Discover Salares

Salares combines architectural history with hiking. Santa Ana Parish Church and the Alminar date from different periods; the Puente Árabe and Casa Aro trails differ in duration and difficulty. If you are looking for a hotel in Salares, consider in advance whether you would like to focus your stay more on architecture or hiking.

Culture and architecture in Salares

Santa Ana Parish Church was built in the 16th century. The church’s western courtyard contains remains of pillars and pointed arches attributed to the former mosque. The Alminar of Salares is an example of Almohad art on the Iberian Peninsula. Built of red brick between the 13th and 14th centuries, it formed part of the mosque that once stood on this site.

The Alminar is shaped like a rectangular prism and consists of two sections. Its bell section has four openings with recessed alfiz frames. Broad sebka panels and remnants of tilework are particularly noteworthy decorative features. It is about 12 metres high, with sides measuring 3.5 metres. Comparing their construction dates, the Alminar is older than Santa Ana Parish Church, which was built in the 16th century; the pillars and pointed arches in the western courtyard are attributed to the former mosque.

The Ruta Mudéjar also offers a cultural point of reference for planning your trip: Salares is part of this cultural route along the foothills of the Sierra de Tejeda. This means that, alongside the individual buildings, the route itself and its cultural character are also options to consider.

Hiking: Puente Árabe and Casa Aro

The Puente Árabe hiking trail starts and ends in Salares. This circular route passes through a variety of landscapes representative of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park and offers views of the surrounding area. The route is 6,124 metres long, takes three hours and is of moderate difficulty.

The Casa Aro hiking trail is easy and takes about an hour and a half; duration and difficulty may vary depending on route conditions. Compared with the Puente Árabe trail, which takes three hours and is of moderate difficulty, Casa Aro is the shorter and easier option.

The starting point for the Puente Árabe trail is at the bridge by Calle del Puente. From Sedella, you can reach it via the MA-4107 road; from Canillas de Albaida, take the MA-4108. Road conditions may change, so check them before setting out. The Puente Romano is the access point for the Casa Aro hiking trail.

Festival and trip planning

The Arab-Andalusian Festival of Salares adds to the cultural appeal if it takes place during your trip. At the festival, you can wander through the narrow Moorish streets and see and buy handicrafts, books and typical Andalusian dishes. The specific offerings may vary from year to year. Check the event dates in advance before making the festival a fixed part of your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Algatocín, Vélez-Málaga, Villanueva De Algaidas, Marina de Casares, Cajiz, Nerja, Sedella, Torre de Benagalbón

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