Periana is situated 58 kilometres from Malaga and 28 kilometres from the coast at Torre del Mar, at an altitude of 547 metres. It lies within the
area of Axarquia, on the scenic Route
of Olive Oil and Mountains, and has a population of 3,500.The name of the village dates from 1761 and is derived from two ancient defensive positions called Pereiro and Santana. Periana
began as a simple farmstead in wide meadowland that stood between the two.
Periana is a pretty village with stunning all round views. To the north there are fabulous mountain ranges whilst to the
south there is Lake Vinuela and the coastline. The streets are steep and
sometimes narrow in Moorish style, although the town was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1884. The original Mudejar styled
parish church of San Isidro, found in the Plaza de la Lomillaja, also had to be rebuilt.
Numerous prehistoric sites and settlements have been discovered by
archaeologists in the area, including Cerro de Capellanía, El Fuerte, Llano de la Matanza, Rio Seco and Cerro Alcolea.
Two kilometres to the north of Periana, at Banos de Vilo, there are
sulphurous Moorish baths. These continued to be used for their medicinal waters until the 19th century and have recently been restored.
Another very pretty spot is the source of the Rio Guaro which feeds Lake
Vinuela.
Peaches are the main crop of the region and are said to be the best in
Spain. A Peach Fair is held in Periana every summer, one of a series of fiestas and
festivals held throughout Axarquia. Olive oil is another product for which Periana is reknowned. Local dishes
include 'sopa cachorrena' (bitter orange soup) with salt cod, and 'morrete' made of asparagus, mushrooms and potatoes
with almond sauce and excellent ewe's and goat's cheeses eaten with honey from local hives. |
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