The other most emblematic building
in Alora is the Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion Parish
Church in the Plaza Baja de la Despedía. It took
nearly 100 years to build the church, which is one of
the biggest in the province; construction began in 1600
and was not completed until 1699.
The railway station is down in the valley, by the river.
Along the sides of the valley are many farmhouses and
the landscape of the surrounding countryside is dominated
by smallholdings of olive trees and lemon plantations.
Around 14 kilometres north of the town and to the east
of
Ardales are the lakes
at
El Chorro and the
Embalsas de Guadalhorce, which are massive man made
reservoirs, easily visible as you approach Malaga by
air. This is a National Park setting, and there is plenty
of opportunity for camping and barbecues, but mostly,
you will marvel at the landscape, particularly in winter
in spring. The area makes an ideal winter and spring
holiday destination. You will be amazed by the beauty
and tranquility of the area, especially if you visit
during weekdays. Your perception of the Costa del Sol
will be very different after visiting this area. If
the gorge looks familiar, you may remember the railway
sequence from the famous film
Von
Ryan's Express that was shot there.
Also popular are outdoor activities such as hiking,
mountain biking, horse riding, rafting, artistic holidays
and photography. The area is perhaps best known for
the opportunities it provided for rock-climbing with
over 500 routes.
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