Free walking tours in Osuna and what to see

Must-sees

Osuna is best seen from above. On top of the hill stands the 16th-century Collegiate Church of Santa María de la Asunción, with its museum of sacred art and the Ducal Pantheon, where the Dukes of Osuna are buried. Next to it is the old university, founded in the same century, with a sober courtyard and a wide view over the countryside. From there you get a good sense of the town and its setting.

Below, the historic centre invites an unhurried stroll. Calle San Pedro brings together mansions and Baroque palaces with stone doorways, such as that of the Marqués de la Gomera or the Cilla del Cabildo. The Torre del Agua houses the archaeological museum, with Iberian and Roman finds. Many visitors also come for the bullring, which appeared in a well-known TV series, and for Las Canteras, old stone quarries.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-wish free tours are not frequent in Osuna. The usual options are guided visits of the monumental complex, which usually include the Collegiate Church and the Ducal Pantheon with entry, and walks through the centre explaining the history of the dukes and their palaces. Some visits focus on the film and TV locations. If you like archaeology, a guided visit to Las Canteras and the site of the old Roman city of Urso is worthwhile. From here it is also easy to arrange a trip to Écija or Estepa.

How long to spend

A full day is enough for the historic centre. Spend the morning at the Collegiate Church, the Pantheon and the university, when it is less hot. In the afternoon, head down to Calle San Pedro, visit the archaeological museum and finish at Las Canteras in the last of the light. If you want to combine it with Écija or Estepa, allow a second day and sleep in Osuna so you are not rushed.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to stay in the centre, near Plaza Mayor or Calle Carrera. From there you can walk to almost everything, including the climb to the Collegiate Church, with bars and restaurants close at hand. There are palatial houses converted into hotels that suit the town’s character. If you are driving, ask about parking, because some streets in the old town are narrow with restricted access.