Archez, Malaga tourist information
Villages of Malaga province and Andalucia, Spain travel information

Archez information, malaga villages

Archez

Archez, Salares, Sedella, Canillas de Albaida, Canillas de Aceituno, Competa are villages located at the foot of the impressive Tejeda and Almijara Sierras. They are all morisco (Moorish convert to Christianity) villages, where vines were the main crop and still are an important element of the landscape as well as of the economy. They all display similar characteristics, reflecting the true essence of the Axarquia region, its scenery, way of life and  history.

The layout of their streets and the architecture of their whitewashed houses, not only create unforgettably-picturesque corners, but also give them a unique seal of identity, which is so characteristic that, together, they make up what is known as the Mudejar Route (Ruta del Mudéjar).

The highlight of the village is the minaret of Our Lady’s Church.

Few historical details exist regarding the village’s origins; however, the design of its streets and its urban appearance are, like those of so many villages in the Axarquia region, typically Arabic.  

The presence of Almohades is more evident in the remains of the former mosque: a 15 meter, high magnificent minaret whose exterior features interestingly decorated with sebka material and tiling.

The bell tower of the parish church was declared a Monument of Historical and Artistic Importance and part of the National Heritage in 1979.

When Velez-Malaga was captured by Catholic Monarchs in 1487, Archez also fell under Christian control and it soon became a part of the estate of the Count of Cabra, Don Diego Fernandez de Cordoba.

On Christmas Eve 1884, the village and its municipal area were affected by a major tremor known as the Andalusian Earthquake which caused alarm among residents as well as heavy material damage.

Tourist information about Archez:

Town council: Ayuntamiento de Árchez - Plaza de la Cruz, 24 - 29753

Official website: Ayuntamiento de Archez.