Ojen

Is a picturesque town with a population of some 2.000 inhabitants, situated between the Sierra Blanca and Alpujata, in a peaceful location and with abundant water. Its municipal district is included in the natural park of "La Sierra de las Nieves" and it has been able to combine the aspect of traditional, mountain town with a tourist offer of quality.

Location

Ojén is 8kms north of Marbella and is a very attractive white village set in the Sierra de la Nieves natural Park and is popular with foreign residents looking for peace and quiet in natural surroundings yet within easy reach of services and facilities on the coast. Views of the coast and Mediterranean from practically all properties in the villages are stunning. Ojén has several small shops, two banks , restaurants a school health centre and a sports complex with outdoor pool.

History

It is thought that towards the end of Roman Empire, in the place there was a settlement dedicated to agricultural and cattle- raising exploitation. The Arabs, on their part, left important signs of their passing in as much as In the winding layout of their streets as the castle, of which only its ruins remain. After its reconquest and the expulsion of the Moorish in 1609, it becomes independent from Marbella in 1807.

Sights

Amongst its most significant places to visit one needs to highlight the Parish Church of "Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación", built over an ancient mosque of 1505; the fountain of "Los Chorros", built in 1905; the caves of Ojen; and "El Museo del Vino", built in 1830 and "El Museo del Molino".

Festivities

Amongst its local holidays and festivities, stand out "la Romería a Los Llanos de Pula", on the 1st of May; the festival of flamenco singing, in July; the fair in honour of its Patron Saint, San Dionisio Aeropagita, from the 9th to the 12th of October.

Gastronomy

The gastronomy of Ojen is centred around the natural products from the countryside. With them, a great variety of typical dishes are made; amongst which stand out "la sopa hervida", "los chicharros con arroz o fideos", "el bolo de hinojos" and the exquisite almond vegetable soup (gazpacho de almendras).

Usefull Information

Local Holidays . Ojén´s main festivities take place from 9th to 13th October in honour of the village's patron saint, San Dionisio de Aeropaguita.
Distance from Malaga Airport: 65km
Town Hall 952-881-003
The Ojén Flamenco singing festival in august is one of the most famous in Spain.
The village is a socialist stronghold and has its own television station, Ojén TV, which provides an opportunity for Marbella residents to rant and rave about criminal activities in the city and the mayor's alleged involvement in them.

Property

There's little property for sale in the village itself, but you may find country properties on the outskirts on the market.

Costa del Sol Villages