Osuna, Spain

Osuna, Spain

Seville is, in my humble opinion the best city in Spain. Among the top sights to see in Seville is an hour away in the small city of Osuna. Here you'll find one of Spain greatest landmarks that nobody knows about: The El Coto de las Canteras, known as the Petra of Andalusia, is THE reason I finally sat down to create a blog.  This blog.  

 

Despite having lived in Spain for seven years, I only learned about this spectacular Spanish site a year ago through a serendipitous encounter with an obscure travel blog (just like you, I suppose!). Surprisingly, none of my expat friends were aware of this hidden gem, and not once did my Spanish friends mention it as a must-visit site in Spain. Our family absolutely adored it, and I sincerely hope you'll have the same delightful experience!

As we pulled up and parked, our kids, initially unimpressed from the parking lot with an eyeroll and a casual 'oh, wow, a rock,' were quickly rendered speechless upon entering. The incredible sight of El Coto de las Canteras in the heart of Osuna, Seville, captivated them as much as it did us. This ancient quarry, steeped in a rich history dating back to the 5th century BC, has been a source of stone ashlar, bearing witness to the footsteps of Ancient Iberians, Romans, Andalusians, and, more recently, my own family! 

Inside The El Coto las Canteras. Osuna, Spain

In 1999 the neglected quarry found new life as a canvas for the artistic vision of sculptor Francisco Valdivia Gómez in 2004, with sculptures and reliefs replicating Iberian works on its interior and exterior.  Truly breathtaking, awe-inspiring in scale and presence.  This is a modern wonder of Spain with a historical twist.

Today, El Coto de las Canteras is more than a historic site it has evolved into a major spanish cultural venue and is the oldest and largest natural and roofed auditorium in Spain.

It was 4 euros to enter and there is a museum, gift shop, and washrooms. The inside is equally as impressive as the outside.  I really can't recommend visiting the El Coto de las Canteras enough.  It is located on the edge of Osuna in the historic part of the small and very walkable city.  There are plenty more historic sights to visit in Osuna along with the lovely city centre. 

Osuna, Spain, is just an hour away from Seville, yet it's surprising that I've never come across a hotel pamphlet in Seville recommending a visit to Osuna. The question lingers: Why is this charming place so undiscovered and underappreciated? The city of Osuna alone is deserving of a visit, but it's the hidden gem, El Coto de las Canteras, that stands out as the highlight of our year and is unquestionably worth exploring.