tourism and outings on the Río Genil.
Baroque, Mudéjar and architectural history
The Palacio de Benamejí is an outstanding example of 18th-century Baroque architecture in Écija and is listed as a Historic-Artistic Monument. The Iglesia de Santa María also dates from the 18th century, but was built over an earlier Mudéjar temple. The comparison reveals layers from different periods: the palace is noted for its Baroque construction, while Santa María combines a later church building with an older predecessor. The church also houses an archaeological collection that includes a Roman marble head.
The Convento de las Teresas is located in the former palace of the Counts of Palma, a Mudéjar building from the 14th and 15th centuries. Écija was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1966. The individual buildings and the designation of the historic site therefore represent different scales of cultural heritage: from a building’s style and history to recognition of the place as a whole.
Archaeological layers and protected sites
The archaeological site at Plaza de Armas is notable for its long sequence of settlement. It preserves Turdetani and Roman remains, as well as sections of the wall of a Muslim castle. Its settlement layers span the period from Écija’s beginnings around the 8th century BC to the present day. This chronological range offers a different way to explore the city’s history from the clearly dated Baroque and Mudéjar buildings.
Parque San Pablo is also part of the protected heritage: it is listed as a historic garden in Écija’s monument register. The Plaza de Abastos market was built in 1844. Together, these places extend the view beyond palaces, churches and archaeological remains to include a protected garden and another building with a known date.
Routes and activities
The Vía Verde de la Campiña, also known as the Camino Natural de La Campiña Sevillana, runs through the municipality of Écija along the former railway line from Marchena to Valchillón. Its connection to the former railway and its endpoints sets it apart from the architectural history of individual monuments: here, the route and its former use shape the theme.
Écija has approved routes for equestrian tourism; their availability may change. On the Río Genil, the Club de Piragüismo offers canoe and raft trips for different ability levels. No previous experience is required, equipment is provided, and an instructor accompanies the activity. Confirm that the trips are available before your journey, before making firm plans.
Tailor your stay to your interests
When looking for hotels in Écija, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on. Buildings and archaeological layers offer different ways to explore history, while riding routes and trips on the Río Genil provide other activity options. This lets you consider what you want your stay to revolve around, rather than trying to fit every option into a single itinerary. If you plan to take part in an activity, check its availability as you prepare.
Discover more destinations: Cañada De Rabadán, Espartinas, Villamanrique De La Condesa, Utrera, Los Rosales, Castilblanco De Los Arroyos, Valdezorras, Villanueva Del Ariscal.
Go to the main travel overview: Seville.
