Discover the Archidona Route.
Since prehistoric times, Archidona has numerous vestiges, but it was the Phoenicians in 1500 BC who began the construction of the extensive walls that were later perfected by Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs.
After the reconquest, the Christian city as we know it today began to form. In 1901 the town of Archidona obtained the “Title of City”, and thanks to its splendid cultural heritage, it was declared “Historic-Artistic Site” in 1980.
The religious orders that settle in Archidona from the sixteenth century, will play an important role in both the spiritual and cultural order. Such is the Convent of Santo Domingo founded by the Dominican monks, current School of Hospitality and 4-star Hotel, the Minimum Monks of the Church of La Victoria and the Minimum Nuns of San Francisco de Paula, who have been joined since 1757 by the Piarist Fathers after the foundation of their School.
Recognized as the 1st Wonder of the province of Malaga, we show our visitors one of the most outstanding works of the Andalusian Baroque, the Plaza Ochavada, an architectural complex of singular beauty that serves as an unparalleled setting for the events held in Archidona.
What you can’t miss on this route:
- Interpretation Center of the Mozarabic Culture: Built in the upper suburb of the Villa, it reflects the coexistence between Christians and Arabs before the expansion of Christianity from the fifteenth century.
Equipped with information panels on the Mozarabic era and its influence in the northern part of the province of Malaga, it shows us the moment of splendor of Archidona to become the capital of the Cora de Rayya until the tenth century that cedes its capital to the city of Malaga, which was in its Alcazaba where Abd Al Rahman I is proclaimed Ier emir independent of Al-Andalus in the year 756, or as Washington Irving in his book “Tales of the Alhambra” tells the story of the treasure buried under the castle by the Moorish king of Archidona. - Virgin of Grace Sanctuary: It is located in a strategic place, sheltered by the Sierras de Gracia, Conjuro and Las Grajas, from where a large territory was dominated, up to 6 of the 8 provinces of Andalusia.
Next to it, the mosque of the ninth century, the only one preserved in the province of Malaga. Converted into a Christian temple after the conquest in 1.462, it is part of the architecture of the current Sanctuary of the Virgen de Gracia. - City Gate: The fortified enclosure of the Arab city of Archidona is one of the most interesting spaces in Muslim Spain, declared BIC (Asset of Cultural Interest).
The Puerta de la Ciudad together with the Puerta del Sol, are access towers to the Arab fortress that together with the pit located to the north, make it an inaccessible place with strategic-defensive conditions unparalleled in its time.
According to archaeologists, the situation of the houses and streets of this medina, would form a space of the most similar to a city of story or legend …
- Santo Cristo: Located in the Sierra de Gracia, it is a witness to the history and legend that is breathed in each of its corners. The traveler will enjoy an authentic viewpoint that takes him to the Arab era of Archidona between the VIII-XV centuries, where The Legend of the Lovers occurred.
At the height of the Mirador de Santo Cristo was located the third belt of wall that defended the Arab town of Archidona, the Medina Arxiduna. - Parish of Santa Ana: One of the main constructions of the monumental heritage of the Archidona declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1980, being the first religious building of Christian worship after the Arab occupation of Archidona.
- Pious Schools: High school of prestige in educational and religious training with unique cultural level, is one of the main educational references of Andalusia, reaching their studies the children of noble and wealthy families throughout Andalusia and part of Extremadura, including Blas Infante, the father of the Andalusian Homeland.
From the attic of the school, the views of the meadow of Archidona and the Pea de los Enamorados and the religious song “Santo Dios” that he hears daily, serve as inspiration for the creation of the Anthem of Andalusia.
Inside the school the high vaults and staircases still retain the charm and nostalgia of the glorious years he lived. - Hotel Escuela Convento de Santo Domingo: During the Modern Age there are several religious orders that are installed in Archidona, highlighting the Preaching Fathers of the Dominican Order.
Over the centuries the convent obtained different functions: Dominican convent, soap factory, new convent of Dominican nuns, and currently, hotel school and 4-star hotel. - Mill Don Juan “La Era”: Located in the Molino Don Juan fairgrounds, where the Royal August Fair is held and the Dog Fair declared of National Tourist Interest and Tourist Singularity of the province of Malaga, a national event and one of the most important exhibitions of the Iberian Peninsula related to the world of dog and hunting.
It also has a municipal auditorium where concerts and cultural shows are held with capacity for 1300 people.
We highlight some of the best routes that can be done in Archidona are:
Route Archidona – Hoz del Arroyo Marí.
Discover this 14.0-km point-to-point route near Archidona, Malaga. It is generally considered a moderate route, taking an average of 3 h 56 min to travel. This route is excellent for hiking, and it is unlikely to encounter other people while hiking.
Sierra de la Archidona Route.
The route begins in the town center, in the Plaza de la Victoria, and the first section includes the ascent to the Sierra de la Virgen de Gracia. When we start the ascent along the path to the Sanctuary we have two possible options: to continue along it until we reach the Santo Cristo viewpoint or to reach it by a path that we will find to the left of the road, where crossing a bridge we can follow a path that leads us to the viewpoint. Once at the viewpoint, we will continue along the Camino del Santuario until we find the path of the Puerta de la Ciudad that will take us to the upper part of the mountain range bordering the walls. Once we reach the top, we can visit the Sanctuary of the Virgen de Gracia.
You can find the rest of the routes here .