Gemma Wilson (Reporter)
The town has stayed pretty much as it was during Arab rule.
One of the most important Arabic poets, Mohamed Al-Hasmi, was born at the nearby Arab settlement Batahiz, the ruins of which can still be seen beside the water tank.
Another place of interest is the Ermita of San Cayetano which houses a 17th century statue of the saint.
But Sayalonga’s real claim to fame is its aforementioned circular cemetery, which attracts over 3,000 visitors per year.
At the tourist office, ask for the key to the information centre where you can discover the history and origins of this curious construction.
A good place to photograph it is from the mirador, on the road leading down the hill at the beginning of the village.
Another claim to fame in Sayalonga is the street of La Alcuza, near Plaza de la Constitution – the narrowest in the Axarquia at only 55cm wide at its narrowest point!
Before you leave, visit the Fountain of Cid which provided the main supply of water to the Arabs.
It was named after a Castilian nobleman who conquered and governed the city of Valencia – but not before having drunk the water in Sayalonga.
On October 7 the Patron Saint of Sayalonga, La Senora del Rosario, is given thanks for the year’s harvest.
