Every year in November, Campillos turns into the place to be for ham lovers. This small town in the province of Málaga knows how to throw a proper food festival. Over 15,000 visitors make their way to the streets of Campillos to enjoy one thing above all: top-quality Spanish ham.
Spanish facts and news from Andalusia
Aljibe de Mazmúllar: history carved in stone
High above Comares, in the rugged hills of Cerro de Mazmúllar, you’ll find something unexpected: a centuries-old water cistern that feels straight out of another world. The Aljibe de Mazmúllar isn’t just an ancient tank—it’s a silent witness to medieval life in Andalusia. Since 1931, it has been officially protected as a National Historic Artistic Monument. Rightfully so.
A hike with a story
Getting there takes about an hour on foot. The path isn’t just scenic—it’s part of the experience. You’ll climb toward the Meseta de Mazmúllar, a quiet plateau where time seems to have paused. What you’ll find is a perfectly preserved aljibe from the 11th to 13th century. The landscape around you? Rolling hills, wildflowers, and absolute peace.
Architecture with purpose and beauty
The aljibe itself is a masterpiece of Moorish engineering. It measures 7.7 by 5.7 meters and is split into nine chambers. Inside, four cross-shaped pillars and horseshoe arches support a vaulted ceiling of intersecting ribs. It’s not just smart design—it’s beautiful. Sunlight sneaks through the arches, casting shifting patterns across the stone. It’s calm, quiet, and humbling.
A hilltop full of history
Cerro de Mazmúllar hides more than just the aljibe. Scattered across the plateau are the remains of a city from the 9th and 10th centuries. It was once a key stronghold for Omar Ben Hafsun, a legendary rebel leader who stood up to the Caliphate of Córdoba. This wasn’t just a remote outpost—it may have been the capital of his short-lived kingdom. Walking here feels like stepping through the pages of a forgotten chapter in Iberian history.
Something worth remembering
A visit to the Aljibe de Mazmúllar is more than a hike. It’s a quiet escape, a brush with the past, and a moment to slow down. There are no crowds, no ticket lines—just you, the trail, and a piece of history that still stands strong.
So if you’re in Málaga and looking for something raw, real, and rooted in time, lace up your shoes. The heights of Comares have something special waiting.
source: www.malaga.es
More News
