Marchena owes its name to Marciana, sister of emperor Trajan. The Arch of the Rose is the most emblematic monument of this wide artistic heritage.
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The name Marchena comes from Roman times, when it was christened Marcia in honour of Marciana, the sister of Trojan. Before this there was a Tartesic settlement, whose remains are found at what is known today as Montemolín. The attractiveness of Marchena derives from its city walls which were constructed during the Islamic occupation. The Arco de la Rosa, an archway in the form of a horse shoe of Almoravide origin, later adorned with turrets, and the Puerta de Morón, both form part of the city walls. Another gem of civil architecture in Marchena is the Plaza Ducal. A few ruins, the structure of the doorway and some isolated archways, are all that remain of its solemn palace. The Church of San Juan Bautista can be considered the most important of Marchena's religious monuments. Of gothic-Mudejar style, it is composed of five naves covered with a splendid fine wood coffered ceiling with adornments and stars. The late flamboyant gothic style high altar, graced with paintings by Alejo Fernandez, is equally beautiful. |