Santiponce Itálica

Heritage

An immense legacy waiting to be discovered

Callejón del Niño Perdido

2010
1

This alleyway is located in the heart of Utrera’s historical centre. In the past, it was also used as a small gateway through the walls. A cross and a scallop shell, symbols of the Way of St James, grace the entrance to the alleyway. Its whitewashed walls, full of flower pots, take us back to another era. Although it is still an important landmark in Utrera’s historic centre, it is no longer a focal point in the city’s life.

This narrow and winding alley signalise that Utrera’s Jewish quarter begins here. This Jewish quarter is no different from any others found throughout medieval Europe. Remains of an old synagogue, where the Jewish community came together, have been found in this small street.

El Niño Perdido ceased to be the Utrera’s commercial hub and became a charity hospital. Some historians argued that, soon after, it became a foundling asylum, where abandoned children were taken in. Hence, the name of the alleyway that has remained to this day, Lost Child. One of its more distinctive elements is the ceramic retable of the “Lost Child”. Archaeological findings in the area have revealed that this alley was also used as a cemetery. At present, private homes and restaurants occupy the area.

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