Nestled high in north-eastern part of the province of Málaga is the historic Andalucian village of Archidona, , a village that has a lot to offer despite being relatively small with a population of approx 10,000.

The village dates back to Phoenician times and has an architectural legacy that in on a par with many of Andalucia’s large cities. It sits proudly on the slopes of the stunning Gracia Mountains and even the drive to the town provides visitors with an exciting and stunning experience, It is located approximately 50km from Malaga city and 20 km from Antequera,

In the village you will find a pleasant mix between old and new Andalucia, and is also where the east and west of Andalucia meet. There are many sites in the town that make this small Andalucian gem a worthwhile place to visit

Worth Seeing

Moorish Castle
This castle dominates the village and has three layers of ramparts protecting it and has the backdrop of an imposing rock face which made the castle virtually impregnable

The Hermitage of La Virgen de Gracia
Dedicated to the patron saint, La Virgen de la Gracia. this hermitage (ermita) and sanctuary is a unique site in Andalucia because it has been built on the original site of the Arabic Mosque, while all others were destroyed.

The Santa Ana Church
This church was originally built at the beginning of the 16th Century and then in the 19th Century was rebuilt an was the first church built in Villa Baja . It has a stunning triangular tower and is well worth a visit.
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Convento de las Míninas
The beautiful building has a stunning baroque tower with its splendid green and white ceramic spire and is home to the nuns who continue to live their simple and reclusive life.

The Church of el Nazareno & Escuelas Pías.
This 18th century building has a distinctive clock tower and is home to the church and training school for the Nazarene brotherhood. During the Easter week the devotees of the brotherhood can be seen taking part in the processions

Hermitage of San Antonio
The hermitage (ermita) dates back to the 18th Century.

Plaza de la Victoria
This is, where the main social events of the village are held and is also home to two of the .most important buildings in the village, the Town Hall (previously housing the co-operative granary) and the Church of la Victoria, with its notable bell gable.

Plaza Ochavada
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Probably the most famous attraction in the village is the Plaza Ochavada, a stunning plaza which was built between 1780 and 1786 according to designs drawn up by the master builders Francisco Astorga and Antonio González Sevilla and takes octagonal shape which has clear precedents in French tastes of the era.

The square has an unmistakable Mudéjar influence in the decorations of the façades. That is the inspiration for the profuse ornamentation based on red brick in the pilasters, contrasting with the white of the mortar, which is so popular throughout Andalusia.

It is located in the old quarter of Archidona and the main streets of the locality converge upon it. Its three entrance gates have a somewhat monumental appearance, being adorned with niches, pediments and a number of Rococo features. Although the eight sides of the octagon are apparently equal each has its peculiarities.

It is undeniably one of the most interesting examples of urban planning in eighteenth century Spain, both for its well thought out concept of space and for the number of architectural influences to be seen in it: Baroque, Manierist, and Mozarabic, with, of course, a clear nod to popular architecture. From the time it was first opened this space became the nerve centre of the city. Due to its functionality the most traditional local festivities are held there each year, especially during Holy Week, which in these surroundings takes on special meaning.

Festivals

The Village like all towns and villages in Spain enjoy a fiesta and there are many important dates for you diary during the year

Carnival
Carnival time comes to the village at the beginning of February and is celebrated special parties and people dressing up in fancy dress.

Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week)
This is one of the best times to visit the village and you can enjoy beautiful processions going through the streets

San Isidro
The day of the Patron, saint San Isidro is celebrated on the 15th of May

La Feria del Perro
This is a modern feria, which began in 1993 and now attracts people from far and wide.. It takes place at the end of May or the first weekend of June and is held over a three day period. The event attracts national and international champion show dogs are brought to compete from all over the world and apart from the main event you can enjoy all sorts of exhibitions, such as the Police dogs being put through their paces and demonstrations of the amazing skill of sheep dogs and their trainers

San Antonio
Held from the 13th to 15th June

San Juan
On June 24th is the celebration of the night of San Juan, with a fireworks display marking the start of the fiesta around midnight on the 23rd.

Fiesta of San Aurelio
Towards the end of July (around the 27th) there is the fiesta of San Aurelio.
Village Fair & Fiestas of the Virgen de Gracia
August the 14th to 18th sees the main village Fair and Fiestas of the Virgen de Gracia (Patron Saint of Archidona).

For More information about the Village you should contact

The Tourist Office (Oficina de Turismo)
Plaza de Ochavada No. 2. Tel: 952 716 479
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Friday 10:00 - 14:00
Saturday & Sunday 11:00 - 14:00
CLOSED MONDAYS

Or visit the official website {In Spanish} http://www.archidona.es