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Atajate
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Town history
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  • Nestled between the valleys of Guadiaro and Genal in the Serranía de Ronda, we find the small town of white houses Atajate. This town of Arab origin has only 150 residents and it is known for being the municipality with fewer inhabitants of the province of Malaga.

    It has spectacular views found at 745 meters above sea level. Its privileged location and the splendid natural environment surrounding it make it the starting point of trekking trails that will not leave you indifferent.

    IN ATAJATE YOU CANNOT MISS

    MONUMENTS

    Strolling through the narrow cobbled streets of Atajate is a real pleasure. The visitor can visit houses that still maintain their eighteenth-century facade; you can visit and refresh yourself in the Fountain of Barrio Alto, and rest in the Plaza of the Constitution, presided by an ancient limestone cross. The history could be found through the various ceramic murals that have been installed in some buildings in the village.

    The Fuente-Lavadero (Fountain-Utility Room), a simple outdoor construction is a true example of popular architecture of the mountain villages of Malaga. Besides being where once women washed clothes was formerly a meeting place in which it everything that happened in the town was commented.

    Recently, the Open Museum of Wine has been created, a museum in the own streets of Atajate dedicated to this drink with as much relevance in the village. Through text, illustrations and traditional tools, like an old press, the traveller can see the process of making these delicious wines.

    Finally, the church of San Jose or San Roque originally from XVIII century and was reformed a century later following Baroque lines. It is divided into three premises separated by arches resting on pillars. Outside even the cover of brick of renaissance style is preserved, which may be the oldest architectural centrepiece of the municipality part. The tower is square and is divided into four sections, the last of them being octagonal and topped with a roof of red ceramic tile.

  • Located in the heart of Serranía de Ronda, Atajate is located 120 kilometres from Malaga city. To get to the village by car we recommend taking the A-357 to Ardales and then the diversion on the A-367 until Ronda. From here, continue along the A-397 and A-369 until you get to Atajate. The journey will take you about an hour and a half.

    If you prefer travelling along the coast, you can take the A-7 until exit 172 in the direction of Ronda. From here continue along the A-397 and A-369 until you reach your destination. This route is a little longer and will take you about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

  • NATURAL RESOURCES

    Atajate enjoys surroundings of great beauty, in fact, from here, there begins three trekking trails approved by the Andalusian Mountaineering Federation. In addition, you can practice climbing in its route.

    Near the village, you can find Caverns of Los Tajos, caves in which coins and ceramics from the Roman period were found. Although, currently they are privately owned, it is the place where great beauty can be enjoyed. In it, you can find, what is so-called by neighbours "Torcal of Atajate", a maze of rock formations covered with thick scrub and which is a home to native species such as deer, hedgehogs and badgers.

    POPULAR FESTIVALS

    In August, people of Atajate show their festive character in the patron Saint festivals. The so-called Festivals of San Roque, where besides the procession of the Saint, there are folk festivals, musical performances, dances, games and even sporting competitions.

    During the rest of the year, it is worth mentioning the following events:

    - Easter: during Easter Sunday, the Feast of the Garden also known as the Feast of Moors and Christians is celebrated. At the door of the church, an ornate is placed with vegetables and flower garden where locals, dressed in Arab clothes, ""abduct"" tourists by offering sweets and liqueurs. They are released if they leave a donation for the August festivals, to which they are invited.

    - May: In this month, Atajate organizes, along with the village of Alpandeire a pilgrimage, as both share the Saint. This is celebrated every year in one of the two municipalities.

    - November: On the last Saturday of this month, the Fiesta del Mosto (Feast of the Must Wine) is organized, declared by Provincial Tourist Singularity. Here, locals and visitors enjoy the must wine made by their own local families which they have to subsequently evaluate. The tasting is accompanied by generous portions of crumbs offered in the municipality house set up in the Plaza of the Constitution of Atajate.

    CUISINE

    The gastronomic specialties of the culinary art of Atajate include hot gazpacho (a thick soup mainly of tomatoes and other vegetables), gazpachuelo (delicious soup of hake, potatoes and a kind of light mayonnaise), porridge and migas (very popular preparation from flour and bread, respectively). In any case, on the table, the must (freshly pressed fruit juice mostly grape juice) cannot be missed.

    Regarding pastry, it can said that the 'enreaíllos' (rolled strips of mass and honey), fritters (fresh fried dough in olive oil and generally honey washed), piñonates (Tablets of a fried dough of dry fruits dipped in honey), donuts and delicious almond cheese.

  • Town history

    Fragments of axes found in caves near the village attest to the presence of man in prehistoric times in Atajate. The Romans seem to have set foot here too, leaving a few coins and pots behind. No traces have been found of civilisations between the Romans and the Arabs. They were the real founders of the village, which grew out of a fortress built in Cerro del Cuervo.

    During the Peninsular War, Atajate was ravished by the French army. Residents left their houses in ruins and the area was seized by bandits, who found their haven here after attacking the stagecoaches that got around Serranía de Ronda.

    In the nineteenth century, a phylloxera epidemic badly damaged Málaga"s vineyards, bringing the booming wine-making industry to a halt. Atajate was no exception. The village used to have as many as 30 winepresses, some of which can still be seen today – two still in operation. A third one (fallen into disuse) is listed in the Linguistic and Ethnographic Atlas of Andalusia because of its unique pressing system.

  • Given that Atajate cuisine is characterised by locally grown produce, it should be no surprise that the stand-out local dishes are stews with wild herbs, olla, rabbit stew and gazpacho.

    The village has an Arab past, which is reflected in its Moorish desserts, such as pestiños, piñonates, roscos and delicious cheeses with almonds and enreaíllos.

    One of the products you simply must try during a trip to Atajate is mosto. Particularly if your outing coincides with the festival dedicated to the drink.


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