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The
municipality of Ardales is situated between three regions of Malaga
(that of Antequera, to which it administratively
belongs, Ronda and the Guadalhorce valley). It is
a transitional zone and therefore its scenery and history are enriched by
some of the characteristics that predominate in those three territories, which
in many ways are so different from one another. The visitor who enters this
region is presented with a wealth of tourism opportunities, since, except
for beaches, one has practically all other tourism resources within a stone’s
throw. For more information about property
for sale in Spain in or near Ardales please contact us.
Perhaps the most arresting thing about this region is its scenic setting, made up of the reservoirs of the River Guadalhorce, to all intents and purposes, lakes, and the spectacular Desfiladero de los Gaitanes (Los Gaitanes gorge) with its “almost movie like” Caminito del Rey (King’s Little Road), an incredible early twentieth century work that travelled forward in time to the vivid imagination of Spielberg when he designed his awe-inspiring Indiana Jones scenes.
The beauty of these landscapes also includes the peculiar “tafonis”-caves in small sandstone promontories that can be seen between the gorge and reservoirs- and if to this is added, a more than respectable architectural heritage including a Roman bridge, medieval castles and Christian churches and some perfectly documented archaeological sites of the utmost importance, it cannot be denied that the municipality of Ardales has some attractions that place it in an enviable position within and beyond the province of Malaga.
The first human settlement in Ardales occurred during prehistoric times, as was the case in so many villages of Málaga, but in this region there is firm proof of it: the cave paintings discovered in the Cueva de Doña Trinidad Grund (Doña Trinidad Grund Cave) five kilometres from the urban district. Cave paintings more than 20,000 years old are preserved here.
The Roman historian Pliny states in his chronicles that Bastulos and Celt Iberians settled next to the Turón castle in a nucleus of population called, according to Pliny, Turobriga. The Romans, for their part, built the La Peña castle, around which, the beginnings of an urban area took shape. It was only with the Arabic conquest, however, that Ardales truly took on an identity as a village, an event that occurred in the year 716. As of that date it was called Ard-Allah, which means land or garden of God.
The locality acquired great importance in the
ninth century when Omar Ben Hafsun established himself in Bobastro, some 4
kilometres from the modern location of Ardales, and founded his own rebel
kingdom in order to de-stabilize the Caliphate of Cordoba.
During that epoch the castles of Ardales, Turón, Teba and Alora
constituted the best defence of Bobastro and its surroundings, and its inhabitants
embraced the cause of Omar Ben Hafsun.
After continuous battles between Muslims and Christians for control of Ardales
the village passed into the hands of the latter in 1389 during the reign of
Juan I under the terms of the Ardales Pact, which was signed by both sides
in the conflict.
Fiestas
The most important celebrations in Ardales begin on 15 May. This is the day
of San Isidro, the patron saint of the locality who shares this status with
the Virgen de Villaverde (Virgin of Villaverde), in whose honour the Feria
Grande (Great Fair) is held the first week in September. The fiesta consists
of a pilgrimage that is held at the River Guadalhorce reservoir, to where
the Virgin is also carried. The Municipal Band accompanies the pilgrims, who,
once they are set up next to the water, enjoy a day in the country with no
shortage of music, dancing and good food.
Food
Typical Ardales gastronomy centres especially on a variety of stews
in which kid and pork are basic ingredients. Ardaleños are also specialists
in porras (soups), although of the local variety, it is true. Gazpacho is
another of the most customary dishes in this region. Some of its confectionery
that bears mentioning are delicious tortas de almendra and tortas de aceite
(almond or olive oil cakes), roscos de vino (a spiral pastry with wine) and
empanadillas con cabello de ángel (pies containing candied squash).
How to get there:
To get to Ardales leave Malaga by the A-357
in the direction of Cartama, which is the first
village you will pass through. No turn is necessary as this road leads straight
to Ardales.
Tourist information:
Town Hall, Plaza de la Constitución, 1 (29550). Telephone: 952 458
087; Fax: 952 458 169
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