If you are looking for a charming and authentic village to visit in Malaga, you should consider Alameda. Alameda is a small municipality located in the north of the Antequera region, about 73 kilometers from Malaga city.
Alameda has a rich history and culture, as well as beautiful natural landscapes. You can explore its archaeological sites, such as the Roman baths and the Dolmen de la Peña de los Enamorados, or visit its museums, such as the Tempranillo Museum dedicated to the famous bandit José María Hinojosa Cobacho.
You can also enjoy its gastronomy, based on local products like olive oil, wine, cheese and honey. And if you want to have some fun, you can join its popular festivals, such as the Carnival or the Easter Week. Alameda is a perfect destination for those who want to discover a different side of Malaga. And you don’t have to worry about how to get there, because you can easily rent a car in Malaga and drive along scenic roads.
History of Alameda
Alameda is a town with a long and fascinating history. Its origins date back to ancient times, when it was settled by the Phoenicians and later by the Romans. There is also archaeological evidence of habitation from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods.
This place had a strategic role during the Roman times; it kept this condition for centuries, as stagecoaches and travellers had to stop here for a rest from their tiring journeys. Many times, famous bandits such as “El Tempranillo”, whose tomb is in the town church, would ambush them. Nowadays, getting there is obviously safer and easier. The main road of Mollina, or the N- 311 between Córdoba and Málaga, offer us the most comfortable access.
The town grew during the seventeenth century, thanks to its specialization in esparto grass, wood and carpentry. One possible explanation for its name is that it comes from a poplar grove that existed in the area. In 1883, Alameda was incorporated into the newly created province of Malaga, under the control of Archidona. This was an unpopular and confusing decision for a town that still had ties with Estepa and Seville. It was only in 1959 that Alameda was placed under the orders of the archbishop of Malaga.
Places to visit
Alameda is a small town in the province of Malaga, Andalusia, that offers a unique combination of history, culture and nature. Alameda has a rich and fascinating past that dates back to ancient times, when it was settled by the Phoenicians and later by the Romans. It also has a strong connection with Tempranillo, the famous bandit who was born and buried in this town. Alameda has many attractions and places to visit that will make your stay unforgettable.
For those interested in archaeology, Alameda has an important necropolis dating from the Early Palaeolithic era (2.500 BC) and with Neolithic ceramic remains, proof that this place was a base for early human settlement since prehistoric times. More recent are the Roman baths, “La Fuente de la Placeta”, built during the reign of Carlos III, and the church of “La Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción”, with a marked baroque style.
The Tempranillo Museum
One of the main attractions of Alameda is the Tempranillo Museum, dedicated to the life and legend of José María Hinojosa Cobacho, better known as Tempranillo or El Príncipe de la Sierra. He was a notorious bandit who operated in Andalusia during the early 19th century and became a popular hero among the people for his generosity and bravery. The museum displays his personal belongings, weapons, documents and photographs that tell his story. You can also visit his tomb at the local cemetery.
Bandits emerged in the 16th century as a result of social and economic inequalities, political repression and religious conflicts. Banditry continued until the 19th century, when it was suppressed by the rural police force called Guardia Civill. The museum of Tempranillo is dedicated to one of the last bandits of Andalusia, José María Hinojosa Cobacho, who was nicknamed Tempranillo after a type of grape. He operated mainly in Cordoba and Malaga provinces until his death in 1833.
The Tempranillo Museum is located at Calle Iglesia 14. You can find more information at rutadeltempranillo.es.
Sepultura del Tempranillo
The grave of José María El Tempranillo, a famous 19th century bandit, is located in the inner courtyard of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, in Alameda. It used to be a custom to bury the dead in these ecclesiastical precincts. The patio, surrounded by arches and wrapped in flowers, houses inside a tomb crowned by a stone cross with an inscription that reads: “Here lies José María Hinojosa Cobacho who with his generosity became known by El Tempranillo”. You can visit this site as part of La Ruta del Tempranillo (The Tempranillo Route), which follows his footsteps through several towns.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/QwRkuJfEtZfaWUZeA
The Church of La Purísima Concepción
Another place worth visiting in Alameda is the Church of La Purísima Concepción, built in 1696 in baroque style. The church has a beautiful façade with two towers and a central niche with an image of the Virgin Mary. Inside, you can admire a remarkable rococo altar piece at the head of the nave, as well as paintings by local artists. The church also hosts religious celebrations throughout the year.
The Church of La Purísima Concepción is located at C. Enmedio, 33.
The Archaeological Site of Cerro Bellido
If you are interested in archaeology and ancient history, you should not miss the archaeological site of Cerro Bellido, located on a hill near Alameda. Here you can see the remains of different civilizations that inhabited this area over time: Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths and Arabs.
Canteras Romanas del Cerro Bellido are two large open-air quarries that were used by the Romans to obtain cylindrical pieces of stone called lapidicinae12. These stones were used for building columns, arches and other architectural elements. The quarries are located on the top of Cerro Bellido, a small hill south of Casariche12. In the quarries, there are also remains of pottery, buildings and metal tools that show how the workers lived and worked there2.
