The monumental patrimony of Archidona was endorsed in 1980, with the declaration of Historic-artistic Complex. Although the Phoenician and the Romans founded the city, it was during the Muslim invasion when the village reached its splendor.
The Arab castle and the walls demonstrate the importance of the city in the IX century. Located in the summit of the Hill of the Virgin, the strategic-defensive enclave will be the starting point of this route. The castle was rebuilt in the XIII century, by Alhamar. Its puerta del sol (Sun door) is to be highlighted. In this fortress the traveler will enjoy an authentic viewpoint, from which we dominate almost all the region. Together with the walls we find the Ermita de la Virgen de Gracias, another Arab footprint of Archidona. This chapel-sanctuary was at its beginnings an Arab mosque, raised in the IX century, the only one that still survives in the province. At the bottom of the hill settles the population of Archidona. In the urban center we must highlight complexes as the church of Santa Ana (built at the beginning of the XVI century), the convent of the Mínimas, the church of the Nazaren (of the XVII century, that holds the patron saint of the town) and Escuelas Pías, the Square of the Victory (where we find the Town Hall and the Church of the Victory). Another old convent is the one of Santo Domingo, today reformed as hotel, outstanding by its impressive physiognomy. After traveling the footprints of the military and religious architecture of Archidona, the octagonal square will be the next stop in this route. It peculiar octagonal design and the beauty of its facades have converted this jewel of Andalusia town planning of the XVII century in the insignia image of Archidona.
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Ayuntamiento de Archidona
