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Ecija.
On the river Genil, is one
of the best kept secrets of Andalucia. Its historical heritage
goes back more than 2000 years to the Roman empire when it was
called Astigi and a large forum, several baths and temples could
be found within its walls.
Ecija is also known as "la ciudad de las torres" (the city of
towers) on account of its many baroque church towers incrusted
with coloured ceramics. This quiet and charming town owes its
splendours to the 18th Century when the local nobility built
many palaces and rebuilt the churches destroyed in the
earthquake of 1757 that also razed Lisbon.
Today its strategic position provides an easy and quick access
to the major (and many minor) historical and cultural centers:
Cordoba is 20 minutes away on the A4 motorway, Sevilla less than
an hour and Granada a two hour day trip. |
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Cordoba.
The great mosque of
Cordoba, a marvel of medieval Islamic architecture, is only one
of the attractions of this historic city. The small streets of
the "Juderia", the archeological site of Medinat-al Zahara, the
medieval fortress of Almodovar del Rio are all fascinating sites
to be dscovered from Ecija. |
Sevilla.
The capital of
Andalucia Sevill has charmed its visitors since Carmen seduced
Don José in fornt of the tabacco factory (now the University).
The cathedral and it tower "La Giralda", the royal palaces of
the Alcazar with their gardens, the barrio Santa Cruz with its
tapas bars are all less than an hour from Ecija. |
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Grenada.
Classified by Unesco
as part of the patrimony of humanity, Granada is the historic
site you must not miss. With the Alhambra, its sublime moorish
palace, and its gardens and its position at the foot of the
soaring Sierra Nevada mountains Granada makes an unforgettable
excursion. |
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Natural Parks
If you like walking,
natural parks abound in the area, with marked trails over
lovely hills dotted with large reservoirs( good for fishing).
Toros bravos (semi
wild bulls for corridas) roam the meadows of extensive
haciendas and eagles can be seen circling in the cloudless
blue sky. In early spring, pink flamingoes can be spotted in
the "lagunas" a few miles south of Ecija.
We have maps of the
principal parks in the house: Sierra de Hornachuelos, Doñana
bird sanctuary, Sierra Norte de Sevilla. |
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