La provincia de Sevilla

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Life and landscape in a diverse and monumental province

La Roda de Andalucía

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La Roda de Andalucía, a town between provinces

The history of La Roda de Andalucía, a border town in the Sierra Sur, is shaped by its geographical position. In the Middle Ages, this area was the customs clearance point between the Christian kingdom and the kingdom of Granada, hence its name ‘roda’, which means ‘tax’ in ancient Arabic. In the 19th century, its train station connected the centre of Andalusia with Córdoba and Málaga. Today, it is the last town in the province of Seville when you head southeast on the A-92 motorway.

Given its location in the heart of Andalusia, the locals are open and welcoming. They are used to engaging with travellers to whom they offer the best of themselves. Try the salmorejo, known as ‘porra’ due to its proximity to Málaga. As in Estepa, the mantecados and the ochíos are the typical local sweets. It should be noted that these lands and the town belonged to the Marquisate of Estepa until the 19th century. This also the reason why it has an olive-growing tradition, with table olives and extra virgin olive oil being the two flagship products of its economy. 

Its festivals are also famous throughout the region. Be sure to experience the Holy Week, declared of National Tourist Interest, and the Feria de San Pedro, held in June to welcome the summer. 

Come and visit La Roda de Andalucía, a Sevillian town located between provinces. 


Getting to La Roda de Andalucía

If you travel by car from Seville, take the A-92 motorway until the exit for La Roda de Andalucía. It will take you about one hour and twenty minutes. 

Although the town has a train station, it does not provide passenger service since 2013. Alternatively, you can travel by bus from Prado de San Sebastián station in Seville. 


Getting around

Stroll and discover the town’s beautiful monuments on foot. You can also bring your bike to cycle in the countryside or go hiking. 


Reasons to visit

  • Visit the Railway Museum to learn about the remarkable transformation brought about by this mode of transport in the 19th century. 
  • Follow a hiking route along the Salinoso Stream, where you will also see the Roman Bridge.
  • Relax and stroll around the Tejar Lagoon, where you can watch many bird species. 
  • Take a guided tour of the beautiful Hacienda del Polvorín and discover how it got its name. 
  • Try the typical local dishes, including the ‘majaillo’ de espárragos) and olla andaluza con hierbabuena. 
  • Experience the Saint Pancras Pilgrimage in May. The sculpture is transported in an oxen-drawn cart, just like in the past days. 
  • Come and celebrate the summer solstice at the Feria de San Pedro. You are guaranteed a fun day. 
  • La Roda de Andalucia’s Holy Week, one of the most famous in the region, has been declared an Andalusian Festival of National Tourist Interest.


What to see 

Start your visit at Calle Real, the main street where the Town Hall stands. It is the town’s nerve centre, packed with shops and bars, and always bustling with people. Also on this street is the Las Siervas del Evangelio Convent Chapel. Although the building is more modern, it is home to a 17th-century altarpiece.

A minute away is the Santa Ana Church. This temple was built in two stages. The chancel and the transept date to the 17th century, while the three naves were constructed in the 18th century. 

Head to the Railway Museum located on Calle Doctor Fleming. You can learn about the impact that the train station had on the economy and history of the town during the 19th century. The museum has a model railway and information panels. 

Now take a route to explore the countryside around the town. You can choose from a wide range, including the Camino de Antequera and Las Lagunas Greenway. Alternatively, you can simply wander along the Salinoso Stream and cross the Roman Bridge that is still standing. Another option is to walk up to the Shrine to Saint Pancracio on Sierrecilla Luca, where the traditional pilgrimage is held in May. 


Places to visit

  1. Las Siervas del Evangelio Convent Chapel
  2. Santa Ana Parish Church
  3. Railway Museum
  4. Shrine to Saint Pancras


Surroundings

La Roda de Andalucía is 129 kilometres from Seville. The town is conveniently located in the Sierra Sur region, within the Guadalquivir river basin, and borders with the Sub-Baetic mountain ranges. The River Yeguas, a tributary of the Genil, and the Salinoso Stream run through its municipal district.

Comarca
Sierra Sur
Extension
76.70 Km²
Altitude
403.00 m
No. of inhabitants
4.243
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