Located just 30 km from the historical city of Ronda in Andalucia hidden away in the Genal valley is the beautiful village of Benalauría. The village is so well hidden that as you approach it there are no signs of a village been there at all until you are right in the centre.

The is little known about the history of the village but it is thought to date from about the year 715 when the village was formed by the Berber tribe of Ben Al Auría (son or sons of Auría} which of cause gave the village its name.

Even though the village is small there is plenty to see including the impressive town hall which is one of the most notable buildings in the village with its rustic brick and Ronda-style grillwork.. In front of the town hall there is an excellent vantage point where you can get a stunning view of the beautiful surrounding countryside and also you can see El Lagar, an ancient building that was used in times past for trampling grapes and today is the site of handicraft groups.

The Santo Domingo de Guzmán parish church is worth visiting as well. This church was build in the 19^th century.

One other place that is worth a visit is the Museo Etnográfico (Ethnographic Museum} which is located up a very steep slope known as Calle Alta. Here you will find displayed all the tools relating to olive oil mills, farm work implements and other traditional articles no longer in use. Ii is necessary to make arrangements for visits except for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Telephone number 0034 952 152 548

Apart from the actual village itself the surrounding area provides some excellent walking possibilities

The Carnival in February is the first festive date of the year in Benalauría, followed by the curious tradition of “Los Mandaítos” on Good Friday.

This village’s best fiesta however, is that of the Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) which takes place on the first Sunday in August. This is a celebration with five centuries of history. In this case the dispute between the two bands is over the kidnapping of the image of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, patron saint of the village.

The confrontation ends when the Christians victoriously enter the castle and the infidels have no alternative but to embrace the Christian religion. In this enactment, organised by the Asociación de Moros y Cristianos (Association of Moors and Christians), practically the entire village participates, and on that day it shows off the splendid costumes inspired by the garments of the era being recreated.

The 7^th October sees the village hold a lively verbena (street party) in honour of the female patron saint of the village, the Virgen del Rosario (Virgin of the Rosary).

Early November sees the “tostón de castañas” (chestnut roast) is held,

Tourist Information: Town Hall, Plaza Teniente Viñas, 1 (29491). Telephone 952 152 502; Fax: 952 152 538