The municipality of Álora is made up of the most characteristic geography of the entire territory of Málaga. Because of its location, practically in the centre of the province, the most diverse landscapes come together in this area, ranging from such rugged and quite high mountain masses as the Sierra de Huma (1,191 metres) to the gentle landscapes on the banks of the River Guadalhorce, and including the imposing Desfiladero de los Gaitanes (Los Gaitanes Gorge), which is without a doubt one of the most striking geographic features to be found in Spain.

In keeping with this diversity, the crops and forests within the municipal boundaries of Álora likewise show a great difference among themselves, so that while in the broad valley of the Guadalhorce citrus and fruit trees are the most abundant species, olive and almond groves and brush lands typify the area of the Mountains of Málaga, while pines and the occasional remnant of old live oak groves cover the lands closest to the adjoining Antequera region.

Human presence in this region dates back to prehistory, judging from traces found at Hoyo del Conde, and the passage of Turdetans and Phoenicians is verified. The latter promoted trade here, and in fact, the foundation of the Castle is Phoenician in origin, although it is true that it was the Romans who completed and extended this fortress.

This locality achieved great splendour under Roman rule, and some relics remain that have made it possible to reconstruct the history of that era, such as the “miliario” (milestone) on which appears the inscription “Municipium Iluritanum”, dated 79 A.D. It can be deduced from this that Álora was a Roman settlement under Roman law in the times of Domicianus.

The Vandals took over the former Iluro in the fifth century. Ruins from this period are preserved at the fortress located on the mount of Las Torres, whose defences are unequivocally the type of construction carried out by the Visigoths.

The Muslim invasion at first was carried out very peacefully, since the residents of the city could keep their religion and customs in exchange for paying the invader the tribute that was agreed upon. The most significant events of this era were closely linked to the rebellion of Omar Ben Hafsun, whose stronghold Bobastro is very close to Álora.

On numerous occasions the Christians besieged the city. Alfonso XI, Juan II and Enrique IV successively attempted to take Álora so as to leave clear the road towards Málaga, but it was not until 10 June 1484 that the troops of the Catholic Monarchs finally took this place after nine days of combat.

Throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the village experienced a notable economic resurgence, no doubt due to a number of illustrious personages who lived there. Álora was entirely separated from the municipality of Málaga in 1628, as stated in the act signed by Felipe IV.

How to Get There

Take the A-357 from the city of Málaga and continue on the A-343. You will go past Pizarra and arrive at Álora six kilometres farther along.