The archaeological site of Cerro Bellido is accessible by car (19 minutes) or on foot (almost 3 hours) from Alameda: https://goo.gl/maps/yTaTRXSXq3aUG74v6
Los Carvajales
Los Carvajales is a village with typical houses and an ethnographic museum that shows how people lived in rural areas in the past. You can see old tools, furniture, clothes and utensils that reflect their customs and traditions. The village also has a church dedicated to San Isidro Labrador and a fountain that provides fresh water.
How to get from Alameda: https://goo.gl/maps/sbZUVnhjmkC9btmz6 (by car is 10 minutes while walking is near 1 hour)
Alameda Necropolis
The Alameda necropolis is an archaeological site located in the municipality of Alameda, in the province of Málaga. It consists of two different sites: the Roman baths and the Chalcolithic necropolis.
The Roman baths are the remains of a thermal building that was built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Part of the cold, warm and hot rooms are preserved, as well as the heating system by hypocaust. It is believed that the baths were a place of leisure and worship for the inhabitants of the area.
The Chalcolithic necropolis is a set of artificial caves that were dug between 2500 and 2000 BC. About twenty wells have been found with human, ceramic and lithic remains. It is one of the oldest and best preserved necropolises in Andalusia.
You can visit these sites at Calle de Enmedio, 211, or find more information about getting there: https://goo.gl/maps/4SvU4VHJDK2EWRU3A
Events and Activities
Not anyone coming with the aim of entertainment will be disappointed. The events start with “La Noche de la Candelaria” (2nd February), and continue in May with the Romería of San Isidro. And, obviously, the culmination in summer putting matters to a close with the Fair in August.
Noche de la Candelaria
It is a traditional festival that takes place in Alameda on February 2nd. It consists of making fires or candles in various places of the town, around which the locals and visitors tell stories and taste typical products. The festival is dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria, a Marian devotion that originated in Spain.
San Isidro Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage of San Isidro is a festival that takes place in Alameda every 14th and 15th of May in honor of the patron saint of the town, San Isidro Labrador. It is one of the most important celebrations in the province of Malaga and has an origin that dates back to 1952. The pilgrimage consists of a parade of floats and horses that accompany the image of the saint from the church to the Camorrillo park, where a mass and a popular meal are held. There are also cultural, sports and musical activities during the two days of celebration.
Alameda Festival
This is a musical event that brings together artists and bands of different genres, such as rap, rock and folk. The festival will celebrate its second edition on June 2nd and 3rd, 2023 at the Polígono La Amarguilla. Some of the confirmed artists are SFDK, Ayax y Prok, Miguel Campello, El Niño de la Hipoteca and ARCO. The festival also has its own camping area at the Parque del Camorrillo.
Alameda Fair
This is a traditional celebration that takes place every year in August to honor the patron saint of Alameda, San Isidro Labrador. The fair includes religious ceremonies, cultural activities, sports competitions and musical performances. The fair also features a parade of floats and horses, a night market and fireworks.
Alameda fair takes place every year in August, around the same time as the Malaga fair. The exact dates may vary depending on the year, but for 2023 it seems that it will be from 11th to 19th of August.
Alameda Gastronomic Week
This is an event that showcases the culinary diversity and quality of Alameda and its surroundings. The gastronomic week takes place every year in October and involves local restaurants, bars and producers. The event offers tastings of typical dishes such as gazpacho blanco (white cold soup), migas (fried bread crumbs) and porra antequerana (thick tomato soup), as well as local wines and cheeses.
The gastronomic week takes place every year in October.
Alameda Christmas Market
This is an event that celebrates the festive season with a variety of stalls selling crafts, food and gifts. The Christmas market takes place every year in December at the Plaza de la Constitución. The market also offers entertainment for children such as workshops, games and storytelling.
Gastronomy
In Alameda you can taste some typical products of Malaga province, such as extra virgin olive oil, sweet wine, goat cheese, chorizo and black pudding. There are also local products such as Alameda cakes, sweet cookies shaped like flowers that are handmade with flour, sugar and lard. Another specialty is migas with chunks, a dish made of fried bread with garlic, peppers and other ingredients such as chorizo, bacon or sardines.
Some recommended dishes are: The almond and garlic sauces (salsa de almendra y ajo), the hare with rice (arroz con liebre), the porrides (las gachas), the custards (las natillas), the rice puddings (arroz con leche) and the typical home- made confectionery primarily “pestiños”, “roscos mostachones” and home- made Christmas sweets (mantecados), will delight many a lover of good cuisine.
Getting to Alameda in Malaga
Alameda is a charming town located in the north of Malaga province, near the border with Seville. It offers a rich cultural heritage, a beautiful natural environment and a variety of events throughout the year that will make your visit unforgettable. Whether you are looking for music, history, gastronomy or tradition, Alameda has something for everyone.
You can easily reach Alameda by car from Malaga airport, following the A-92 motorway towards Seville and taking exit 138 towards Alameda/Bobadilla Estación. The journey takes about an hour and 15 minutes.