The Legacy Route of Fray Leopoldo
Prologue:
The village of Alpandeire is situated in the heart of the Genal valley in the Serrania de Ronda, province of Málaga.
Alpandeire is also the birthplace of Francisco Tomas Marquez Sanchez better known as Fray Leopoldo (born on June, 1864). When at the age of 35 he joined the religious Order of Spanish Capuchins. He spent the majority of his life in the city of Granada where he became known as the "humble beggar of the three Hail Marys", because that was the prayer dedicated to those who sought his blessing.
His life is not distinguished for any spectacular work but rather for the simplicity of his life, the kindness and generosity towards the most deprived persons.
Directions:
- From Marbella AP-7 you drive west and in San Pedro de Alcántara you turn towards Ronda A-397.
- After approx. 48km/45 minutes drive, turn left onto MA-7306 towards Parauta and Cartajema.
- You find yourself on the Legacy Route of Fray Leopoldo de Alpandeíre (Ruta del Legado de Fray Leopoldo).
- From the main Ronda road it takes about 40 minutes to Alpandeire.
- The drive takes you through various picturesque villages like Cartajima, Júzcar and Farajan, in the upper Genal valley.
At the entrance to Alpandeire you find a beautiful tiled information board.
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| A poem in honor of Fray Leopoldo. |
From afar you notice that this village is somehow different from the others in
Serrania de Ronda.
Layout of the village and the green line indicates the route of
Fray Leopoldo and places of interests.
The Jesuit Church of San Antonio de Padua with its twin octagon sided bell towers, stands dominant above the village. It is better known as the "Cathedral of the Serrania". It was built in the mid 16th century and restored in the 18th century.
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| Iglesia Catedral de la Serranía |
Walking through the village you will be enveloped by the grandeur of times go by.
The village of Alpandeire is of Moorish origin dating back to 711 AD.
A powerful Muslim leader Ahmed al-Zegri was defeated in Alpandeire during the Reconquest in 1485 by soldiers of King Ferdinand the Catholic.
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| A Pozo (Well ) |
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| Casa Natal de Fray Leopoldo |
The birth house of Fray Leopoldo became a sight of historical interest and is open to the public as a museum.
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| Plaza de Fray Leopoldo |
At this viewpoint stands a bronze statue of Fray Leopoldo which was beatified in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI.
We carried on our journey towards the left from the village and there again limestone mountain came in sight and the vegetation becomes barren.
At the crossroad we took a left turn onto A-369 towards the coast.
It is a very scenic quiet road with many viewpoints (Miradors)
We carried on our journey towards the left from the village and there again limestone mountain came in sight and the vegetation becomes barren.
At the crossroad we took a left turn onto A-369 towards the coast.
It is a very scenic quiet road with many viewpoints (Miradors)
On the way we stopped of for lunch at the village of Atajate.
The restaurant is in Calle Nueva on the first floor.
The décor is modern-rustic and it had a warm atmosphere.
The panoramic view towards Sierra de las Nieves from the window.
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| Magret de Pato al Oporto (Duck breast in Port) |
We had a very tasty and succulent meal.
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| Presa (Pork shoulder steaks) |
How to get to Alpandeire and the route we took.
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