Within this context, the Cerro del Conjuro seems to define itself with particular prominence, in which summit conserves remains that draw at least one double-walled enclosure, as a fortified vantage point. Pascual Madoz, in his Geographical Dictionary (1845-1850) already mentioned “the bastion that crowned the lofty ‘Sierra del Conjuro’”.

 

With this knowgledge, it is interpreted that this settlement hosted an oppidum (a fortified high enclosure) throughout the Iberian Period, with a high capacity to control the territory (communications and production areas) and directly related with other Iberian nuclei, particularly with the “Capacheras”’ oppidum, located about 3 kilometres to the East.

Under a similar concept, the existence of a fortified high settlement (hisn) inside of it during the Moorish Period is considered, at least in the 9th century, reusing the Iberian fortress.

 

Along with the Iberians, Roman remains are common throughout the region. Evidence of their significant presence are the remains of ashlars, coins, columns, and all kinds of pottery found on the Alcadía and Camila estates. This is believed to be the site of the Roman city of “Ulisi”.

 

Throughout the Muslim Period the Cerro de la Ermita (Hermitage Hill) and the Cerro del Conjuro play a transcendental role, the Arabian Arxiduna, old Villa Alta (Upper Town) of the town, could be found there. One of the most important episodes was the proclamation within the precinct of Abderrahman I as independent emir of Al-Ándalus in the year 756. Such was the importance of Archidona at that time up until the 10th century. It became the capital of the “Cora” of Rayya (roughly made up of the current province of Malaga).

 

Between the 9th and 10th centuries, Omar Ibn Hafsun, an Arab leader of Muladi origin, managed to gather a group of Mozarabs, Muladies, and even Berbers dissatisfied with the dominant aristocracy of Arab origin, who fought in clear rebellion against the power of the Umayyad emirs of Córdoba, extending their dominion to a good part of the Andalusian territory. At the end of the 9th century, thanks to the strong support from the population, he captured Arxiduna twice. These events led to the final loss of the status of capital as Cora de Rayya, which from that moment onward passed to Malaga, which had remained loyal to the Umayyads.

 

From the 11th century onwards, a period od decline began in this place. But with the advent of the Nasrid kingdom, Arxiduna once again took on an important strategic and military role, reinforcing one of the western gates of the kingdom of Granada, which remained in place until 1462, when Don Pedro Girón, Grand Master of Calatrava, conquered the town, passing it into Christian hands.

 

Since the 15th century, the Counts of Ureña, direct descendants of the conqueror, will be the lords of the Town of Archidona. Said noble title was created by King Henry IV in 1462 in favour of Alfonso Girón, son of Don Pedro. It was in 1562 when King Philip II created the Duchy of Osuna, in favour of Don Pedro Téllez Girón, fifth Count og Ureña.

During the 16th century, the creation of the current Villa Baja (Low Town) began, as the castle perimeter lost its defensive importance. In this century, the first religious orders began to settle in town: the Preaching Fathers of the Dominican Order, of the Monastery of Santo Domingo (1547), and the Communities of the Minimal Order; of the Convent of Jesus and Mary (1551) and the Monastery of La Victoria (Victory) (1556), who were joined, since 1757, by the founders of the Pious Schools, the Piarist Fathers. All of them played an important role in the spiritual and cultural order.

 

In modern times, Archidona experienced moments and artistic events of great significance, linked mainly to the architecture and urban planning of the Baroque of the 17th-18th centuries, with its Plaza Ochavada (octagonal base plaza) stanging as an emblematic icon. Likewise, the arrival of the Piarists, founders of the Pious Schools, will also be a remarkable cultural moment, as this would be the first School of the Order in Andalusia, giving the town a prestige that will last well into the 20th century. Among other distinguished students, Blas Infante and Admiral Augusto Miranda Godoy studied in its classrooms.

In 1901, the title of city was granted to the hitherto Villa de Archidona, and it was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1980.