Écija

Écija (ā'thēhä), city (1990 pop. 36,673), Seville prov., S Spain, in Andalusia, on a hill overlooking the Genil River. It is the hottest place in Europe, called La Sartén (frying pan). It is an agricultural center for an area that produces olives, cereal, and cotton. Of pre-Roman origin, Écija was recovered from the Moors by Ferdinand III in 1240. Its notable churches include the Moorish style Santa Cruz.