Diamalos in spring, with its Arab fountain and Parish Church, well worth a stroll around this hilltop hamlet. ( Click to enlarge photographs) |
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DIAMALOS, Village in La Axarquia
Diamalos is a hamlet along the MA-4111 part of the municipality of Arenas. Its name was written as ‘Daymas' as a village from the reconquers. In springtime, with the almond blossom in bloom this remote little hamlet, is like a picture postcard.
History
By Royal decree in 1486 the village was incorporated as part of the jurisdiction of Velez. It was declared a parish in 1505 by the Archbishop of Seville; Diego de Daza. The village took part in the Moorish uprising of 1569 and one of its elders took part in the council of Martin Alquacil, King of Bentomiz. After the battle of Friliana in 1569 the village was abandoned and its land was divided up between Christians who were from outside the village.
In 1848 the parish ( in the sense of ecclesiastical governance) was united with Arenas. When the Ministry of Governance of national territory re-organised all the municipalities in Spain in 1869 it was united with Arenas. Today the population is about 400.
THINGS TO SEE
Plaza San Anton is the best place to park the car and walk up into the village. In the centre is a modern but old styled wrought iron street lamp that double as a public water fountain. Walk up to the parish church, you can see the tower.
Parish church
The church was constructed on the site of the old mosque, from simple materials. It has withstood the years well. Its roof made from dark wood bolted to steel beams. Inside there are a surprising number of artefacts. There is the image of Santisimo Cristo de la Salud and a carving of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias. There is also an image of San Anton, Santisimo Cristo Resucitado, Santa Maria Inmaculada, and a recent Virgin de los Dolores.
The church tower is noteworthy as it is still the original minaret from the old mosque. The higher third level, bell housing was added by the Christians. It is possible that this 11th century minaret tower is the oldest still surviving in Spain.
Arab fountain
There is a twelfth century fountain on the edge of the village. It has curative waters which legend says it has the properties of giving happiness and love. It was mentioned in the books of ‘Apeos de Daimalos' in 1561.
If a single boy or girl drinks the water he or she will be soon married. If a married person drinks the water they will soon conceive a child. The fountain is covered in a small domed housing adorned with ceramics. To enter the structure, you can ask for a key at the town hall. You can still drink the water without entering the structure. The town hall is in Arenas several miles away.
Location
Diamolos is about 50km from the Malaga City and about 14km from Velez-Malaga along the scenic MA-4111. The next village along this road heading down to the coast is Arenas. In the other direction heading inland is Corumbela and then Archez.