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Frigiliana On The Costa Del Sol Spain
he Spanish village of The village has all the delights
Frigiliana is situated in expected of a traditional
the foothills of the Andalucia town with cobbled
Almijara mountain range, just 5km streets winding through white
inland from the popular holiday washed houses, decorated with
destination of Nerja. It is also vibrant colours from seasonal
within an hours drive from the plants and flowers in bloom. With
International airport at Malaga only around 2,000 permanent
in southern Spain. Because residents, Frigiliana is
airline companies now offer surprisingly blessed with many
competitive flights to Malaga bars, restaurants and shops. The
from many destinations around town centre is filled with small
Europe, the opportunity to visit traditional townhouses,
some of Spain’s most idyllic and interspersed with idyllic shops
charming villages has become selling textiles, rugs, leather
easier than ever. goods, tiles, and local wines.
There are also several excellent
Frigiliana is one such village: a shops selling local pottery and
delight to explore, full of ceramics, including decorative
history and offers unbeatable plates with distinctive Arab
Spanish charm. It has been voted design.
one of the prettiest towns in the
province of Malaga and it is easy There are also choice bars and
to see why. It enjoys spectacular restaurants to be found, some
views of both the Almijara offering fantastic views of the
Mountains that form a beautiful mountains or the Costa del Sol,
backdrop to the village, and also and some to relax and take in
the enclosed valley all the way Spanish life. All offer
down to the Mediterranean Sea. traditional Andalucia cuisine and
a fine selection of tapas. For
anyone who has not tried Spanish attractions around the village.
local cuisine, a selection of
tapas offers the opportunity to Steeped in history with
try several small dishes at an archaeological finds dating back
affordable price. to 3000BC, Frigiliana has been
inhabited by many different
The surrounding countryside is civilisations including the
also ideal to explore by foot, Romans, Phoenicians and the
with the close river valley Arabs. The Arab occupation has
boasting fantastic views of the left the greatest impact on the
hillside scenery towering above, village with much of the original
and a spectacular waterfall Moorish architecture still
cascading down the rocks during apparent.
the winter season. Slightly
further along the valley can be During the 16th Century there
found a seating area surrounded were many battles between the
with trees, a flowing river and Moors and Christians in
perhaps views of local wildlife. Andalucia, which culminated with
the final expulsion of the Arabs
The road from Nerja on the Costa with the battle of the Rock of
leads straight into the heart of Frigiliana in 1569. This
the town, and on approaching historical rebellion between the
there are ample parking spaces local Moriscos in the village and
all the way up to the village. surrounding area, and a Christian
There is a car park itself but army led from Nerja was a
the twenty of so spaces on offer particularly violent battle that
never appear to be available. is still remembered today. This
There is a large children’s play fascinating story is depicted
park and a street map displaying with twelve ceramic plaques
some of the more interesting posted on the corners of streets
to be found within the village. Moors occupation can be found at
the very top of the town with the
The Moorish influence is apparent remains of a Moorish castle.
throughout the town, and best
enjoyed walking through the There are many festivals
narrow cobbled passageways celebrated in Spain, and if you
leading to the Mudejar district, are lucky enough to be in the
one of the best-preserved areas village during the festivities,
of Moorish architectures in you will see this sleepy Spanish
Andalucia. town burst into life with
celebrations involving the whole
The Church of Saint Anthony of town and everyone lucky enough to
Padua was built in the 17th be visiting. One of the best
Century by Don Bernado de Godoy, fiestas to experience is the
and was restored in 1976. Built Frigiliana bull-run. A smaller
in the Renaissance style, many of version than the one held in
the original frescos can still be Pamplona, both in size of
seen throughout, and the church attractions and in size of bulls,
houses three 17th century but nonetheless no less exciting
paintings of excellent quality. for those participating.
The plaque outside the entrance
tells the full story of the Frigiliana, like many of the
construction. towns in the Axarquía region,
benefits from a microclimate that
Other sites of interest include offers average temperatures of
the former Granary that was built 18C, so even during the months of
in 1767 and a 16th century winter, temperatures are expected
Renaissance Palace that has now mild with many crisp, blue skies.
been turned into a molasses With excellent views over the
factory. Another example of the Axarquía region, and the slopes
of the Almijara Nature Park, But there’s no need to take my
Frigiliana is an excellent place word for it. Apart from receiving
to visit, explore and finally to many regional awards, it earned
relax in one of the bars or its most cherished prize in 1982,
restaurants to appreciate the with 1st place for beautification
scenery and culture of this in the whole of Spain from the
beautiful region. ministry of tourism.
About the Author:
Steve Greenwood has lived in Spain for 3 years, visited Frigiliana many times and done the Frigiliana bull-run. You are invited to visit http://www.idealrentals4u.com for apartments for rent on the Costa del Sol, places to visit and things to do while on holiday in Spain.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
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