Sponsored by
l a i MIJAS Spec www.rtnnewspaper.com
16th - 22nd November
Credit: www.guiademijas.es
Credit: www.turismo.mijas.es
QUAINT: The town is famous for its winding streets. WATCHTOWERS: Provided lookout points during battles between the Spanish and Moors.
THE SPANISH: Built the Iglesia de la Concepcion on the site of a former Arab mosque.
founded by Bronze-age dwellers, the Tartessians. Invasions by the Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans followed suit, and under the Romans the town eventually became a thriving commercial centre, aided by its proximity to a road connecting Malaga and Cadiz. Later, in 714 AD, Mijas was captured by the Moors who built an Arab mosque whose ruins form part of the site of the current Iglesia de la Concepcion Inmaculada. This 16th
century church is still in use. The Catholics battled to regain the area in 1485, building Mijas Castle as a fortification, the ruins of which are still visible on Paseo de la Muralla. A series of vigias (watchtowers) were also built during this period. The Spanish eventually regained final control of Mijas at the end of the 15th centur y and today, Mijas’ whitewashed walls reveal a town steeped in histor y, both ancient and modern.
Credit: Tripkay.com
TENS of thousands of tourists flock to the stunning whitewashed village of Mijas each year, attracted by the town’s winding roads, artisanal shops and views of the Mediterranean sparkling below. Whole coachloads of tourists from around the world make their way up mountain roads carved out of the Sierra de Mijas to visit the famous town. And Spanish travellers frequent Mijas too, drawn to its flamenco festival, open air theatre and newly renovated main square. While Mijas is well-known for its good food, weather and theatre, it is less widelyknown that the town is a hidden cultural gem. Whereas Spain’s Roman and Moorish heritage is fairly well-publicised, it is easy to forget Mijas itself also has roots tracing back thousands of years. Known as Tarnisa or Tarmina in Roman times, Mijas dates back to prehistoric times when the town was
Credit: www.turismo.mijas.es
Ancient roots
21
MIJAS CASTLE: Was built by the Spanish to defend against the Moors.
For further information on Mijas’ cultural sites, visit www.turismo.mijas.es.