History

Archaeological remains from the Bronze Age have been found , while important Roman artefacts have been emerging in the country estates in Ponce, Las Lumbreras and La Ballestera.  Periods later, Montellano acquired great strategic importance with Cote Castle. This important building was on the first defensive line on the Christian-Nazarite border and formed a powerful triangle that defended access across the Guadalete River.

After the War of Granada and during the 16th and 17th centuries, a few small settlements sprang up around Cote Castle, dependent on the Duke of Osuna and under the jurisdiction of Morón de la Frontera. Carlos III awarded it villa status in 1788.

During the War of Independence, the town was burned down by French troops.

Festivals

Holy Week (Easter). Highlights are:

  • La Borriquita, Palm Sunday.
  • El Cristo del Gran Poder (Virgen de los Dolores), Holy Wednesday.
  • El Cristo de los Remedios (Virgen de la Amargura), Good Friday.
  • Los Jubileos.  Local festivity celebrated for four days in honour of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles.  It takes place on the dates the 2 August.
  • Romería de San Isidro Labrador.  Held on the first Sunday right after 15 May, the Patron Saint Festival is without doubt the most popular and well-known celebration in Montellano. This pilgrimage is one of the most traditional and prestigious events of the many celebrated in Andalusia.  It has been declared an Andalusian festivity of National Tourist Interest.  Its merry character and local hospitality have more certainly contributed to this greatly.
  • Feria Agroturística y Ganadera (Agro-tourism and Livestock Fair).   Held in early May, this event tries to recapture the essence of old livestock fairs.
  • Flamenco Festival of unaccomplished artists.  This is organised by the flamenco group El Madroñero de Montellano.  It is held on the Saturday before Los Jubileos

Gastronomy

Highlights include dishes made with local olive oil. Highly recommended dishes include asparagus or oyster thistle stew, fried garlic, etc., made from natural products.  We mustn’t forget to mention the ‘chacina’ (home-made sausage and offal blood sausage) and confectionery such as ‘perrunas’ (orange pastry), ‘tortas de hornazo’ and ‘tortas de manteca’.

Location