RUINS OF ITALICA
They are in Santiponce, a town next to Seville. Its origin dates back to 206 B.C. Following the victory of General Publius Cornelius Scipio against the Carthaginians at the Battle of Ilipa, it was decided to create a field hospital to care for those wounded in the war by taking advantage of the existence of a Turdetani settlement in the hill of San Antonio. It was birthplace of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian. The city reached an extension of 52 hectares and enjoyed significant importance and splendour. In 1751 began the archaeological excavations realized by Francisco Bruna and now the work in ongoing. The archaeological complex of Italica, houses a splendid Roman amphitheatre with capacity for 25,000 spectators, one of the biggest of the Empire. We can visit its walls, thermal baths, the houses of: Exedra, Neptune, Hilas, Rodio, etc. History and artistic beauty overwhelm us in Italica.
CARMONA
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Seville, do not hesitate: Carmona is your destination. Just 30 km from Seville is this monumental city with more than 5,000 years of history. Enter its walled enclosure through the Roman origin Gate of Seville and walk across the streets of this beautiful city to travel back five centuries. You will find Mudejar, Renaissance, Baroque palaces, churches, convents and at the end of the tour, at the highest point, the Almohad fortress of King Don Pedro, today a tourist center with impressive views of the countryside. Do not forget to visit the local tourist office. Its heritage is such that it will take you a full day to admire its artistic and cultural wealth.
OSUNA
It’s 83 km away from Seville via the A92 road. It preserves some of the most important historical-artistic complexes of the country. Walk by San Pedro Street, recognized by UNESCO as the second most beautiful street in Europe. The Plaza Mayor is the neuralgic center of the town: in it is located the town hall, the church of the convent of the Conception, the marketplace and the casino. The Collegiate Church, dating from the 16th century, scene of the popular series Game of Thrones, is the main monument of the city. In its interior we have the crucified Christ of the Mercy, work of Juan de Mesa and an impressive altarpiece. It also has an interesting museum with works by José Ribera “El Españoleto”. Like Carmona, its churches, the Monastery of the Incarnation and other convents, as well as its gastronomy, deserve at least a whole day in Osuna.
SIERRA NORTE
In the north of the province is located the natural park of the Sierra Norte, Biosphere Reserve. There can be found mammals like the wildcat, the otter, the boar, the deer, the fallow deer and the mouflón. Black vultures, lionesses, imperial and royal eagles, drab, and the black stork fly by their peaks. Forests of oaks and cork oaks alternate with chestnut, elm and pine trees and form a wonderful landscape. Visit the Cerro del Hierro mines, the waterfalls and banks of the river Huéznar, the fisherman’s island in the same river and especially the greenway, through its 19 km. There is a bicycle hire station at CazallaConstantina Station. There are ten municipalities within: Alanís, Almadén de la Plata, Cazalla de la Sierra, Constantina, Guadalcanal, Las Navas de la Concepción, El Pedroso, La Puebla de los Infantes, El Real de la Jara and S. Nicolás del Puerto. All of them are a real wonder with a first class gastronomy.