Vélez-Málaga: Culture, History and Coast

Geographical setting

The Vélez-Málaga area is located on the Mediterranean coast; the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Nature Park is situated nearby. Thus, the area described brings together a coastal location and a nearby protected area.

The geographical setting connects the Vélez-Málaga area with the Mediterranean coast and also names the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Nature Park as a nearby protected area. Both references form part of the description of the destination.

Culture

Those who wish to discover Vélez-Málaga through Semana Santa will find the Museo de Semana Santa de Vélez-Málaga, a permanent institution open to the public.

The museum collects, preserves, researches and displays historical and artistic evidence of Semana Santa in Vélez-Málaga, as well as the municipality's brotherhood heritage.

Semana Santa in Vélez-Málaga is recognised as a festival of tourist interest in Andalusia.

The Centro de Arte Contemporáneo 'Francisco Hernández' is located in the heart of Vélez-Málaga and represents the avant-garde, new perspectives and the legacy of Francisco Hernández.

The cultural identity of Vélez-Málaga therefore centres both on its traditional brotherhood heritage and on contemporary art. The museum is dedicated to the historical and artistic evidence of Semana Santa.

History

The Fortaleza o Alcazaba is located at the highest point of the city of Vélez-Málaga, approximately 80 metres above sea level.

The Fortaleza o Alcazaba is a medieval fortress built in the 10th century, which attained its greatest importance in the 14th and 15th centuries.

The surviving original walls of the Fortaleza o Alcazaba date from the 13th and 15th centuries.

To reach the Fortaleza o Alcazaba, access is via the road by the Fernando Hierro sports centre and then along the road to Arenas.

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista dates from the 16th century. The Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor is designed in the Mudéjar style and was formerly a mosque.

The historic buildings therefore include not only the Fortaleza o Alcazaba but also the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista and the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor. In the case of the church of Santa María la Mayor, its former function as a mosque remains part of its history, while its Mudéjar-style design has been preserved.

Crafts

By order of 17 December 2012, Vélez-Málaga was designated an area of craft interest; 14 craft workshops representing various trades hold this distinction.

Traditional pottery in Vélez-Málaga dates back to Phoenician times and includes the production of bricks, tiles and mosaics.

The craft tradition therefore includes both the designated workshops representing various trades and pottery, with its products made from bricks, tiles and mosaics. The Phoenician period forms the historical starting point of this pottery tradition.

Cuisine

Speciality recipes of the Vélez-Málaga destination include preparations featuring subtropical fruits, including avocado smoothies, guacamole and mango jam.

Ajobacalao is prepared especially during Semana Santa.

The destination's cuisine therefore includes both recipes featuring subtropical fruits and Ajobacalao, which is prepared especially during Semana Santa. Avocado smoothies, guacamole and mango jam are among the preparations mentioned.

Other places

Other places for planning your trip include Almayate Alto, Mezquitilla, Trapiche, Benajarafe, Chilches, Torre Del Mar and Almayate.

For the overview of the wider destination: Málaga.

More about the destination

Useful information for planning your trip:

Vélez-Málaga: Old Town, Torre del Mar and excursions in Axarquía.