 Estepa
Andalucia
Sevilla
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Standing on a promontory overlooking
the Sevillian plains, 110 kilometres from Seville proper, is
Estepa. The town was classified as a national heritage site
in 1965.
Its fascinating past goes back to prehistoric times, as can
be seen in the archaeological finds as ancient as the Chalcolithic
period, as well as extensive remains of the Iberians and peoples
of Asia Minor.
The early settlement was called Astapa during the Punic period,
and alter colonised by the Romans who called it Ostippo. It
eventually became a free city of the Conventus Astigitanus,
attaining the status of a Roman municipality. When the Moors
invaded Spain centuries later, they called it Istabba; its
fortress acquired great fame during this period.
The local cuisine includes dishes such as salmorejo (a creamy
gazpacho), olla (pot au feu), cazuela (stew served in earthenware),
migas (fried breadcrumbs), and the renowned mantecados (butter
buns) and polvorones (dry, floury pastry).
1. CONVENT OF SANT CLARA
Founded in 1598; remarkable Baroque decoration in chapel and
church, with large altarpiece by Pedro Ruiz de Paniagua and
sculptures of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
2. CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DE LA ASUNCION
Built in the 15th-16th centuries. From the outside it appears
to be half church, half fortress; the interior is in the Gothic
style, and contains interesting artistic works.
3. CASTLE KEEP
Built in he 14th century, the keep, or inner stronghold of
the ancient castle, contains a room with octagonal ribbed vault.
It height (26 metres) provides a sweeping view of the town
and surrounding countryside.
4. RAMPARTS
The previous Moorish castle was rebuilt and reinforced by
the Order of Saint James, adding new towers and sections of
wall.
5. CONVENT OF SAN FRANCISCO
The monastery's 16th century church contains a painted carving
of Saint Francis of Assisi.
6. BALCONY OF ANDALUCIA
Natural belvedere with a sweeping view of the countryside.
7. VICTORY TOWER
18th century. Classified as national heritage site in 1955.
8. MUSEUM OF ESTEPA
Located in a remodelled 16th century house on the Calle Ancha.
9. CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIAN
16th century; contains beautiful works of religious art.
10. CHURCH OF EL CARMEN
18th century; its stone door is a jewel of the Andalusian
Baroque style.
11. CHURCH OF LA ASUNCION
Contains a magnificent collection of paintings of the Virgin
Mary.
12. CERVERALES PALACE
Built in the 18th century; beautiful façade of wreathed
columns and handsome inner courtyard. Classified as a national
heritage site in 1984.
13. CHURCH OF LOS REMEDIOS
This 18th century church possesses a magnificent Niche of
the Virgin Mary processional cross and Byzantine reliquary
of the "Lignum Curcis" (12th century).
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Related Sites
In
Andalucia - Unbiased information for hotels, golf courses
and car hire in Andalucia, also a full completed guide about
Andalucia, villages, history, parks...
Andalucia.com -
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