Montejaque

Montejaque is in the region of the Serrania de Ronda, Andalusia, which belongs to the Natural Park of Grazalema. It is situated 138km from Malaga and 620km from Madrid. In 2006 it had a population of 1,013 inhabitants and in 2000 it had 1,008.

History

Montejaque, whose name, Monte-Xaquez means “lost mountain”, is of Arab origin as demonstrated by its intricate alleys. It was during this period that they built a medieval fortress overlooking a view of much of the highlands. During the Arab occupation Montejaque enjoyed remarkable importance.

This construction completely disappeared, leaving only its name on the El Castillo. Another of the historic sites of this county is a place known as “The Bridge” where we can still see the remains of a Roman bridge over the river Campobuche. After the reconquest at the hands of the Catholic Kings it was delivered to the people Conde de Benavente.
Later in the Moorish uprising the people of the area in the sixteenth century, fought several attacks against the mayor Mohamad Idriz Moor, for sympathizing with the Christian troops. Through their courage and determination they were granted land and a pension for life.

Montejaque during the War of Independence against the French, fought against Napoleon’s troops in Gaduares River bridge on October 20^th 1810. Men who participated in this contest were from Montejaque, Benaojan, Atajate, Cortes de la Frontera and the Libar Jimera. 250 people fought against almost 700 French soldiers, and despite the numerical inferiority, they were victorious.
The traveller can ot escape a visit to the church of St. James the Great, built in the early s. Century and reformed during the s. XVIII. It is of a late Gothic style, conserved in a dome that covers the sanctuary.

It is easy to get lost in the narrow streets that make up this population. It is typically Andalusian, but keeps the vitality of a modern town with deep roots that make us travel to the past. One can mingle with typical quiet villagers and learn about stories, it is something nobody should miss.