Sayalonga

History

Sayalonga is a town in the Axarquía region with an Arab layout, with narrow streets and white houses. It is a perfect place to spend a few quiet days and discover its culture and beautiful landscapes.

Monuments

The town houses one of the most curious cemeteries in the province of Malaga and interesting examples of religious architecture. In addition, Sayalonga celebrates a festival every May to celebrate one of its most typical products: the loquat.
The church of Saint Catherine was built on an old mosque in the 16th century. It has two naves divided by semicircular arches. The main one has Mudejar armor, while the other houses the chapel of the Virgen del Rosario, from the 17th century. Outside you can see its octagonal tower and, separated from the temple, the chapel of San Antón. Next to the church is the hermitage of San Cayetano, also erected in the 16th century. Inside the sanctuary, its accomplished 18th century sculpture stands out.

Another example of the religious architecture of Sayalonga is the Mudejar church of San Pedro, located in the Corumbela annex. The temple has a single nave covered by a coffered ceiling. The minaret, converted into a bell tower, is preserved from the mosque on which it was built.

One of the most striking places in this town in Axarquía is the Redondo Cemetery. Its circular design, together with the vaulted structure of the niches, give it a curious appearance. To make its origins known, the cemetery has its own interpretation center.

Also worth a visit are the Moorish Museum of Sayalonga and the Cid fountain, where it is believed that Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar himself drank water. Furthermore, near the Plaza de la Constitución is the Alcuza alley, the narrowest in Axarquía.

How to get