The first impression that Osuna produces is that of being one of those lavish destinations in which to drop in once in a lifetime. Its attractions, which are not few, do not disappoint with time and at a glance its greatness is exhibited.
The Collegiate Church or the University of the Immaculate Conception summarize a small part of its heritage goodness. And it is difficult to imagine how Osuna integrates so many architectural styles in harmony. Its amazing San Pedro street, the most beautiful in Spain according to UNESCO, is a profuse parade of palatial houses, baroque buildings and sacred art.
In a handful of lines we could enumerate the comfortable list of virtues that this town has in store, although the reader should not miss the most unusual of its jewels: the Coto de las Canteras. This marvel is known as the “Petra of Andalusia” with the distance that is understood between both treasures.
Without the need to travel to Jordan it is possible to find this rocky prominence that the Iberians, the ancient inhabitants of this land , began to take advantage of.
A yellowish calcareous sandstone quarry, rich source of building materials that reached its greatest splendor in the sixteenth century. At the request of the IV Count of Ureña, the Renaissance Collegiate Church of the town was built at that time. The Coto de las Canteras has not been exploited since the sixties of the last century.
A priori, the visitor will find imposing stone reliefs sculpted by generations of ashlar workers. The result? an almost implausible majestic space just an hour’s drive from Seville.
How to visit Coto de las Canteras
What remains today of this ancient quarry is the ruin of what was once the 17th century Vía Sacra hermitage and a necropolis. A tour of the site and the surroundings of the Coto de las Canteras to discover the work of the ashlar workers and the history of this construction and its effect on the population of Osuna.
What is this type of stone used for today, in which historical buildings of the city is it present? This and other questions are revealed throughout this guided tour, which in January is held from 10:00 to 13:30 hours, Saturdays from 16:00 to 19:00 hours.
In any case, and due to the idiosyncrasy of the place where different kinds of events are held, it is recommended to visit the official website or its social networks before going. Regarding prices, the entrance fee is 4 € per person, 5.5 € if you purchase the guided tour.
Other beautiful villages in Seville
Osuna is just one example of some of the jewels that the province of Seville has in store. Beyond the imposing Seville, this land reveals other historical destinations or marked by natural monuments and even gastronomic. In this article we will describe almost a dozen of essential villages that you have close to the city.