In Archez, Mudéjar architecture meets paths along the río Turvilla. The Alminar and the church tell the story of the town’s architecture; routes lead to an old mill, the riverbank and the surrounding mountain landscape. Whether you are planning a short visit to the minaret or a longer activity focused on mills, the options differ in duration and focus.
Alminar and Church: Mudéjar Heritage in the Townscape
The Alminar de Árchez dates from the 13th century and is attached to the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. The tower is 15 metres high and stands on a square ground plan with sides measuring 3.64 metres. Original paint layers in Almagra red have been preserved in the decorated panels. By Royal Decree 1255/1979 of 20 April 1979, the Alminar was declared a national historical-artistic monument.
The church was built around the old minaret tower. Its architecture combines Gothic-Mudéjar elements with Renaissance features. Inside, it is a single-nave building with a wooden roof structure featuring tie beams; behind the choir are three simple camerinos. The tower and church are therefore more than neighbouring buildings: their architectural histories are directly connected.
Routes with Different Time Commitments
The Ruta Alminar is a 20-minute visit focused on the Mudéjar minaret at the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. The Ruta Boabdil lasts 60 minutes and includes a drink and a tapa. Check the details of both visitor programmes before your trip. The difference in duration offers a practical guide when deciding which activity to include in your visit.
The Ruta del Río y los Molinos starts opposite Archez Town Hall. It follows Calle Fuente Río Turvilla to the river, passing an old mill along the way. The Ruta Boabdil focuses on mills in a different way: it includes a visit to the exterior of Molino Eulalio, where the entire flour-making process is explained, from growing wheat to processing it.
There is also a described route for longer hikes: the Ruta de los Molinos is the long-distance trail SL-A 277. Provincial authorities documented it in September 2023. It connects Archez with Canillas de Albaida and runs along the right bank of the río Turvilla; it is also connected to the Gran Senda de Málaga. The approximately 40-kilometre Ruta Mudéjar offers a regional cultural focus: it connects five towns in the Axarquía and highlights the Torre de Árchez as one of its most important sights.
Riverside Landscape, Town Wall and Casas de Gaudí
Archez lies in the valley of the río Turvilla, at the foot of the Sierra de Tejeda and Sierra de Almijara mountain ranges. The Paseo del Río Turvilla is a notable natural area in the town. The focus therefore extends beyond architecture: the riverbank and mountain backdrop offer a distinct highlight alongside the historic buildings and routes.
Remains of the old Arab town wall are visible mainly on the north and west sides of Archez. Its historic course turned along Calle Álamos and Calle Cruz. Those interested in the town’s history will find another reference here to the extent of its former layout. The Casas de Gaudí are also located in the municipality of Archez: a picturesque group of bungalows in the style of the master Antoni Gaudí. Allow 30 minutes for a visit, and check the programme details before your trip.
The historic Molino Eulalio (Winkler) grain mill is privately owned. In the post-war period, it was used to distribute food through ration cards. The history of the mill and the explanation of flour-making on the Ruta Boabdil offer two different ways to learn about this building: one historical, the other focused on the production process.
Planning a Church Visit
As of 4 February 2025, the diocesan website listed opening hours for the parish church as Thursdays from 17:30 to 18:30 and Sundays from 12:00 to 13:00. The key to the bell tower could be requested daily at the town hall as part of its programme. Since this information is dated, check the opening hours and key arrangements again before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Arroyo Coche, Yunquera, Álora, Comares, Sierra De Yeguas, Serrato, Ronda, Alhaurin De La Torre.
For the broader travel overview: Málaga.
