Macharaviaya

Macharaviaya is a municipality in the province of Málaga in the mountains of Andalusia in southern Spain. It is part of the region called La Axarquía.

The village was built where an old Moorish settlement once stood. Its name comes from an old Arabic phrase meaning "Abu/Abi Yahya's Farm/Grove".

The village was once home to the Gálvez family. One member, Matías de Gálvez y Gallardo, served as the viceroy of New Spain. His son Bernardo, who was born in Macharaviaya, later became Governor of Louisiana. During a big conflict, Bernardo helped take important towns from British forces.

Today, Macharaviaya is known for its old, well-preserved center. Many artists from Spain and other countries live there. Each August, the village holds a special festival to honor its patron saint, Bernard of Clairvaux.

Main sights

Macharaviaya has several interesting places to visit. You can see the Church of San Jacinto and the Templete de los Gálvez. There is also a local church in Benaque called the Iglesia mudejar. Its tower used to be the minaret of an old mosque. Additionally, there is the Museo de Gálvez to explore.

Twin towns

Macharaviaya has two twin towns in the United States:

• Pensacola, United States
• Galveston, United States