Located near Antequera, Archidona is a municipality of Malaga that offers the perfect blend between nature and monuments. It is an ideal place for those looking to immerse themselves in a city with a great cultural heritage and a Mudejar architectural style.
In addition, the Natural Reserve of the Lakes of Archidona is an important wetland and salt flats that host a large number of birds, which adds a special charm to the area.
In the area of Archidona, archaeological remains have been found dating from the first humans from the Lower Paleolithic onwards, as well as artificial caves from the Bronze Age.
It was the Phoenicians who founded Archidona and began the construction of a defensive wall. This wall was finished by the Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs in their passage through the place over the centuries.
With the arrival of the Roman era, the city was renamed Arx Domina. Later, the Arabs called it Arxiduna, from which its current name derives. During the period of Arab domination, Archidona was known as Medina Arxiduna and was under constant pressure from Christian troops, especially after they conquered Antequera.
Around the year 1238, Archidona came to depend on the Nasrid kingdom of Granada. During this time, the city experienced a moment of flourishing and boom, driven especially by the silk trade. However, at the beginning of the 14th century, the Christians began their expeditions through this territory, turning it into a border area. As a result, its fields were periodically looted.
Finally, Archidona yielded to the Christian armies and became an operations centre for other campaigns aimed at extending Christian dominion over al-Andalus.
Once the Christians took control, they began the construction of buildings according to their religion. In 1519, the church of Santa Ana was finished building.
In the 19th century, Archidona suffered a reduction by losing territories that became independent: Villa Nueva del Rosario, Villa Nueva del Trabuco and Villa Nueva de Algaidas.
When visiting Archidona, one can explore the ruins of the castle built during the 9th century. This castle, located next to the remains of the Roman walls and the defensive walls of the town, even preserves wells, fountains, mills and villas.
After the Christian conquest of Archidona, numerous buildings dedicated to their beliefs were built. Among these buildings, the Chapel of the Virgin of Grace, built in 1462 on an old mosque, and the church of Santa Ana, built in 1505 and modified during the 19th century, stand out.
For those looking to know the most remote past of Archidona, they can visit the Cave of Las Grajas and the sacred caves, which house cave paintings.
Please note that the dates and events may vary from one year to another, so it is advisable to check the official program each year.
The gastronomy of Archidona is varied and rich. Here you will find some of the typical dishes you can find:
As for sweets, you can find the following:
In addition, Archidona is famous for the “sweets of the Minimas Nuns”, which are made in a local convent.
Archidona, a charming municipality of Malaga, is accessible from several major cities. There are daily buses that connect Archidona with Malaga, Antequera, Granada and Seville, as well as other nearby places.
In addition, thanks to the excellent road connections, you can get to Archidona from Malaga airport by car in approximately 45 minutes, covering a distance of 62 kilometers. If you need a vehicle, we can offer you a car rental at Malaga airport at a good price.
If you prefer a more scenic route, you can opt for the E-15/A-7 that runs along the coast of the provinces of Almeria, Granada and Malaga. From Malaga, you will take the A-45 to the Puerto de las Pedrizas and continue on the A-92M motorway (direction Granada) until exit 11 towards Archidona and Villanueva del Trabuco.
Address: Plaza de la Victoria, S/N - 29300 Malaga.
Phone: +34 952 71 40 61.
Website: Archidona Tourism Office.
Credit cards accepted
