LANTEJUELA
Lantejuela is part of the highly protected area known as the Reserva Natural Complejo Endorreico de Lantejuela. It has about 3, 800 inhabitants.
HISTORY
It is suggested the origin of Lantejuela came before the Roman conquest, when the men of Numidia, the current African Mauritania, settled here. Its city, Línula, was used by the Romans from the first century BC.
The location of the important Roman Battle of Munda exact location of Munda has long been a matter of debate. Some Spanish historians asserted that Munda was the Roman name for modern-day Ronda, where the battle of Munda may have been fought. Other early researchers localized the battle in various other places, e.g. near Monda or Montilla. At the outset of Hispanist Prosper Mérimée's novella Carmen, source of George Bizet's opera, the narrator clearly states that his research indicates that Munda was near Montilla. Other experts have asserted that Munda was fought just outside Ecija or Osuna, in the province of Seville. This was supported by ancient slingshot bullets that were excavated near La Lantejuela, halfway between Osuna and Écija. The theory is further supported by ancient inscriptions found in Écija and Osuna that honor the town of Astigi (Écija) for standing firmly on Caesar's side during the battle. The Battle of Munda may have taken place on the Cerro de las Balas (hill) and the plains of Llanos del Aguila near the village of La Lantejuela, between the towns of Ecija and Osuna.
The Moors also settled here and exploited the sulphurous water baths for medicinal purposes as a preventative against skin infections. Fernando III El Santo took over the territory, which he granted to the Knights who had participated with him in the triumph of El Cruz.
From the middle of the thirteenth century, the land served for the first colonial settlements. It was ceded by the Castilian crown to the Order of Calatrava and the Duchy of Osuna created by Carlos I, took charge of all the surrounding possessions.
Lantejuela was under the Lordship of the Counts of Ureña, during the reign of King Felipe II. He depended on the Ducal House of Osuna although during the reign of Fernando VII, in the nineteenth century, he was granted the title of village and finally emancipated from Osuna. The town began independent from 1830 to 184, and the Town Hall founded in 1842.
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Parroquial Purísima Concepción
The modern, avant-garde style church was built on a previous church of the seventeenth century, which was demolished by the poor state of the roof. The new church was inaugurated by, Sr. Cardinal Bueno Monreal, in 1964 with the presence of Civil Governor Sr. José Utrera Molina.The building is in perfect condition and use, it was reformed towards the end of the nineties. Located in the Plaza de España.
La Casa Hermandad Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno
The Brotherhood House was inaugurated in 2008. It is used for the meetings of Brothers, museum, exhibitions and various events and in it is the embroidery workshop of the Brotherhood. Located on Calle Teresa Navarro.
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Carmen
The modern style chapel is where the annual pilgrimage takes place. Located on the SE-700.
NATURAL AREAS
Reserva Natural Complejo Endorreico de Lantejuela
Within this area you can find lakes surrounded by crop fields and you may also see birds such as stalks, flamencos and geese.
Lagunas del Gobierno
To the southeast of the province of Seville, amongst abundant wheat fields and olive groves, there is a complex of lagoons. Although modified and remarkably reduced from what they were in their day, this set of lagoons attracts a significant number of birds. It is a vitalresting place for many species during their migrations. Of the nine lagoons that originally formed this complex, the Lagunas del Gobierno is the only one has water all year round. It is equipped with an information point, an educational classroom and an observatory.
Jardines Municipales
Lantejuela has three parks; one being Parque Antonio Martín Delgado inaugurated in the 90's has a variety of shrubs, trees and floral plants. The park has two zones; a natural area and play area for children. There is also a classroom for cultural activities. The two other parks are in the Urbanization "Las Caleras".
GASTRONOMY
Dishes to try when visiting Lantejuela include guiso de tagarninas (wild spinach stew), ardoria (salmorejo), callos (tripe) and espárragos (asparagus). Homemade sweet treats include roscos, pestiños, mantecados, bombones (all typically served mainly at Christmas), arroz con leche (rice pudding), torrijas (eggy bread), gachas (similar to semola) and buñuelos (fritters).
HANDICRAFTS
The one of only craft produced in Lantjuela is probably one of the most significant pieces of Andalusian culture; the Spanish Flamenco guitar.
FESTIVALS
Cabalgata Reyes Magos
Three Kings procession celebrated on the evening of 5 January.
Carnaval
Celebrated in February.
Día de Andalucía
Celebrated the 28 Febuary.
Semana Santa
Holy Week.
Día del Libro
Celebrated the 23 April.
Semana del Mayor
Celebrated the 19-23 May.
Veláen Honor a Nuestra Señora del Carmen
Celebrated the 14-20 July.
Feria y Fiestas en Honor a Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Celebrated the 6-9 October.
Semana Cultural
Celebrated the 17-21 November.
NEXT PLACES
The next villages to Lantejuela are Arahal, El Coronil and Los Palacios y Villafranca.
Hover the cursor over La Lantejuela to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.