Totalán, a small white village in Axarquía, near the coast along the route of the raisin, is the birthplace of the great flamenco and copla singer Antonio Molina. Known for its natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere, this picturesque place is surrounded by mountains and close to the coast. It stands out for its rich history, cultural traditions, and local gastronomy. Its narrow streets and white houses invite exploration and enjoyment of the authenticity of rural Andalusian life. Totalán is a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and beauty!
Where is Totalán located
Totalán is located 19km from Malaga capital with a population of 746 inhabitants. The municipal term has a dimension of almost 9,21km square.
The origin of the name Totalán
The origin of the town’s name comes from the Arabic where “Totalán” means “Torta” (Scone or Cake).
Denonym of the people of Totalán
The inhabitants are called “totalaneño or totalaneña” or also “totaleño or totaleña”.
Monuments and places of interest in Totalán
- Church of Santa Ana: It is the oldest building in the town created in 1505 with renovations in the 17th century. Formed by two naves divided by semicircular arches supported by Tuscan columns. Architecturally we highlight its wooden coffered ceiling that is in both naves. The bell tower of Mudejar influence stands out for its whitewashing, which is a technique of painting with lime.
- Violin Tower: Also called the Mirador del Zagal, it was built in 2010 by the city council in collaboration with the Junta de Andalucía to recreate a historical event. The tower commemorates the fact that occurred in 1483 before the taking of Malaga in 1487 when the Zagal (Abū ‘Abd Allāh Muḥammad az-Zaġall) began the attack against the Christian troops who were coming from Antequera to attack the Muslim army camped in Totalán-Moclinejo. The Zagal used the sound of a violin from the tower as a signal to begin the attack. The Zagal defeated the Christian troops.
- Monument Antonio Molina: Singer and actor of Totalan origin (1928-1992). His copla and flamenco captivated Spain in the 1950s, producing a dozen films and singing more than a thousand songs. Sculpture inaugurated in 2017, the singer’s sculpture measures 2.40m located on an old stone of a mill.
- Vigil Tower de Salazar: A defense tower from the 11th century that formed part of the defensive system and coastal surveillance during the Muslim era, located on the MA-3202 road about 7km from the center of the town.
- Dolmen del Cerro de la Corona
- Monumento al Camaleón
For more information about Totalán Village: visit the City Council page