Historic sites in Velez-Malaga

Explore the architectural legacy of the Axarquía region through this collection of coastal defenses and spiritual landmarks. The list features a series of 16th-century watchtowers, such as Torre Vigía de Chilches and the leaning Torre Vigía Algarrobo 1, which once protected the shore from pirate incursions. Complementing these military structures are significant religious sites, including the 17th-century Convento de Jesús, María y José and the unique Kalachakra Stupa, one of the few Buddhist monuments of its kind in the West.

Historic Sites — Map

A

Torre Vigía Algarrobo 2

A 16th-century coastal defense tower, also known as the New Tower, built to monitor the shoreline for maritime threats.

B

Torre Vigía Algarrobo 1

A 16th-century watchtower famously known as the 'Leaning Tower' due to its visible tilt caused by foundation settlement.

Sanjosevelez / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Parroquia de San José

A local Catholic parish church serving as a central place of worship in the Vélez-Málaga community.

D

Convento de Jesús, María y José

A 17th-century Discalced Carmelite monastery located in the Plaza de las Carmelitas, featuring a traditional cloister and Baroque elements.

E

Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

A 17th-century sanctuary situated on San Cristóbal Hill that houses the patron saint of Vélez-Málaga and offers panoramic views of the city.

F

Kalachakra Stupa

A rare Buddhist monument representing world peace, located at the Karma Guen Diamond Way Buddhist Centre.

G

Faro

The maritime lighthouse of Torre del Mar, serving as a historic navigational landmark for the local coastline.

H

Old Factory Tower

A brick chimney remaining from the Nuestra Señora del Carmen sugar factory, representing the area's 19th-century industrial heritage.

I

Sta. Maria de la Encarnación

A 16th-century church built upon the site of a former mosque, showcasing a blend of Mudejar and Gothic architectural styles.

J

Torre Vigía de Chilches

A 16th-century horseshoe-shaped watchtower used for coastal surveillance and defense against pirate raids.

K

Torre Vigía Moya

An 18th-century defensive tower in Benajarafe, known locally as 'Torre Gorda' due to its massive, robust construction.

L

Torre Vigía Manganeta

A 16th-century watchtower positioned near the mouth of the Vélez River to guard the coastal approach.

M

Torre Vigía Gui

A circular defensive tower of Arabic origin, part of the historic network of signal towers along the Mediterranean.

N

Torre Vigía Lagos

A 16th-century watchtower located in the coastal village of Lagos, used for signaling and maritime defense.

Other Lists

Vélez-Málaga Essentials Historic Coastal Landmarks Parks and Nature