Aljibe Árabe

The Arab cistern, or aljibe árabe, is one of the oldest surviving structures in Setenil, predating the Christian conquest of 1484. It is built into the rock near the castle at the top of the village, a vaulted underground chamber that collected and stored water for the Moorish garrison and population above.

The cistern is small but well-preserved, and interpretive panels explain its construction and use. Access is sometimes possible on guided visits organised by the local tourist office; at other times the entrance gate is closed. It is worth asking at the Ayuntamiento if you want to see the interior. Even viewed from outside, the entrance arch and surrounding stonework are attractive examples of medieval Moorish civil engineering.

things to do sight
A story
The word aljibe comes from the Arabic al-jibb, meaning cistern or well. The Moors built these underground water stores throughout southern Spain, and the engineering was often sophisticated: channels cut into the hillside collected rainwater and spring water alike, filtering it through sand before storing it underground. The cistern at Setenil supplied the fortress for the seven sieges it withstood.