History of Alora
You can see traces of various civilisations in the town. The Castle of Álora, established by the Phoenicians, was later expanded during the Roman period and rebuilt under the Moorish period, reflecting the area's layered history.
Álora is steeped in history and culture, recognised as the town where one of Spain’s most celebrated writers, Miguel de Cervantes, once lived. It has also welcomed other notable historical figures such as Felipe IV (King Philip IV) and El Conde-Duque de Olivares (Count- Duke of Olivares), drawn by the town’s charm and the warm character of its people.
Archaeological remains and cave paintings found in the surrounding hills suggest human presence in the area dating back to prehistoric times. Over the centuries, the town evolved with each civilisation that occupied Álora. After a destructive earthquake in 1960, the new stone church, Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (Our Lady of the Incarnation), was built. This church is now the second-largest in the province after Málaga Cathedral.
In recognition of its rich heritage and ongoing conservation efforts, along with the reopening of El Caminito del Rey (The King's Footpath), Álora was officially awarded the title of Andalusian Tourist Municipality in 2020.