LA AXARQUIA - ATAJE INFORMATION
Standing 742 metres above sea level between the
Guadiaro and El Valle del Genal, Atajate enjoys a privileged
position in this white village area of the Serrania de
Ronda. Its origins lie in the existence of an early 8th-century
Arab fortress, and its key position on the road linking
the Campo de Gibraltar area with Ronda has seen it play
an important role in several periods in history. In the
19th century, during the War of Independence, the stubborn
resistance offered by the inhabitants of Atajate saw it
burned to the ground in retribution by French troops.
Running parallel to the phenomenon of the guerrilla war
waged against the French are records, later transformed
by romantic legend, of banditry; chronicles tell of the
existence of numerous bands of smugglers and highwaymen
operating in this region.
Today, echoes of the highwaymen’s legend contrast sharply with
the peace and tranquillity which abound in the white villages of the
Genal Valley.
Historical notes
Relics found in caves near the village speak of prehistoric settlements
in the region. Remains of ceramics and coins from Imperial Roman era
have been discovered.
Given its strategic position between Ronda and Gaucin, the town must
have been important in Arabic era. On Santa Cruz Mount, there still
stands a tower which is equidistant from Benadalid Castle and the
one which once existed in Atajate.
The early town was situated atop El Cuervo Hill, formerly known as
Castle Hill, now the site of ruins of this original settlement and
a former church now used as a cemetery.
In the 19th century, during the War of Independence, the village was
burned and destroyed by the French.
Surviving documentation makes reference to the numerous bands of smugglers
and highwaymen who operated in this area from the early 19th century.
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