Culture of Nerja. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Nerja is one of the oldest cities in Spain. Despite the first written references to the city dating back to the 10th century, archeologists have another theory on the age of the city and the date of its establishment. The age of cave paintings which were discovered during exploration of the local caves counts several thousand years. The main landmark of the ancient city features natural occurring. This is the famous Nerja Caves which are of global significance.

The caves host the largest formation of stalactites in the world. The height of the formation reaches 49m. This unique natural landmark is in the Guinness Book of World Records. During a tour through the prehistoric caves the tourists may enjoy cave engravings and paintings. Many people believe that the Caves of Nerja are home to ghosts.

The historical part of the city locates beautiful Christian churches and temples which were established in the 17th – 18th centuries. An original architectural landmark is the Aqueduct. It presents a complex of 37 graceful arches. The aqueduct was built in the beginning of the 19th century next to the sugar plant to supply it with water. The same significant symbol of the city is the so cold Balcon de Europa. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

A spacious observation platform is of great popularity among city guests as it offers a vibrant view over the scenic coast. A few centuries ago a massive fortifying construction stood on this place. The fortress was built by Arab people. Later on the fortress was totally destroyed and a gun battery platform was set on its place. In 1812 during the war against England the platform was destroyed. The place got its current name and purpose only by the end of the 19th century.

There is a belief that the name of the Balcon de Europa was given to the platform by the King of Spain Alfonso XII. At present the statue of the King is set next to the observation platform. A remarkable feature of the city is that within the last decade Nerja has not changed its look. One will not find there scale buildings and modern architectural complexes as well as impressive skyscrapers. However the city is rich in miniature buildings of the past ages. A usual walk along city streets will turn to the engaging tour. The most interesting areas for hiking are the historical district of the city named Maro and coastal area.

Among religious sights, the most significant monument is Parroquia El Salvador, the city's main church famous for its peaceful atmosphere. It is rather unremarkable in appearance (especially in its size), but inside, you will find interesting paintings by Aurelio Teno, which are the most valuable relic of the shrine. It is also one of the few temples where the three Archangels are depicted (for the reason that San Miguel is considered the patron saint of the city). The construction of the baroque-style church was completed in 1697 and subsequently, it was expanded in 1792.

As for places for cultural enrichment, it's worth noting the Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja that often holds interesting concerts. Therefore, while on vacation in the "City of Caves" (as they often call Nerja), be sure to clarify whether any remarkable events take place at this time. The Museo de Nerja is dedicated to the history of the city from the Palaeolithic age to the very day of the opening of the Nerja Caves when tourists began to visit the city for the sake of the ancient caves. In the cultural institution, you can find objects found in the local caves, recreated scenes from the lives of the local residents' ancestors in different eras, archives, and photographs.

The sugar factory Fábrica de Maro, or rather its ruins, is another site to be included in the tourist route. Today, it is a great photography location, but fans of mystical stories like to visit it too - the fact is that several ones are associated with this factory. It was built at the end of the 19th century - just like the nearby aqueduct. A great place to walk is Punta Lara, the area known for its peace and tranquility, as well as an abundance of flowers and trees. The most pleasant impressions are guaranteed to all comers. However, Plaza De España is no less attractive for travelers who wish to spend time on foot.

A wonderful place for those who like to take beautiful pictures is Fábrica Acantilado - a place surrounded by rocks, with waterfalls and stones, acquiring a special charm in the evening. Take a stroll through several Nerja parks, one of which is Parque Verano Azul. This would be a perfect place to walk last but not least due to the picturesque landscapes the park is famous for. It gave the name to the popular Spanish TV series of the 1980s on the adventures of teenagers (called Verano Azul), so here you can see several attractions related to it - for example, Barco de Chanquete La Dorada, a copy of the boat shown in the show.