Benarrabá

Geographic location: Situated in the lower area of the Serrania de Ronda, 157 kilometers from Malaga and 622 meters above sea level.

Area: 26 square kilometers

Number of inhabitants: 672

What: Benarrabeños

Monuments: Parish of San Sebastian, Ermita del Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz -

Tourist information: Town Hall 952 150 077

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Benarrabá is located 37 kilometers from Ronda, among the creeks of the plant and the Infiernillo, in the middle valley. After about 622 meters in height and has a population of around 700. It offers a unique landscape shaped by forests of cork oaks, chestnut, pine and quejigo and the slope of the river falls Genal full of Madrona, heather, durillos, myrtle, ferns and so on. coupled with the beauty of olive crops, fruit trees, citrus and vegetables.

This town that still retains its aspect of the Muslim era is composed of convoluted streets, steep and angular to be situated on the slopes of Mt.

The village's name also dates from this time of the name Banu Rabbah which means children of Rabbah, the benimerines ancient tribe that occupied the valley of Genal. According to historians Arabic during the occupation was built a castle on top of Benarrabá who served as a lookout across the valley and which had an underground communication with the people of Casares and Gaucin. They also recount the story of a family of dyers who lived on the side of the river and made some dyes unmatched by emphasizing the color crimson, according to legend dyes derived from the virtues offered by the magical waters of Genal providing them with a special brilliance and beauty .

The architect of these dyes was Abdesalam ben Arrabat, a great alchemist who developed formulas surprising at the time. Their dyes supplied to Cordoba, Granada and Malaga. After the reconquest, in the hands of the people became Christians belong to the House of Medina Sidonia, the ninth Duke of Medina Sidonia, Gaspar Alonso Perez de Guzman, who in 1636 was presented with a large retinue.

Within this beautiful village is the most prominent building of the Parish of San Sebastian. Data from the first half of the eighteenth century, although he had to make numerous reforms over time, especially after the Civil War. It comprises three aisles separated by pillars that hold half-point arc, the chapel is covered by hemispherical dome with plaster polychrome representing the four Evangelists in the Pendant and the arches of the axis of the Church, the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian and the Annunciation. On both sides of this chapel there are also two other vaults on PENDENTIVE, like chapels that house the other remaining ships. The central nave is covered by a vaulted ceiling plaster in the form of armor, the sides have ceilings Ceilings.

The facade is notable for its auction in the convex concave profile that opens the gate brick, consists of half-point arc punctuated by pilasters Tuscan stem fajado which relies on the entablature denticulado on this niche and marked trails and to pilastrillas pyramids on the sides. Currencies also its tower with four half-point arc and finished off by a hemispherical dome covered with ceramics.

Another place that we can not stop visiting the shrine of Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz

The construction of this church is the seventeenth century, although it also hosts some reforms. It is composed of a single spacecraft, in its origins, covered with wooden frame and a chapel covered with a hemispherical dome on PENDENTIVE. Inside you discover a magnificent wooden polychrome altarpiece of the eighteenth century, situated in the High Altar. Its simple front opens in mediopunto arc on a rectangular base crowned with triangular pediment, above it is the steeple of a single hole.

And above all Benarrabá provides a wonderful natural environment and with one of the most lush forests across the province. Where we can find places like the Rock, Routes Genal by the river, the forest of Spanish (The Royal) and Buitreras Guadiaro river valley on foot, horseback or by bike.

Benarrabá is known for its beauty and mastery in the art of embroidery and bobbin lace. They also highlight the crafts of pottery and ceramics, wicker and macrame

Among the rich dishes of Benarrabá highlight the hot broth, tripe and various recipes with mushrooms from the field for the coldest months in summer and especially its gazpacho. We can also delight with their tasty black pudding, sausages and sausages. In the field of the alfajores are famous pastry, donuts and piñonate produced handmade products of the land, are especially at Christmas

During the Christmas holidays typical residents of Benarrabá Reyes held the night of a particular representation Car of the Magi in the unique context of its streets and corners typical ending at the church where he delivered all the presents. Later on January 20 is the patron festival in honor of San Sebastian.

Already in summer Benarrabá celebrates the Day of San Juan with a festival on the banks of the river Genal and with the arrival of autumn the September 29 Great Feasts are held in honor of San Miguel.