La Cilla (Archidona)

La Cilla in Archidona (Malaga, Andalusia) is a historic former granary building that today combines museum, library and cultural functions right in the heart of the old town. The name "cilla" comes from the building's original purpose — it served as the grain store of the Dukes of Osuna, the town's former lords, holding harvests collected from the surrounding countryside.

How to get there?

Archidona sits in the province of Malaga, roughly 50 km north of the provincial capital, on the route connecting the Costa del Sol coast with Antequera and the Andalusian interior. The building stands on Plaza de la Victoria, formerly known as Placeta de los Mesones, right in the middle of the old quarter. Driving is the easiest option, since the town has good access from the A-45 motorway. Buses also run to Archidona from Malaga and Antequera; from the bus stop it's a short, pleasant walk through the narrow streets of the old town to reach La Cilla.

What will you see?

The façade facing the square dates from the 18th century and makes a strong impression — a stone Baroque front flanked by the coats of arms of the Dukes of Osuna. The building itself is documented as far back as the late 16th century, making La Cilla one of the older functional buildings in town. Its interior layout is unusual and worth a close look: the historic wing consists of three very long, narrow and tall naves, and directly beneath them, on a lower level, the same layout repeats but as shorter, vaulted spaces. This design was a direct response to the building's storage function — grain needed to be kept in large quantities in dry, well-ventilated rooms.

The building's history of use is just as interesting as its architecture. Between 1980 and 1985 it underwent a thorough restoration and began serving as the town hall, the seat of Archidona's municipal government — a role it kept until 2010. Afterwards the building was adapted for cultural purposes: since 2004, part of it has housed the Archidona Municipal Museum, arranged in three exhibition rooms. Besides the museum, La Cilla is also home to the town's public library and a radio hall, making it a genuine hub of local cultural life.

When visiting La Cilla, it's worth noticing the contrast between the plain, functional construction of the interior and the decorative, representative façade — a typical example of a working storehouse dressed up in palatial style because it served the interests of a ducal family. It's also worth comparing the height and proportions of the three upper naves with their vaulted lower counterparts — a clear lesson in centuries-old granary architecture.

When to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Archidona, since temperatures in Andalusia are much milder than at the height of summer. The museum and library keep standard office hours, so it's a good idea to plan a visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon — usually the quietest time to take in the interiors without crowds. Plaza de la Victoria, the square in front of the building, is itself a pleasant spot to rest while exploring the old town.

Frequently asked questions

What was the La Cilla building originally used for? It was a granary belonging to the Dukes of Osuna, the former lords of Archidona, used to store grain from the surrounding harvests — hence the name "cilla."

When did La Cilla serve as the town hall? The building housed Archidona's municipal government between 1980 and 2010, following a restoration carried out from 1980 to 1985.

What can you see in La Cilla today? Since 2004, part of the building has held the Archidona Municipal Museum with three exhibition rooms, alongside the town's public library and a radio hall.

What is the most notable architectural feature? The 18th-century Baroque façade bearing the coats of arms of the Dukes of Osuna, and the unique layout of three long, tall naves repeated below in a lower, vaulted level.