Cantillana

A riverside village, located on land on the right bank of the plain of the River Guadalquivir at the confluence with its tributary, the Viar, and at the foot of Sierra Norte de Sevilla, the last foothills of Sierra Morena.

It is known as the "Heart of Vega".

Its development and structure have been influenced by its location, as it has grown in circular sectors around its original centre, Cerro de la Iglesia hill. The hill used to be surrounded by a wall built in the Moorish period, which replaced the old Roman wall. Only some remains can be found today.

Cantillana lies within the Guadalquivir River Plain Protected Landscape Area and the Sierra Morena de Sevilla Protected Landscape Area, which is just 32 km from the city of Seville.

Its geographical location has favoured farming as a source of development, with the citrus sector being the most important today.

Cantillana is also known for its rich and varied craftsmanship: there are still leatherworking, pottery and ceramic workshops in the area, although handcrafted shawls are the most special and typical craft in this town. Silk fringes are woven into Manila shawls with knots at the top, creating different kinds of patterns called "enrejados".

History

The first settlements date back to the Neolithic, as evidenced by the large number of remains discovered from that period. It was founded by the Tartessians, who called it Llia or Hipalia.

During the Roman domination it was an important river port called Naeva, which was entitled to coin its own currency.

During the period of All-Andalus it was called Cantiliana, name which evolved to the present-day one. It was an important fortress on the road from Cordoba to Seville.

It was conquered by Ferdinand III following a lengthy siege. In April 1247, as part of the division of land, it was granted to the Order of Santiago. In 1252 it was annexed to the domain of the church of Seville.

In recompense for its contributions to the royal coffers, the Catholic Kings granted it a charter of privileges, which is kept at the Town Hall.

In 1574 the king Philip II sold it to Vicentelos de Leca, Condes de Cantillana.

Eminent citizens
Antonio Vega, wood carver.
José Ceballos, 18th century theologian.