With Malaga as a base, we experienced a lot of Southern Spanish history and culture. The environments of the stunning hilly landscape are a mirror of the rich and complex culture that has been shaped by the various civilizations that have called the region home.
Alhambra
In antiquity, it was Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Visigoths who characterized the area. From 711, the Muslims made Andalusia a prosperous and the most advanced culturally rich region in Europe. The Muslim civilization contributed to science, philosophy, art and architecture. Cities such as Cordoba, Seville and Granada were central cities and known for their impressive buildings. Alhambra is the foremost example. In the 13th century, Andalusia was conquered by the Christian Spanish kings from the north. Today, Andalusia is an autonomous region of Spain. Idag är Andalusien en autonom region i Spanien.
Caminito del Rey
A water powerplant was constructed in the canyon El Chorro northwest of Malaga in beginning of the 20th century. A complex system of mostly open canals led the water to the power plant. A fragile construction that required constant maintenance. The workers moved along narrow trails on the steep cliffs above the floor of the canyon. In the 1970-ies tunnels were in place leading the water to the powerplant and the old construction was left to decay. Eventually it became a playground for adventurers, ” daredevils”, but the area was closed by the authorities after a number of serious accidents. After an extensive restauration, it is today possible to walk 5 km along the steep cliff walls and experience the spectacular landscape and get some understanding of what the workers had to sacrifice when the built the plant.
Mountain villages
The Andalusian landscape is mountainous and very hilly. It is specially known for its wite villages. But Juzcar is breaking the pattern when the former withe village was painted blue as a part of a pr campaign for the movie “The Smurfs”. The remote village have managed to assert itself among all the others…
Gibraltar
One of the excursions went to the British colony of Gibraltar, which together with North Africa forms the western inlet of the Mediterranean Sea. Even today, Gibraltar is a sticking point between Spain and the UK. Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy and hazy, so we didn’t get to experience Gibraltar’s famous cliff silhouette.
