Alhaurin El Grande

Alhaurín el Grande has survived a great deal. Waves of invaders, epidemics of plague, even an earthquake in 1680. During the Peninsula War of 1808-14 it was occupied for four years by French troops and suffered considerable bombardment.

It would not be surprising, therefore, if all traces of its long past had been regularly obliterated. But some has miraculously survived. There is the 12th Century Moorish archway, the Arcos de Cobertizo, which, while not being in any way spectacular (it stands close to the church and now leads nowhere) but at least it represents a tangible link with the past. In the small plaza in front of the town hall, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, are three Roman columns which were discovered close by at Fuente del Sol. Unlike some other villages in the hills, Alhaurín el Grande acknowledges that it has a history, and is quietly proud of it. The plaza, incidentally, has a superb view of the valley.

The Alhaurín gastronomy is ample and varied with typical plates such as: 'migas' breadcrumbs fried with garlic and 'gachas cachorreñas' porridge with spices, 'allullas', 'dolcas', patties, sauce, broths, garlic soup, and many desserts such as sponge cakes, oil buns, fritters, macaroons, date bread, egg rusks, fried rusks, french toast and oil cakes.

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