Convento Florentinas

The Convent of Santa Florentina, popularly known as the Convento Florentinas, is a historical and culinary gem in Écija. Founded by Dominican nuns in the second half of the 16th century, it is considered the oldest convent in the city and one of the first of its order in Andalusia. Although its architecture was originally Mudejar, it is now predominantly characterized by 17th- and 18th-century Baroque styles, with notable features such as its main stone façade and the cloister with semicircular arches.

This convent is famous for its exquisite artisanal pastries, especially its renowned Moroccan sponge cakes. The Dominican nuns have preserved the original recipe for this traditional treat—made with sugar, eggs, and wheat starch—ever since they began producing it in 2014. In addition to the Moroccan sponge cakes, they offer other delicacies such as San Martín bread pudding, “corazones sin trampa,” muffins, and “manjar del cielo,” among other convent sweets.

Purchasing these products is done through the “torno,” a tradition that adds a special charm to the visit. The convent is not only a must-see for pastry lovers but also a site of great cultural and architectural interest, combining historical heritage with the authentic flavors of Sevillian cuisine.

Be sure to stop by the shop to buy convent sweets directly from the nuns.

Try the Moroccan sponge cakes—they’re the most popular specialty and a true culinary treasure of Écija.

Consider your visit an opportunity to appreciate not only the pastries but also the convent’s rich history and architecture.