Osuna is a largish place, a hill town with a population of 20,000 - almost large enough to feel like a small city. The historical core though is small enough to be easily explorable by foot, with its fair share of interesting monuments. As much as those though, what most impressed me was the street architecture, its narrow stone paved streets walled in by the by now familiar two storied row houses that characterize the towns around Seville, their windows invariably protected by wrought iron grids. There’s an upgrade in quality here though, with the walls an almost blinding white and with many of the places near the center feeling like mansions.
I was also impressed by the public spaces - plazas facing the civic buildings and churches, or secluded spots isolated from the roads tucked away in the center of blocks.
Our hotel, the Duke’s house. There are likely several of these in town, as the Duke of Osuna was a nobility title designated in 1562, with the succession still active. The title currently is held by Ángela María de Solís-Beaumont y Téllez-Girón, the 17th Duchess of Osuna.
Anne MathersIt has an interesting story. Seems it was shuttered for its lack of academic behaviour/accomplishments among its students, many of whom were extremely impoverished. Reply to this comment 1 month ago
Scott AndersonTo Anne MathersThanks for reading up on this, Anne. It was something I was thinking I’d do myself but then never got around to. Reply to this comment 4 weeks ago
Rachael AndersonTo Anne MathersInteresting but sad, to close it for those reasons when it could have been a great opportunity to lift young people out of poverty! Reply to this comment 4 weeks ago
Immediately below the university is the University Church, founded at the same time. It’s closed today, but its balcony offers a fine view across the town.
Anne MathersLovely shots of the town, Scott. And it looks like the calima is finally dispersing. Thank goodness for that. Hope it’s tailwinds and blue skies for your ride to Seville. Reply to this comment 1 month ago
