Tour a centuries-old church that is one of the highlights of Benalmadena, an Andalusian town perched on top of a hill and stretching to the sea.
Santa Domingo Church is a beautiful whitewashed building that claims to be the oldest church in Benalmádena. A church was built here in the 15th century in the area where the town was born. Visit this historical and religious attraction, which is in a good state of preservation owing to numerous restorations, additions and remodeling over the years.
Before venturing inside, study the bright white exterior and its belfry that has three bells and a clock. The walls of the interior are decorated simply, without much ornamentation. The exception is the gold-colored reredos behind the altar. Walk through the church, stopping to look at the paintings and statues.
Outside the church, wander through the neighboring Jardines del Muro for the elevated vistas of the town and the coastline from its viewing points. On clear days you may be able to see the coastline of North Africa.
Explore the rest of the compact hilltop village also known as the Pueblo or Benalmádena’s Old Town. Amble along narrow cobbled streets of this typical Andalusian village where whitewashed homes are adorned with window boxes draped with bougainvillea. Go to the Plaza de España lined with orange trees in the center of the village for its bars and restaurants. Here the bronze sculpture Niña de Benalmádena has become a symbol of the town.
Just below the Pueblo is the Castillo de Colomares, a monument to the explorer Christopher Columbus. This fairy-tale castle was constructed in the 1980s and '90s and is a mix of architectural styles. Wander through the structure to see carved representations of his discoveries, including statues of the three ships from his first transatlantic voyage.
To get to Santa Domingo Church and Benalmádena’s Old Town, park your car in the car park on Avenida Chorrillo below the hill. Then take the free elevator, which stops a short walking distance from the church.
