ECIJA

city, Seville provincia, in the comunidad autnoma (autonomous community) of Andalusia, southwestern Spain. It lies along the Genil River east of Seville. The city contains the Gothic-style Church of Santiago (15th century) and that of Santa Cruz on the site of a pre-Moorish cathedral, of which fragments survive. Originally named Astygi, the city was called Colonia Augusta Firma by the Romans and Estadja by the Moors. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it shared Seville's prosperity from the West Indian trade. Local products include soap, textiles, vegetable oil, and chocolate. Cereals, olives, and cotton are grown in the surrounding area, which is also known for horse breeding. Because of excessive summer heat, it is also called La Sartn (The Frying Pan). Pop. (1981) 29,885; (1991 prelim.) 35,566.