Frigiliana, or Fragliana, as it is spelt on the tiles
in the village, nestles high in the Sierra Tejeda, about 7 km inland of
Nerja. An extremely photogenic cluster of whitewashed dwellings make up
this pretty, enticing village, which has commanding views of the
surrounding countryside. Once occupied by the local population, it is
now a flourishing expensive coastal overflow, with an ever increasing
population of foreign owners, although it has retained its charm as a
typical Spanish vilage.
During the Alpujarran rebellion of 1568 which extended throughout a
large part of southern Andalucía, a fierce battle was fought in
Frigiliana. Nearly 4,000 Moriscos (Arabs who had been baptised
Christians) unsuccessfully defended the castle against almost equal
numbers of Catholic infantry and cavalry. Afterwards the castle was torn
down stone by stone. Events of the battle are depicted on ceramic
plaques around the village.
Inevitably, the Church is at the hub of the village, dominating a small
central square, with whitewashed alleyways forming a maze branching
outwards and upwards.
The increase in tourism has seen a growth in the cafes and shops, and
market day is extremely popular. The local agriculture is olive oil and
dried figs, Moscatel wine and honey |
