Standing 743 m above sea level between the Guadiaro
and Genal Valleys, Atajate enjoys a privileged position
in this white village area of La Serrania de Ronda.
Its origins lie in the existence of an early 8th century
Arab fortress, and its key position on the road linking
El Campo de Gibraltar region 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
area.
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 area. Remains of ceramics and coins
from Imperial Roman times have also been discovered.
Given its strategic position between Ronda and Gaucin,
Ataje must have been important in Arabic times. 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 village was located
atop The 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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