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