The tiny Andalucia village of Benadalid is located in the the River Genal valley , some 25 km from Ronda. Surrounded by some of the most stunning landscape that Andalucia has to offer

This little Andalucian village may be small but if you are interested in traditional Spain, it is well worth a visit

This history of the village dates back to the times of the Celts and then the Romans who built a fortress that was to be used by the Moors when they arrived in the 8^th Century

The village gets its name from the Moorish tribe who settled here the Berber Banu Jalid tribe and who evolved into the tribe Ben Adalid (sons of Jalid),

The village marked the frontier between the Moors and the Christians until the expulsion of the Moors

Two of the most notable landmarks in the village can be found in the main square of the village, the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) and the stunning San Isidoro parish church which ates from the 16^th Century

Heading north out of the village you will find the old Benadalid fortress or castle .There is much debate on the history of this building. Many say it dates from the time of the Roman occupation while others say it is of Arabic design and dates from around the 13^th or 14^th Century. One thing is agreed though it is a beautiful structure that is well worth the visit.

In the interior of the fortress you will find the village cemetery

One of the best times to visit the village is late August when the village celebrates The Moors y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) festival. The event spans two full days and centers on the castle and the surrounding country side. It coincides with the local patron saint festival

It is a ritual that dates from the early 17^th century . During the event the Muslims steal the statue of the patron saint, which is in the castle, whereupon the Christians kidnap the children of the Moors who have perpetrated the act.
On the second day, both sides attempt an exchange-the Moorish children for the statue of the saint-but an Arab traitor makes this impossible. After the inevitable battle between them, the Christians come out victorious and the Moors are baptized.

The Día del Niño (Day of the Child) is celebrated during the August fiestas with special events dedicated to the little ones, and there is a flamenco soirée after the San Isidoro mass and procession. The fiesta in October in honour of the patron saint, the Virgen del Rosario, also draws a big public.

Tourist Information: Town Hall, Plaza Beni Al Jali, 1 (29493). Telephone: 952 152 753; Fax: 952 152 802