Benamargosa - Comarca de La Axarquía - Málaga

Benamargosa is situated completely within the comarca (region) of Vélez-Málaga, with a landscape of orchards and subtropical products, surrounded by hills and arid heights typical of the Axarquia. Benamargosa has been a pioneer in the area of the Axarquia in the cultivation of tropical fruits, in particular the avocado.

Benamargosa is of Arabic origin, and its name comes from the term Ben-Ha-Maruxa, but no history of its foundation has yet been discovered. The oldest data available refers to the foundation of the church in the time of Ferdinand and Isabella which was called la Encarnacion de Maria (Mary of the Incarnation). During the reign of Philip II it became a parish, as is evidenced by the first birth certificate dating from 1546. The church is solidly constructed and is close to the Gothic style. It has three naves and a square tower of considerable height. According to written records which have been preserved, the high altar and tabernacle were true works of art.

From the fifteenth century there are more frequent writings of Benamargosa, being associated with Comares, under whose jurisdiction it was, together with other farmsteads. Although the Moorish inhabitants were considered peaceful, and did not intervene in the uprisings, they were nevertheless expelled in the sixteenth century, leaving Benamargosa virtually unpopulated.

Situation

In the region of Axarquia, it is 11 kilometres from Vélez Málaga and 48km from the capital of the province. The village is about 100 metres above sea level, records an average rainfall of 520 l/m2 and the average temperature is 17 º C

Monuments

Arco de la Huerta
El Puente de los Diez Ojos (the Bridge of Ten Eyes)
Ermita de Cementerio (Convent)
Iglesia de la Encarnacion (Church of the Incarnation)

Gastronomy

In Benamargosa cuisine you can find dishes like ajoblanco, avocado “smoothie”, gazpacho with cod, tomato soup, oil cakes, gazpachuelo, chickpea soup, egg bagels, tortillas with honey and grape brandy.

Directions

Benamargosa must be accessed from the Autovia Mediterraneo (A-7, N-340), from where you take the A-335 towards Vélez Málaga. After the town, in about 5 km, the turnoff to the MA-145 is signposted, this leads directly to Benamargosa.

Distances