Walk through Canillas de Aceituno
Historic sites – Places of interest
The geographic location of Canillas de Aceituno makes it a natural balcony of the Axarquia region. It adjoins the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park to the north. The road to the village offers views of the Velez and Rubite valleys, through a landscape of Olive plantations, vineyards, almond and fig trees. On the hills or mountains one can see the awnings ready to dry the grapes for raisins. The tree abundance is made possible by the Almanchares, Bermuza and Rubite rivers, which also facilitate the existence of natural springs such as the Gazuela and the Ivy. In the village there are two natural springs that feed on an Arab cistern located under the Municipality town hall.
The Municipality of Canillas is abundant with natural caves highlighted by the Fajara, four kilometres from the town, in whose interior are the tunnels that go up to a kilometre and a half in length.
One of the streets of archaeological interest is the Castillo street, where there are still remains of what was once an ancient fortress and leading to a lower neighbourhood through Estación street. The Cemetery street lies above an old Arab cemetery.
In and around the town
Entering the town from the road up from Trapiche, the first item of interest is the Municipal football stadium. then moving on into the town over the roundabout. sitting high up on the right are the Guardia Civil offices, offering a commanding view to the entrance of the town. Further along is the Olive oil cooperative factory, when open a visit inside can be organised.
Next on the right are municipal and private houses, formerly barracks and used by occupying soldiers during the time of the civil war. On the left is the infant school, while on the right are both the Junior college and the Plaza de la Palmeras which sits on top of the municipal car park, the tourist office is situated here. Directly opposite the entrance to the car park is Camino Nicar, leading to the current town Cemetery up a steep incline.
Further into the town, La Sociadad restaurant is next, being the meeting place of the socialist movement, 1912-1924. At the rear of the restaurant is Plaza de Castillo, named after the 16th century castle. Turn left and pass through the the smaller of the town squares, then turn right at the end and on the left is what was once a convent of Franciscan monks. Carry on and you will find up the steps, the entrance to the town hall, also here is the start of the walk to the Saltillo and the newly built bridge across the gorge leading to the route to Sedella. Opposite the town hall on the corner is the Casa de La Reina Mora, originally a tythe house for collecting taxes, also used for drying the silk that was produced in the area.
Entering the main square, Plaza de La Constitucion, at the opposite end from the town hall is the the Casa Cultura, to the right of which is the church of Nuestra Senora del Rosario, dating from the 16th Century and formerly a mosque, recent restoration uncovered historic wall murals. Back into the square and following the sign for the piscina (swimming pool) municipal, walk along Calle Agua and Calle Placeta, past the playground is the second of the two water cisterns. Back into the town, behind the church is Calle San Sebastian, walk along here and down the steps, turn right at the bottom, and on the left is the Lavadero, up to 1980, women of the village used to wash the family clothing here, carry on and on the right is another mountain water fountain. Up the steps and you return to Avenida Andalucia, which will take you back into the village.
There is so much more to see and enjoy, and by wandering the colourful streets you will find, tiled plaques commemorating various historic events, Miradors looking down on to the town and the wonderful vistas laid out before you.
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