Seville Baroque Route
Seville is one of the great centres of Andalusian baroque. In the 17th and 18th centuries the city’s wealth and its dense network of convents and parish churches produced a distinctive local style, often called “brick baroque”, that spread across the province to towns such as Ecija, Osuna, Estepa, Moron de la Frontera and Lebrija.
Route highlights
- Seville – convent city and capital of Andalusian “brick baroque”
- Ecija – the “city of towers” and one of the most baroque towns in Spain
- Osuna – palaces, collegiate church and convent architecture
- Estepa – a dense group of baroque churches and convents
- Moron de la Frontera and Lebrija – further parish and civic examples
Baroque in Seville and its province
After the Renaissance, Seville developed a baroque language marked by movement, theatrical effect and the extensive use of brick. The city became a paradigm of the convent town, with more than a hundred religious buildings erected or remodelled in the 17th century. The same prosperity that funded churches and convents also produced civil architecture, while the larger towns of the countryside – especially Ecija and Osuna – created some of the most spectacular baroque ensembles in Andalusia.
Seville city
The capital concentrates a large number of baroque churches and related buildings. Among the most rewarding for the visitor are:
- Church of Santa María la Blanca – a compact and highly decorated example of Sevillian baroque
- Church of El Salvador
- Church of La Magdalena
Other major 18th-century landmarks in the city, such as the Palace of San Telmo and the Royal Tobacco Factory (now the University of Seville), belong to the broader late-baroque and enlightened culture of the period.
Ecija
Ecija is widely regarded as the most baroque city in Andalusia and is famous as the “city of the towers”. The economic and artistic splendour of the 18th century – sometimes called Ecija’s Golden Century – produced a remarkable concentration of churches, convents and aristocratic palaces. Eleven baroque towers still dominate the skyline (several were damaged by the effects of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake).
The palace-houses form one of the finest groups of civil baroque architecture in the region:
Estepa
Estepa preserves a dense ensemble of baroque churches and convents that make it an essential stop on the provincial route:
Osuna
Osuna is another of the great baroque towns of the Seville countryside. Calle San Pedro and the surrounding streets contain important civil and religious buildings:
- Palace of the Marquess of La Gomera – a major example of Andalusian civil baroque
- University
- Collegiate Church
- Monastery of La Encarnación – noted for its tiled cloister
- Bullring
Moron de la Frontera
Moron de la Frontera adds further parish architecture to the route:
Lebrija
Lebrija, in the lower Guadalquivir, preserves important religious buildings of the period:
Suggested itinerary
- Seville – selected baroque churches in the historic centre
- Ecija – towers and palace-houses (allow generous time)
- Osuna – Collegiate Church, Palace of the Marquess of La Gomera and Monastery of La Encarnación
- Estepa – churches and convents
- Moron de la Frontera and/or Lebrija according to time
Ecija and Osuna are the artistic high points of the provincial route and repay the most attention.
Exploring the Seville Baroque Route from Malaga
Seville and the main baroque towns of its countryside are well suited to a fly-drive or multi-day itinerary from Malaga. A car is the most practical way to combine Ecija, Osuna and Estepa.
By public transport
High-speed and conventional trains link Malaga with Seville. From Seville there are bus services to Ecija, Osuna and other towns in the countryside, although covering several centres in one day is much easier by car.
Car hire: the most flexible option
A hire car from Malaga Airport allows you to explore Seville and continue to Ecija, Osuna, Estepa and the other baroque towns of the province at your own pace.
Hire a car at Malaga Airport
Taxi or private transfer
If you prefer not to drive, a private transfer can take you to Seville or to a base such as Ecija or Osuna for exploring the baroque architecture of the countryside.
Book a transfer from Malaga Airport*There is no need to enter credit card details or make an advance payment. We recommend booking in good time.
Frequently asked questions
What is “brick baroque” in Seville?
It is the name often given to Sevillian baroque because of the extensive use of brick in churches, convents and other buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries, combined with a highly decorative local style.
Why is Ecija called the city of towers?
Ecija preserves a remarkable group of baroque church towers that dominate its skyline. The town is widely considered the most baroque city in Andalusia and enjoyed a major artistic flourishing in the 18th century.
Which towns are essential on the Seville Baroque Route?
Seville itself, Ecija and Osuna are the core stops. Estepa adds a further dense group of churches and convents; Moron de la Frontera and Lebrija extend the itinerary if time allows.
Is Osuna worth visiting for architecture?
Yes. Osuna has outstanding civil and religious baroque buildings, including the Palace of the Marquess of La Gomera, the Collegiate Church and the Monastery of La Encarnación with its tiled cloister.
Do I need a car for this route?
For Seville city alone, no. To visit Ecija, Osuna and Estepa in a coherent itinerary, a car is by far the most practical option.
How far is Ecija from Malaga?
The drive is approximately 160–180 km depending on the route and usually takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes.
