Velez Malaga Andalucia |
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Vélez-Málaga is the administrative centre and the capital of the La Axarquía district in the province of Malaga, in the Spanish autonomous community of Andalucia and forms part of the Costa del Sol region. Often simply referred to as Vélez, it is the centre of an agricultural region known for its strawberries and vineyards, which produce the muscatel grapes from which the famous Málaga wines are made. Vélez-Malaga, which lies in the wide valley of the River Vélez, is 4 km inland from Torre del Mar and 35 kms east of Malaga. The history of Vélez-Malaga goes back to the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians. The Greek city of Mainake is reputed to have stood here. Under Roman rule, when it was known as Menoba, it was an important centre of commerce and trade. During eight centuries of Moorish occupation Vélez-Málaga was known as Ballix-Malaca (Fortress of Malaga) when again it was an important strategic, cultural and commercial centre. In 1487, Ferdinand conquered the town and the Christian flag was raised on the castle's battlements as the Moors were ejected. This victory paved the way for the fall of the Nasrid city some five years later. Most noticeable of the towns links to its Arabic past is its most visible land mark, the 13th century Moorish hill top fortress La Fortaleza which stands on a hill in the centre of Arrabal de San Sebastián, the oldest district of the town. The 16 metre high tower was restored in 1992. Other notable sites include the churches of Santa María la Mayor, Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, and San Juan Bautista, the childhood home of Don Miguel de Cervantes, and the sixteenth century Palacio del Marqués de Beniel. The centre of town Vélez-Málaga is Plaza de Las Carmelitas where you will find not only the Ayuntamiento or Town Hall but also the Convento de Jesus, Maria y Jose often referred to as Convento de Las Carmelitas. The convent was founded in 1669 and of particular interest are the 18th paintings. |
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