Frigiliana and area - history etc

Frigiliana is one of the prettiest, and best known, of the white washed hill villages of the Costa del Sol.

Recent restoration work has resulted in the village being awarded first prize for conservation by the Ministry of Tourism. Our holiday apartment is situated in the old part of Frigiliana.

There are many bars and restaurants in Frigiliana. All of them provide good food at reasonable prices. Local wine, olive oil and groceries are available from several small shops in the village and larger supermarkets are within 5 miles.

300 metres from the apartment is the sports centre with a comprehensive gym and an (almost) Olympic sized swimming pool. Both are available at reasonable prices.

Nerja, the nearest beach resort, is a 10 minute bus or car trip from Frigiliana. Buses leave every 1/2 hour from the children's playground, 150 metres beyond the sports centre.

Email Tudor or phone me on 01604 754906 (UK), +44 1604 754906 (non UK) for more details.

Please note that this holiday apartment in Frigiliana may be unsuitable for those who find walking difficult or are short of breath, due to the steep streets, steps and stairs which give the hill village its character.

Frigiliana in Roman times

The warm micro-climate (average 18 degrees) has attracted visitors through millenia and evidence of a Roman occupation of Frigiliana is clear from the excavation of the fort they built for security and defence.

In fact the origin of the Frigiliana's name appears to be Roman, deriving from "frexinius" together with the suffix "ana" so in Roman times the area may have been known as Frexinio - the name of a street close to our apartment in the village

Frigiliana - the Arab reign

The Romans were succeeded by the Arabs and it was during their period of settlement and rule that the village grew, developed and prospered. Instead of the fort a castle (now long gone) was constructed at the summit of the mountain, and the village came to dominate the surrounding area.

During this time it is probable that the name of the village became Fixiana. You can still walk up the mountain from our Frigiliana holiday apartment but choose a cool day and drink plenty of water.

Frigiliana - pre-history and Phoenicians

Archaeological investigation has proved the existence of thriving prehistoric communities.

Human remains and artifacts including tools, cooking utensils and weapons have been discovered in and near the Cueva de los Murciélagos (cave of bats).

This not far from our apartment, and the caves date from the neolithic period.

Much later the Phoenicians occupied the the area and thrived in the Tejar hills, known as the Cerro de las Sombras (shadow hills) where a necropolis has been discovered.

All this is within easy access of our Frigiliana holiday apartment but a car is recommended if you wish to explore for long periods.

Frigiliana - peaceful co-existence and collapse

For about 100 years after 1487 (the Christian conquest)this area was notable for the peaceful co-existence of Jews, Muslims and Christians.

Near our apartment you will find symbols which combine the signs of all three religions.

Sadly the battle of Penon de Frigiliana ended this period, the Muslims were expelled or escaped and Christians from neighboring areas occupied their property.

Frigiliana - the history in mosaics

If you walk from our holiday apartment in Frigiliana to the church square you will notice that the church has the remains of minarets as its towers.

The history of the village is pictured in 12 mosaics in the old quarter, created by Pilar Garcia Millan. 400 metres from our apartment is the tourist office. Guide tours leave here in the morning and afternoon and are recommended for their quality and knowledge.

Frigiliana - if you want to learn more consult these sites