Archez, Salares, Sedella, Canillas de Albaida, Canillas
de Aceituno, Competa, all villages which stand at
the foot of the impressive Tejeda and Almijara Sierras;
all morisco - Moorish convert to Christianity - villages,
where vines were the main crop and are still an important
element in the landscape as well as the economy; all
display similar characteristics, reflecting the true
essence of the Axarquia region, its scenery, its way
of life and its history. The layout of their streets
and the architecture of their whitewashed houses,
which create unforgettably-picturesque corners, gives
them a unique seal of identity, so much so that, together,
they make up what's known as the Mudejar Route - Ruta
del Mudéjar - . The highlight of the village
is the minaret of Our Lady’s Church.
History
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 the Almohades is more evident, with the magnificent
minaret of the former mosque still visible today;
over 15 metres in height, its exterior features interestingly
decorated with sebka material and tiling. Now the
bell tower of the parish church, it 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
fell under Christian control; it soon became 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.
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