 Artistic roots are strong in Andalusía, but none more so than in Osuna. The sign, advertising to passing motorists that the town exists, if they can halt their hurtling trajectory along the A92, is the first indication of the forward thinking of the town’s representatives.
Strategically positioned on the ancient river plain of the Guadalquivir river, Osuna lies brilliant white in the midday sunshine, the ancient university standing proud above the mantle of houses that girdle its walls.
Typical of Andalusia, the narrow cobbled streets provide little protection against the weight of the sun during high summer but inside the whitewashed houses and bars, doors are kept carefully closed to maintain the cool ambience that provides some relief from the suffocating heat outside.
Osuna is in the heart of Andalucia and has a long history that encapsulates the traditions of both Andalusia and of Spain and is a living testament to the waves of invaders and settlers that have walked this ancient land.
Historical roots can be traced back to the earliest Iberian inhabitants, some 1000 years B.C. Early examples of pottery and other utensils have been excavated within the boundary of Osuna with perhaps the most famous example of their artistic endeavours being the Bull of Osuna, a bronze sculpture which can be seen today in the Louvre in Paris.
The museum of Osuna contains reproductions of these artefacts together with a clear display of how the city developed.
 During the period of Roman occupation the famous ‘Bronze Tablets’ were cast. These are now preserved in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid.
There are many examples of Roman ruins to be seen within the boundary of the city precinct. These include the Roman Theatre, the Water Tanks and the Necropolis.
This monument, excavated from the original bed rock is a temporal bridge whose construction covers the periods from the 7th century B.C. to the 3rd century A.D.
During the time of the Arab domination of the peninsula, Osuna was a fortified town as can be seen with the ruins of the Arabic castle and the Water Tower, both constructed during this period.
In 1240, Fernando III conquered the town and since then it has been subject to reconstruction on a large scale, with the university being perhaps the most remarkable structure.
Built in the Renaissance style it almost clashes with the church built on the opposite side of the square that dominates the hillside overlooking Osuna.
 Perhaps the most immediately impressive feature of Osuna is the number of palaces that are still to be seen as you walk through the streets of Osuna.
These usually date from the 15th to the 18th century and are set in wide streets. Perhaps one of the most impressive, in the Calle San Pedro, is the Palacio Marqués de la Gomera, a magnificent baroque building dating from the 18th century.
The views that are freely available from the University esplanade make Osuna a welcome relief from the hurtling passage east-west along the A92 bound for Seville.
More information:
http://osuna.es/
http://www.sol.com/es/modulo.asp?IdPoblacion=40&FotoContenido=0
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