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.
