Estepa

Estepa is a historic town located in the southeast of the Seville province, positioning it at a geographically significant point where Andalucía western plains meet its eastern highlands. Its identity is dual: ancient and monumental, and modernly commercial, focused on a specific seasonal confection.

The town is dominated by the remains of the Alcazaba and the Convento de Santa Clara, which sit atop the Cerro de San Cristóbal, the highest point in the vicinity. This elevated position underscores the town's importance as a strategic defensive point throughout history, offering panoramic views over the vast Campiña plain.

Estepa is internationally famous as the "Christmas Sweets Capital" of Spain. The town's economy and reputation are inextricably linked to the massive production of traditional Andalucía Christmas confections, primarily mantecados (a crumbly shortbread) and polvorones (a similar, almond-heavy sweet). Numerous factories and family-run bakeries produce millions of units of these sweets every year, transforming the town's industrial rhythm from the late summer through the holiday season.

The town presents a fascinating contrast between its quiet, ancient hilltop monuments and the intense, commercial energy of its world-class confectionery industry.