Ecija

Ecija is situated more or less midway between Cordoba and Seville in southern Spain. It seems to be best known by its title of "frying pan of Spain" as a result of the extremely high summer temperatures. It was over 40C whilst we were there early one June. Another of its titles is "city of sun and towers", referencing the profusion of the latter, there being some eleven towers and fifteen bell towers which make the approaches to the place most impressive. I'm not sure about the city reference as it is certainly not very large.


The interiors of the mainly baroque churches are magnificent, as you might expect, although it might not have been so as many of them were ruined by an earthquake in 1757 but have been since rebuilt at considerable expense. Much of the present day beauty is a result of the many artists and craftsmen who set up here in the 18th century following their rich patrons who had great villas built here.



The profusion of towers has not gone unnoticed by the local stork population who nest precariously on the tops of many of them.


It's a great place to visit, but do avoid the midday sun!