Although there is evidence of prehistoric
cultures beyond a millennium before Christ, the town first came
to prominence as the Roman Urso. Several bronze tablets from this period are on
display in the Archaeological Museum in Madrid.
There are still ruins of Roman and pre-Roman civilizations (including a necropolis) and you can see vestiges of the Muslim Culture in the Alcazaba and the Tower of Water (the current Archaeological Museum).
There are still ruins of Roman and pre-Roman civilizations (including a necropolis) and you can see vestiges of the Muslim Culture in the Alcazaba and the Tower of Water (the current Archaeological Museum).
Osuna’s monuments remain as testimony of the
city's best times. This makes a
walking through its streets a delightful pleasure.
The village is dominated by the Collegiate on the hill alongside the Monasterio and the University, signs of
the most splendorous times of the
village, from the mid 1500, when the town was lorded over by Alfonso Tellez-Giron, the
first Count of Ureña. The dynasty’s influence increased, and in 1562 the fifth count was granted the title of Duke of
Osuna by King Phillip the Second.
Osuna has still renaissance palaces
from that time. One of the most beautiful
streets in the world by the UNESCO (San Pedro Street) is emplaced in this village.
Even Washington Irving noticed the importance of this wonderful city when in 1829, the romantic writer and American diplomatist made a tour through Andalusia fascinated by the wealth and exoticism of hispanic-muslim culture.
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| The route of Washington Irving is nowadays a conveniently post-signed route that takes in monumental towns, picturesque villages, archeological sites and gastronomic landmarks. |
Besides the rich heritage, Osuna is a lively city, full of restaurants and bars that give the visitor the opportunity to enjoy the delicious Andalusian food and drink.
