Archez is a small, picturesque white village which, like so many in the area, owes its design and appearance to the Arabs of the Al Andalus period, with typical steep, narrow streets, flowery nooks and crannies and whitewashed houses.
After the fall of Vélez-Málaga to the Christians in 1487, the village became part of the Marquisate of Comares until 1811 and was fairly prosperous. The village was heavily damaged during the devastating ‘Andalucían Earthquake’ which struck the region on Christmas Eve 1884 and also suffered a grape plague and cholera outbreak, forcing many inhabitants to move elsewhere and devastating the local economy.
The area around Archez is ideal for those who want to explore the countryside and hills, whether on foot, mountain bike or on horseback.
Statistics
Area: 5 square kilometres
Altitude: 530 mtrs above sea level
Population: +/- 350
Distance from Nerja: 31 km
Driving Time: +/- 45 mins
Location
Places of Interest
The 14th century Almohade Minaret, declared a Monument of National and Historical Interest in 1979. The north face features vegetable designs, typically colourful tiling and a series of arches.
The Mudejar style Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, built on the site of a former mosque and featuring the minaret as its bell tower.
Photo Gallery
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Local Cuisine
Local specialities include: Potaje de Garbanzos con Bacalao (chick pea stew with cod), Potaje de Hinojos (fennel stew), Ajoblanco (chilled garlic soup with bread, oil and vinegar), Migas (fried breadcrumbs with meat) and Picadillo (minced meat stew). There are also several local wines needing to be sampled!
Local Festivals
Fiestas de San Antón (January)
Fiesta del Corpus (1st Thursday in June)
Fiestas de San Sebastián y San Antón (2nd week of August)
Useful Info
Town Hall
Tel: 952553159
Where to Stay
Posada Mesón Mudéjar*
calle Álamo, 6
Telephone: 952553106
E-mail: [email protected]
www.posadamesonmudejar.com