The best traffic-free bike rides around Alfarnate

The Colmenar Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Colmenar) is located in the town's historic center, on the Plaza de España, and forms the architectural and administrative heart of the municipality. Dating from the 19th century, the building has been restored several times to serve its function as a modern administrative center. It presents itself in typical Andalusian style with a light-colored plastered facade, symmetrical layout, and traditional wrought-iron balconies. A clock and the municipal coat of arms are located at the top, while the main entrance is emphasized by round arches and stone frames. Together with the church and several historic houses, the Town Hall frames Colmenar's central square, which serves as both a meeting place and venue for local festivals. Thus, the building embodies both the civic history and the architectural identity of this mountain village in the Axarquía region.

The Plaza de España in Colmenar is the vibrant heart of the village, reflecting the typical character of an Andalusian town center. Surrounded by white houses with wrought-iron balconies, small cafes, and orange trees, it forms the social and cultural hub of the community. At its center stands an elegant, multi-tiered stone fountain, a defining feature of the square. The water flows in gentle arcs from one basin to the next, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Particularly striking are the bees that gather around the upper part of the fountain with its intricately carved jugs—a natural phenomenon closely linked to Colmenar's history and identity. The town's name derives from the Spanish word "colmena," meaning "beehive," and the fountain seems to embody this symbolism in a truly remarkable way. Today, the Plaza de España serves as a meeting place for locals and visitors alike, a venue for celebrations, conversations, and the everyday life of the village. With its harmonious interplay of stone, water, and nature, it conveys an authentic image of the tranquil, welcoming atmosphere that characterizes Colmenar. The square thus represents not only the geographical center of the town but also the heart of its community.

The monument commemorates Don Alfonso Molina Padilla, one of the town's most important figures. Born in Colmenar in 1875, Molina Padilla was a lawyer and politician of the liberal left. He represented the Archidona constituency in the Spanish Parliament and dedicated his life to social causes and education. Having no children, he bequeathed his entire fortune to a foundation he established in his will – the "Fundación Molina Padilla – Orfanato de Jesús y Candelaria." The foundation's aim was to provide underprivileged children and young people from Colmenar with access to education. To this day, the foundation awards scholarships to pupils and students, ensuring the continued impact of his work across generations. A monument honoring his legacy was erected in Colmenar, located in the plaza at the end of Calle Camino de Málaga, near Calle La Nora. The statue depicts Don Alfonso Molina Padilla as a symbol of charity and community spirit – values that he deeply rooted in his home community.

I was there mid november and the fountain was empty...

Sounds like a very interesting and worthwhile initiative! Thanks for the information! https://circoescuelafantasia.es

The Puerto de los Alazores is a mountain pass in the Sierra de San Jorge, in the province of Granada, close to the border with Málaga. This pass is located in the Cordillera Penibética and is approximately 1040 metres high. This pass was an important route in the past, especially during the journeys between Granada and Málaga. According to some sources, Ferdinand II of Aragon crossed here in 1487 to conquer Vélez-Málaga. In the area around the pass there are different types of trees, such as the pino carrasco, elms and pino resinero. It is also the place where the Guadalhorce River rises.

In Alfarnate, La Venta de Alfarnate dates back to the 13th century, and is considered the oldest in Andalusia. Due to the numerous stories and legends surrounding it, it is considered a true popular monument, and it is not for nothing that it now houses the Museum of Andalusian Banditry. All kinds of people and all social classes have passed through here: muleteers, black marketeers, bandits, even King Alfonso XIII and Saint Joseph of Calasanz, not to mention artists, painters, and more. La Venta de Alfarnate remains faithful to its principles, its mystery, and its romantic magic. Its cuisine is fundamentally based on Andalusian mountain and country cuisine, with notable dishes including Alfarnate crumbs, eggs a lo bestia (roasted eggs), garlic goat, fried lamb blood sausage with tomatoes, and scrambled eggs with anise porridge.

Circo Escuela is a charming family business founded by Gregorio Sánchez, a retired teacher who, during his youth, combined his teaching work with the management of the Zanquilandia Parade and Show Group. With a deep love for teaching and a passion for the circus world, Gregorio decided to merge these two great passions into a unique project, created from scratch with all the dedication and affection possible. Circo Escuela is the result of her efforts to offer children a space where learning and dreaming become the same experience.