Located 85km from Malaga in the Antequera region of Malaga province close to the boarder with Cordoba and Seville provinces is the pretty Andalucian village of Alameda.

The landscape around the village is mostly flat and covered in an abundance of olive groves.

The history of the village days back to 2,500 BC during the Chalcolithic or Eneolithic periods although most of the relics and artifacts found in the area date from the Roman era.

The is little documented history but it is known that the village came under control of the province of Seville between the 16^th and 19^th Century when the village was under the leadership of the Marquises of Estepa. After this it came into the province of Málaga.

The most notable and outstanding remains in the village are the Roman baths and the Chalcolithic Necropolis, which are very close together.

The parish church which is known as La Inmaculada was built in the 18^th Century under the orders of the Marquise of Estepa.

One of the popular attractions is the tomb in the grounds of the church of one of the villages most famous inhabitants El Tempranillo, the legendary 19th century bandit born in nearby Jauja who was killed by an old raid companion near the village in 1833

Located in the village centre you can see a. stone fountain, called Fuente de la Placeta, that was built in the time of Carlos III (eighteenth century)

The Museo de Aperos de Labranza Antonio Cortés, on Calle Cañada, 32, houses an interesting display of tools traditionally used in farm labour. Visits must be arranged by calling 952 710 195.

The Laguna de la Ratosa, “little sister” of the also nearby but much larger Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, is very close to the centre of the village. In both of these shallow lakes the flamingo colony is especially numerous during the nesting season. If rains have not been plentiful during the winter and spring, the Laguna de la Ratosa dries up in summer. The Laguna has been designated a protected nature area by the government of Andalusia. It is a great place to visit to relax after walking around the village

Like all villages, towns and cities in Andalucia the fiestas play an important role in village life.

The 2^nd of February sees the Noche de la Candelaria . On this day the locals light “candelas” (fires) in different places in the village on the pretext of warming themselves, while what is really intended is an entertaining get-together to consume typical products of the local lands and barnyards.

In Alameda, as in all Andalusian villages, the celebration of the Semana Santa (Holy Week) is of special importance. In Alameda, it begins on Palm Sunday with the traditional Pollinica. The processions again take over the streets on Holy Wednesday and conclude on Resurrection Sunday.

15^th May sees the San Isidro pilgrimage taking place . The evening before a contest is held in which the residents put their imaginations to the test to see who can decorate the streets the best and most stunning , nearly always with flower motifs. The night ends with an exciting traditional verbena (street party). The next day the pilgrimage takes place, with the participation of numerous profusely decorated parade floats. Following the result of contest the floats are dismantled and a picnic lunch is spread out.

The Fair is held in August. For several days the distinctive booths, of a markedly Andalusian character, are open to the public, and in them flamenco song, dancing, and fine cuisine play a prominent role. The most current music and rhythms alternate with traditional Andalusian flamenco interpretations.

Tourist Information: Town Hall, Plaza de España, 5 (29530). Telephone: 952 710 025; Fax: 952 710 425