Écija
Overview
Écija is an atmospheric historic town in the province of Seville, known for its elegant palaces, baroque church towers and sun-drenched squares. It’s no surprise that Écija is also known as the “city of towers”. The town has a rich past dating back to Roman times and makes a wonderful destination for anyone who loves culture, architecture and an authentic Andalusian atmosphere.
Écija was once one of the most important Roman cities in Andalusia — back then it was called Astigi and served as a major centre of olive oil production for the entire Roman Empire. That layered history of Roman, Moorish and Christian influences is visible everywhere in town. With eleven towers rising above the rooftops, countless palaces and a lively central square, Écija has a distinctive character you won’t easily forget.
What can you do here?
A visit to Écija is especially lovely for anyone who enjoys strolling through a beautiful, lively town. You’ll find impressive churches, stately palaces, charming squares and narrow streets full of detail. Sights such as the Palacio de Benamejí, historic churches and the town’s characteristic towers make a walk through the centre extra special. Écija is also a great place to settle down at a terrace and quietly soak up the Andalusian atmosphere.
The Palacio de Benamejí is also home to the Museo Histórico Municipal — a surprisingly rich museum featuring Roman mosaics, the world-famous Amazona Herida (one of only four known examples in the world) and unique Tartessian goldsmithing.
Who is Écija ideal for?
Écija is ideal for guests looking for a day trip to a quieter but highly characterful town. Where Seville and Córdoba are bigger and better known, Écija feels calmer and more local. That makes it a lovely change of pace for anyone who wants to discover another side of Andalusia during their stay.
Fans of active tourism can also go canoeing, hiking or horse riding around the Río Genil.
Good to know
During the warmer months, Écija can get extremely hot. The town is even known as one of the hottest places in Andalusia — its nickname is “the frying pan of Andalusia”. A visit in the morning or later in the afternoon is therefore often the most pleasant.
For up-to-date information on monuments, maps and opening hours, check Écija’s official tourist information.
Location & travel time
Écija is about a 40 to 45-minute drive from Posada Aurora, making it a great day trip or a stop on the way to Seville.
Sights & tips
The best of Écija at a glance
Monuments & museums
Palacio de Benamejí & Museum
Écija’s most beautiful palace, built in the 18th century as a showcase of baroque civic architecture. Home to the Museo Histórico Municipal, with Roman mosaics and the Amazona Herida — one of only four known examples in the world.
museo.ecija.esPalacio de Peñaflor
A true icon of Écija: this palace has a spectacular curved façade 59 metres long, decorated with 16th-century frescoes. Likely the town’s most emblematic building. Écija’s tourist office is based here.
Iglesia de Santa María
Often regarded as Écija’s most beautiful church, with a tower reminiscent of the Giralda in Seville. Both the church and the baroque tower date from the 18th century and are protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural.
Écija’s eleven towers
Nine bell towers and two other towers rise above the rooftops of Écija — each with its own baroque character. A walk past the towers offers a lovely overview of the town’s rich architecture.
Alcázar & Plaza de Armas
During the construction of a car park in 2002, remarkable excavations were made near Plaza de España: Roman mosaics and pre-Roman structures were uncovered. A unique window into the town’s deepest history.
Squares & atmosphere
Plaza de España
Écija’s lively central square, surrounded by churches and palaces. An ideal starting point for a walk around town, and a cosy spot in the evening where locals gather. The Museo Histórico Municipal is also located here.
Río Genil
The Genil river flows through Écija and offers lovely walks along its banks. More adventurous visitors can also go canoeing or horse riding in the surrounding area.
Official tourist information
Écija’s official tourism portal, with maps, opening hours and an overview of all the sights. The tourist office itself is based in the Palacio de Peñaflor.
ecija.es/turismoFood & drink
Tapas around Plaza de España
Around the central square you’ll find several tapas bars and terraces. Try Écija’s local gazpacho — it follows its own recipe and tastes different from elsewhere in Andalusia.
Traditional sweets
Écija is known for its traditional sweets and artisanal products. A visit to a local bakery is well worth it — a lovely souvenir to take home.
Our finca is 45 minutes from the tower city
Posada Aurora sits among the olive trees in Posadas. The finca has two holiday homes sharing a private pool in the garden: Casa Valyria and Casa Meleys. After a day among Écija’s church towers, you’re quickly back in the quiet.
View our accommodations
Check out our other tips
Córdoba
Andalusia’s former Moorish capital, home to the world-famous Mezquita-Cathedral, the atmospheric Judería and a rich Roman, Moorish and Christian heritage.
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Seville
Andalusia’s vibrant capital, with the Alcázar, the Giralda and an endless supply of tapas, flamenco and atmosphere.
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Posadas
The authentic Andalusian village just around the corner — whitewashed houses, a relaxed pace and everyday Spanish life.
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La Sierrezuela
Nature right on your doorstep: hiking, mountain biking and the quiet of the Sierra Morena — just a few minutes from Posada Aurora.
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Castillo de Almodóvar
One of the best-preserved Moorish castles in Andalusia, just 15 km from Posada Aurora. Known as a Game of Thrones filming location and striking from every angle.
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Málaga
Málaga is well worth a day trip: the Alcazaba fortress, the Picasso Museum, a lively harbour and the beach within walking distance of the centre.
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