Two weeks ago I went for a short trip to Frigiliana. It’s situated in the hills approximately 25 kilometres northwest from Almuñécar and around 6 kilometres north from Nerja. You can easily reach it by bus. Now let me tell you about this picturesque village.
Frigiliana
Frigiliana is one of the typical Andalusian white villages. It has won several times the title of Spain’s most beautiful and well-preserved village. It was originally founded by the Moors. The village houses are some of the most authentic expressions of traditional Arabic architecture in Spain. Every year Frigiliana hosts the Festival of the Three Cultures, celebrating the region’s historic confluence and co-existence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions.
Two parts of Frigiliana and sugarcane factory
Frigiliana is divided into two parts – the new lower part and the old upper part. When I arrived to the village, I got to the modern lower part and then I was walking to the historical one. That part is the one that is worth visiting. The first building that you cannot miss is the Palace of the Counts of Frigiliana which used to be a renaissance-style palace which was later converted to the sugar mill. The sugarcane factory is actually the last remaining and still-working sugarcane factory in Europe.
The labyrinth of the streets
Then you can walk through the labyrinth of narrow streets. Some of the streets are quite steep, it’s because the village is built on a mountain side. In every street you can see colourful doors and many pot plants. There are also many art and craft shops as well as many restaurants and café bars. I recommend you to enter to some of the shops because they sell many nice unsual things.
What to see
What you can see in Frigiliana is also “Fuente vieja” (Old Fountain). It was constructed in the 17th century and was originally designed to provide a water supply for the people. One of the places I didn’t visit was the old Moorish Castle of Lizar. The weather wasn’t so good and that’s why I decided not to climb up there. Another place you can find while walking in the narrow streets is the San Antonio Church, the main religious structure in Frigiliana, erected in the 17th century and modified in the 18th century. Frigiliana also dominates with many hiking routes that can also lead you through the Natural Park.
Old Fountain
San Antonio Church
Eagle Aquaduct
On my way back I was able to see the Eagle Aquaduct that I presented you in one of the previous posts. It’s really huge, it’s just a shame that there isn’t a normal way to get closer to see it well. Anyway, there is a photo for you to see it:
I can say that I really enjoyed my trip to Frigiliana. It’s an amazing village with remarkable atmosphere. You can feel the historical past. I didn’t find it so touristic but it could be because of the weather as well as it’s not the high season yet. The village has also spectacular views since it’s situated at three hundred metres above the sea level. It’s definitely worth visiting. On the way back, you can stop like me to see the aquaduct 🙂
