Almargen: Culture, History and Circular Walking Route

Almargen brings together sacred architecture, archaeological finds and an agricultural landscape with a specific circular walking route. Cultural highlights include the Iglesia Parroquial de la Purísima Concepción and collections from different periods. The SL-A 311 “Dehesa de Yeguas” runs through the area around the town and offers a different focus for planning your trip.

Hiking the SL-A 311 “Dehesa de Yeguas”

The SL-A 311 is a circular walk that follows the Cañada Real de Almargen a Sierra de Yeguas and the old Camino de la Dehesa. It is classified as a sports walking trail in the municipality of Almargen (Málaga). The route is considered easy and suitable for family outings; trail conditions may change. Therefore, check the current route conditions before setting out.

Along the way, the trail passes the former Pedro Santo iron mine. Entering the mine is not recommended because of the risk of collapse. Another landscape feature along the route is the spot known as “piedra dorada.” The area around Almargen is dominated by agriculture; the landscape includes olive groves, grain fields and occasional windmills. This setting provides a different emphasis from the circular walk’s named historic sections.

Church and Architectural History

The Iglesia Parroquial de la Purísima Concepción was built in the 16th century and remodelled in the 17th century. Its Mannerist main portal is crowned by a Baroque bell gable. Inside, original Mudéjar roof structures with looped motifs cover the nave and the presbytery. The church therefore brings together distinct architectural features: the sequence of styles on the portal and bell gable, and the ornamented roof framework in the two interior areas mentioned.

Museums and Prehistoric Finds

The Colección Museográfica “Almargen: Orilla de Tartessos” displays a Tartessian warrior stele. The collection also includes the “Ídolo de la Fertilidad de Almargen,” a sculpture made of white marble dating from the Copper Age. The stele and sculpture reflect different cultural-historical connections: one is associated with the Tartessian region, while the other is dated to the Copper Age.

The Museo “Centro de Interpretación de Almargen” is housed in a former water reservoir that has been repurposed to present the area’s cultural heritage. Its exhibits include a sword forged from bronze dating from the Tartessian period. Before visiting, check locally whether the sword is currently on display and whether access is possible.

Festivals, Caves and Water

Religious events include the patron saint festivities in honour of San Cosme and San Damián on 26 and 27 September, as well as the Romería de Nuestra Señora de Fátima at the end of May in the La Saucedilla area. Easter Sunday is also part of Almargen’s Holy Week, which is recognised as intangible cultural heritage. If you are planning your trip around one of these events, check the exact event dates in advance.

At the foot of the Sierra de Cañete, in the El Almirón area, a group of artificial caves with vertical shaft entrances extends for more than 200 metres. The Salado rises in the Casa Blanca area. Its iodine-rich water is associated with medicinal properties that have been known since at least Roman times. The municipal swimming pool is located north of the town centre by the river and uses salt water from the Salado. Check in advance whether the pool will be open during your visit.

Discover more destinations: Algarrobo, Canillas De Albaida, Fuengirola, El Borge, Atalaya Isdabe, Manilva, Cuevas Del Becerro, Periana.

For the broader travel overview: Málaga.