Macharaviaya

Macharaviaya, is a picturesque village in the mountains of Andalucía in the south of Spain. The natives are called Macharatungos.

In former times, Macharaviaya had been an important place. It was well-known far beyond the regional borders for being the home of the noble Galvez family, whose descendant Matías Earl of Galvez had been vice-king of New Spain. Nowadays, Macharaviaya's population is merely a few hundred. The historical center of the village has a preservation order on it. Some Spanish and foreign artists, ceramicists, painters and writers live among the villagers.

Every year in August, Macharaviaya hosts a festival honoring the patron saint of the village, Bernado.Variety and change is provided by the short distance to the Costa del Sol with its touristic attractions and the Andalusian cities with their rich history and famous sites.

The village was built upon the ruins of an ancient Arabic settlement. Its name is derived from Arabic "Machxar Abu Yahya", meaning "Abu Hayas Court".

Some of the landmarks include:
* Church San Jacinto
* Templete de los Galvez
* Iglesia mudejar: local church in Benaque, its tower being the minaret of a former mosque
* Museo de Gálvez

External links

* [http://servicios.diariosur.es/fijas/pueblos/ingles/macharaviayai.htm profile]