Medieval cistern, fountains, and washing place [Hydraulic Heritage]
GENERAL INFORMATION
• Heritage Value: Low
• Landscape Value: Low
• Condition: Medium state of repair
• Type of hydraulic structure: Water tanks and fountains
• Stage of the Great Málaga Path: Stage 7. Cómpeta - Canillas de Aceituno
• Where to find it: Canillas de Aceituno
• Period: medieval and 20th century
• Architect: Unknown
• UTM Coordinates:
- 403755,2432, 4081180,946 Medieval cistern
- 403415,5464, 4081407,384 Washing place
HOW TO FIND IT
The medieval cistern is located on Calle Huertezuelo street. The washing place is located on 9 Calle Estación street, overlooking the landscape and the ravine bordering the town. The “Pilar Grande” (“Great Pillar”) is located inside the Town Hall building.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The site features the following areas:
- A medieval cistern with very low volume of water(0-1 L/s)
- The Fuente Fuera fountain
- The Pilar Grande pillar
- The Pilar Chico pillar
- A water tank beneath the Town Hall building
- A double-spout washing place
CURRENT CONDITION
The medieval cistern in Canillas de Aceituno lies at the base of a building that could well pass for a house. Its mouth looks like a door, and its exterior appearance is slightly unkempt. However, its interior has been exquisitely decorated and waterproofed. The town’s washing place has recently been restored and modified. The “Pilar Grande” is well preserved inside the Town Hall.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The water from the medieval cistern flows out through a ditch that allows diverting the water to irrigate the surrounding land.
The present-day washing place was opened in the forties, as were some others in the La Axarquía region. It was located on the same site as the traditional place where women would gather to do their washing, not far from the village ravine and the Fuente Fuera fountain.
The irrigation ditch that supplies the local crops is known as Los Saltillos and is one of the most exceptional visits you can make here, despite its difficulty and danger.
More information
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