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Standing
on a promontory overlooking the Seville plains,
110 kilometres from Seville proper lies the ancient
town of Estepa. Due to its remarkable history 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.
For more information about property
for sale in Spain in or near Estepa please contact us. The Romans
re-populated the town from their settlements elsewhere in the region and called
it Ostipo, although they themselves were ejected by Visigoths from the Baltic
regions four centuries later. In the eighth century, the Moorish armies who
had invaded the south-western tip of the region in 711 AD took the town and
renamed it Istabba.
The Arabs renovated an abandoned pre-Roman castle at the top of the San Cristobal
hill on which the town sits, and began fortifying it against the incursions
during the Reconquest. Shifts in power between various caliphates saw it fall
under the control of various caliphs, including the kingdoms of both Granada
and Seville. The renowned poet Al Zawwali lived
here before returning to Marrakech in 1220 shortly before his death. Estepa
as it would become to be known was taken quite early in the Reconquest by
King Fernando III in 1241, but was still the target of regular attacks from
Granada, unto which would did not
fall to the Christians until 1492. Everyday life in Estepa stabilised following
the Re-Conquest and like its larger neighbour Osuna, which it resembles in
part, Estepa settled into comfortable wealth in this prime agricultural region
of Andalucía. This wealth made apparent by the number of grand villas
in the town centre. In later more peaceful years the town expanded downhill
from the castle and it effectively departed the protective fortifications
of the bailey, leaving the San Cristobal hill and Castle abandoned.
Estepa Culture and Cusine
Local dishes like "Migas, Salmorejo, Olla, Revuelto de Espárragos
and Potaje" are good culinary reasons to visit Estepa. You will also
find a wide variety of sweets, home made desserts or made by the delicate
hands of the nuns in our convents. Usually the different kind sweets and desserts
are associated with agricultural and festive cycles. During February Estepa
celebrates the carnival, where masks, customs and satiric songs combine with
processions. On the 1st of May Estepa celebrates the Romería de San
José Obrero. The pilgrims, almost everyone in the town, adorn chariots
and go to the Hermitage of Santa Ana, more precisely to a place known as "Manantial
de Roya". On the 3rd Sunday of May the "Octava de los Remedios"
has its turn in Roya Street. Our Lady of "Los Remedios" is the patron
of the neighbourhood known popularly as "Churretero".
About 26th of July "La Velá de Santa Ana"
has been celebrated since at least the 18th century in the neighbourhood of
"La Coracha". Honouring our patron, Our Lady of "La Asuncion"
the fair of Estepa takes place on the 15th of August. People enjoy sherry,
ride Andalusian horses and dance our famous "sevillanas". On the
2nd of February Estepa celebrates the fête of "La Candelaria".
Traditionally, friends and neighbours get together to make large bonfires
and enjoy the company and the heat of the fires during that night. The 3rd
of February is "San Blas" onomastic. The children take their medals
and cakes to the church to be blessed. Since the 18th century, Our Lady of
Carmel is taken in procession on the 12th of September. The parishioners accompany
Our Lady carrying torches and flares through La Puente Street.
Estepa - Places of interest
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.
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.
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.
RAMPARTS
The previous Moorish castle was rebuilt and reinforced by the Order of Saint
James, adding new towers and sections of wall.
CONVENT OF SAN FRANCISCO
The monastery's 16th century church contains a painted carving of Saint Francis
of Assisi.
BALCONY OF ANDALUCIA
Natural belvedere with a sweeping view of the countryside.
VICTORY TOWER
18th century. Classified as national heritage site in 1955.
MUSEUM OF ESTEPA
Located in a remodelled 16th century house on the Calle Ancha.
CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIAN
16th century; contains beautiful works of religious art.
CHURCH OF EL CARMEN
18th century; its stone door is a jewel of the Andalusian Baroque style.
CHURCH OF LA ASUNCION
Contains a magnificent collection of paintings of the Virgin Mary.
CERVERALES PALACE
Built in the 18th century; beautiful façade of wreathed columns and
handsome inner courtyard. Classified as a national heritage site in 1984.
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).
Estepahttp://www.estepa.com/ing/indexi.htm
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