Spain – Istan (En)
We went with Helen and Rob to visit Istán, a village of Arab origin in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. The road leading up to the village is full of curves with breathtaking views of the Verde River and the surrounding countryside. Along the road, you’ll find several fountains where people stop to fill jugs with water that comes from the mountains.
What to see
We had been told that the hermitage of Saint Michael was located a little before reaching Istán, nestled in a cave, with spectacular views of the mountains, the Verde River valley, and the sea in the distance, so we decided to stop there first. The walk to the hermitage is easy, just a few meters from where you park the car. When we arrived at the hermitage, we discovered that Saint Michael is the patron saint of Istán and that during Holy Week they carry his statue from there to the town. It’s a long walk, as the town is 3 kilometres uphill.
We arrived in the village and parked in the first spot we saw at the top of the village. There are several parking areas, and they’re free. I recommend parking and exploring the village on foot, as the streets are very narrow. Since we parked at the top of the village, I took the opportunity to take a photo showing the village perched on the mountainside. Walking down one street, you’ll reach the El Chorro Fountain and Washhouse, where the women of the village used to wash their clothes. According to the explanation next to the fountain, it’s an irrigation channel whose water came from the Molinos River, dating back to the late 15th century, which supplied the town with drinking water.
We continued down the village streets and arrived at the square of Saint Michael Church, which was open, and we were able to see inside. Until 1520, there were no houses on the square, and only after the church was built did houses begin to be constructed around it. The church dates from the 16th century, and its most striking features are the brick façade and the Baroque bell tower that houses the bells. Inside, the church is very simple, with a single nave and 18th-century paintings.
From the plaza, we wandered through the streets and passed by the Corral Passage, where the livestock and horses of the tower’s inhabitants were kept. We also came across the archaeological remains of the Mosque and Cross of the Boys; its name comes from the fact that boys used to gather in this place on their way to the mosque’s school.
We finished our visit to Istán at the Escalante Tower, the oldest monument in the town and a designated Site of Cultural Interest. The tower preserves its stable courtyard, vaulted enclosure, and a semicircular arch.
Our next blog post will be about Christmas in Marbella, where you can see the city in its Christmas splendour, which I hope you will enjoy.
