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View of Teba

Teba has a wealth of architecture that makes it one of the most interesting towns in all of Andalucía. One can look out over the Castle and see the town centre rich in historic buildings, to such an extent that the town itself has been officially declared to be of artistic-historical interest. Its most important buildings include the Church of the Santísima Cruz, dating from the 18^th century and built by the Sevillano José Tirado, master of works in the cathedral of Seville. Inside one can see the beautiful columns made from the red marble of the Torcal de Antequera, or the magnificent collection of antique silver and gold-work on exhibition in the sacristy. Another gem of ancient architecture is the Castillo de la Estrella, the most outstanding building in the town.
The beautiful landscape in the municipality can be seen from the town itself; the valley of the River Almargen, the Sierra del Castillo, the reservoir and the mountains that surround it. The origins of the town go back to Roman times, although remains from pre-historic times, especially those found in the Las Palomas Cave, show that people have lived here long before the Romans conquered. Other remains from pre-history have been found in the Castillejos area, apart from the Roman remains at the Cortijo del Tendedero. The settlement was moved to its present location by the Moors, who called it Itaba, thus giving it its present name. After the conquest of Teba by Alfonso XI in the 11^th century, the town stayed Christian and became one of the most important in the region.

Places to be visited

Castle of La Estrella This was declared a building of Historic-Artistic Interest in 1931. Built on the 600-metre high Hill of La Estrella, from which it gets its name, the castle dominates the surrounding countryside and the northern approaches to the Ronda Mountains, and was evidently of great strategic importance in its time. It covers an area of approximately 25,000 square metres, making it one of the biggest castles in the province of Malaga. It was built in two walled areas, with 18 towers in total. Throughout history it has been occupied by different peoples, and has undergone a certain amount of restoration in the past. Church of La Santa Cruz Real This church was built between 1699 and 1715 by José Tirado, master of works in the Cathedral of Seville. The basilica-shaped ground plan has three naves, separated by eight red marble columns, each eight metres high. Among the most interesting pieces we can find in the permanent exhibition inside is the 75 centimetre-high silver monstrance, made by Cordoba craftsmen in the 17th century, but there are other interesting pieces too, like the chalices, one of which dates from the 15th century and weighs a kilo of pure gold. Another shows figures in relief, and was donated by Cardenal Portocarrero with two inscriptions in Latin that read: "Carlos II por la gracia de Dios Rey de las Españas por su valor y protección. 1696" and "El Ilustrísimo Señor Don Pedro Portocarrero y Guzmán, Patriarca de las Indias". The cross raised in procession through the streets during the big festivals is an authentic jewel in the Renaissance style. There are cups here in all styles, lecterns and other liturgical items and vestments from centuries gone by. Municipal Historical Museum Management: Plaza de la Constitución. Tel: 952 748 020.

Where to eat

Restaurante Hnos. Sevillano. C/San Francisco. Tel: 952 748 011. Bar Tola. Specialising in callos. C/San Francisco, 3.  Venta El Cordobés. Specialising in rabbit in garlic. Huertas de Guadalteba,s/n. Tel: 952 748 492. Venta Verita. Specialising in rabbit in garlic. Huertas de Guadalteba,s/n.  Tel: 952 748 492.

Where to sleep

Hostal Hnos. Sevillano. C/San Francisco. Tel: 952 748 011  Rural Accommodation in the province of Malaga (in Spanish)

The Teba Town Hall

FIESTAS
Teba celebrates its festival in honour of the town’s patron saint, the Virgen del Rosario, during the first week in October. On October 7^th, the saint’s day, there is a large procession through the streets. The Romería de San Isidro Labrador takes place in the middle of May on the banks of the river Guadalteba, and on July 16^th there is the festival of the Virgen del Carmen. The town’s annual feria takes place in August.

GASTRONOMY AND CRAFTWORK
The dish for which Teba is best known is the porra, a type of pot stew, known here as porra tebeña,. Other common dishes in Teba include lamb, and meals made with asparagus and goat’s cheese. The principal item of craftwork in the town is the making of metal locks, and country boots are also made here by hand.

HISTORICAL CURIOSITIES IN TEBA
In his General History of Spain, Father Mariana tells of the most interesting event that happened here since the death of the Moorish leader Omar Ibn Hafsun, the hero of Bobastro: the conquest of the town by Alfonso XI on January 20^th, 1389. Among the victims of the battle was Sir James Douglas, a knight loyal to Robert 1^st of Scotland, fighting on the side of the Christians. This story is told on a stone inscription presented to the town by the descendents of the knight in the Scottish town of Melrose, sister town to Teba. Another historical anecdote mentions the French Empress Eugenia de Montijo, who was a descendent of the first conquerors of Teba, the family of Martín Fernán de Portocarrero and Juan Ramírez de Guzmán, named first Lord of Teba.

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