PueblosBlancosDiscoveryTours: Monda

A Walk along the Roman path

and through ancient Olive and Almond groves

Prologue:

Just 20 minutes from the town of Marbella (Costa del Sol) lays the small pueblo of Monda. Even allowing for its close proximity to the coast it has remained fairly unspoiled.

Monda is a lovely pueblo in the region of the Sierra de las Nieves and forms part of the Biosphere Reserve. It is designated as a Picturesque Area, Historical Site and Asset of Cultural Interest.

The castle of Monda "Castillo de la Vileta" a former Moorish fortress from the IX century "Fortaleza de al Mundat", sitting on the highest point of the hill and overlooking the village, is now a hotel.

Early spring, from mid January to the end of February, the countryside around Monda is at its prettiest, as the almond trees are in full blossom. The Almond trees are very recognisable with their white pinkish flowers as they sparkle in the sunshine and brighten up the countryside, making a nice contrast to the different shades of green. There are some small almond orchards near the village, but every so often, you find these blooming trees standing solemnly amongst olive or orange groves or growing wildly at roadsides and in the hills.

We chose this time of year to walk this short stretch of the Roman path and to sample the Monda countryside. The Romans have left there mark in this part of Andalucia and you can find various cobblestone pathways and bridges which are still intact, and until motorisation took over, were commonly used.

Directions:

Coming from Marbella on the AP-7 take turn off towards Ojen A-355.
You will reach Monda after 16 km - 20 minutes.
Take 2nd exit towards Guaro A-7101
Drive past the Olive mill "Mudejar Aceite de Oliva de Monda"
This road takes you into town were you park in the public car-park in Calle de Feria which is opposite the historic Fountain "Lavadero de la Jaula"

Map of the Walk

Click on link: Wikiloc: Monda, the Roman path

This Walk is approx. 3 km, a circular walk along paved sidewalks, on a cobblestone pathway, across a dry riverbed and through an orchard and back to the village alongside the main road.
It was a very pleasant easy walk, but it is to consider that the terrain is uneven and the river crossings might be difficult after rain.

Fuente-Lavadero de la Jaula

Fuente-Lavadero de la Jaula (Fountain and Wash-house "La Jaula")

In the the world of Islam, water was of prime importance. Water was used for washing, drinking, refreshing, irrigating ... it is one of the symbols of the Islamic Paradise. Several fountains of Islamic origins survive: "Meamea", "Esquina", "Villa" and "Jaula".

"La Jaula" fountain is the most important of all. Its name comes from the Arabian word al-Haura, which means fountain on the outskirts or in the depression. Apart from supplying water for neighbours and their animals, the water was used to irrigate the Pitalata and Afetarix districts towards Coín and Guaro, respectively, by means of irrigation channels.

We can see the wear on the stones that form the trough due to the friction of the vessels used to carry water.

It was reformed in the XVIII century and a public wash-house was added supported by round arches made of cooked clay. Inside, there is a large basin with stone slabs used for washing. This wash-house was used well into the XX century and is presently one of the most beautiful monuments, and one with the greatest ethnographic significance, in the town.

Information taken from board.

It has been beautifully restored.

From the wash-house, we walked back along the main road until we reached

a site with benches and the village entrance sign, from here you get a good view across the surrounding countryside.

100 meters along the road you find the turn to the left and towards the Roman pathway.

The Roman path, Calzada Romana

The Roman Road is on the outskirts of Monda, in the direction of Coín. It leads towards the Guadalhorce Valley and to the ancient town of Malaka via Cartama (Málaga road to Cártama), and was used as a route to export products such as olive oil and cereals, from inland areas to the port of Malaka (Málaga) and, from there, to the rest of the Roman Empire.

In spite of being built in Roman times, almost two thousand years ago, it is still in good condition. The oldest parts feature the largest slabs, and it has been repaired in Medieval and in modern times. From medieval times it conserves a great section where the cobbles were laid using the typical medieval opus spicatum (fishbone) pattern. Near the Alcazarin Stream, the road descends in steps; an unusual development on Roman roads. A wooden bridge used to span the Alcazarín stream.

Concerning the construction process of the Road, first a trench was dug to a depth of about one metre and a half along the entire route. Then, the trench was filled with layers of thick and fine stones, pressed down with force, until the final layer, which was covered with slabs to facilitate travel and the movement of carriages.

Milestones were placed at the side of the road to indicate the distance to the next town.

Until a very few decades ago, it was still used to travel to Coín or Málaga.

Information taken from board.

We followed a country lane for approx. 200 meters downwards, bearing to the right at the crossroads. This way forms part of the Great Málaga trail Gran Senda de Málaga GR-249.

The footpath then turned into a cobble stone path, its origin Roman.

It is a short stretch, only about 100 meters long.

Still fairly well intact in places.

This path leads down to the river, Arroyo del Casarín.

A view towards the castle of Monda.

A lovely old olive tree.

A shame! No bridge!

The Roman path ends here.

A view back up the hill we came from.

A view across to the other side of the river.

This view takes you along the river bed.

After crossing the river, we walk on.

A panoramic view towards the village and the castle on top of the hill.

An Almond tree in full bloom.

Almond trees come in either sweet or bitter varieties, and the blossom varies from snow white to pinkish red.

The Almonds (Almendras) play an important culinary role in the Andalusian cuisine. Most of the dishes have their origins from the Moors. The nuts are not only used in sweet cakes or sweets like Turron , but also in many savoury dishes. They form a base for many sauces like the Spanish Romesco Sauce. The almonds are also the main ingredient for the White Garlic Soup (Ajo blanco).

A majestic old olive tree within an orderly line of younger olive trees.

We wonder how old this tree might be!

A view through the olive grove towards Monda.

The road sign directs to all points of the compass.

From here the routes lead you to the villages of Coín, Guaro and back to Monda.

In the far distance the grey limestone mountains of the

"Sierra de las Nieves".

At the crossroads we turn right towards the main road.

On the way we came across an olive grove with many ancient trees.

Amazingly so huge. It must be a century old at least.

Noticing a small hill, we went to have a look.

It turned out to be an ancient threshing ground (Era).

From up here you get a good feel for the surrounding countryside.

Amazing 360° Panoramic views.

A view south towards Monda with its castle on the hill.

Strange how twisted this almond tree has grown.

Still looking strong this old tree.

A huge fire place!

What a unique way they are left to grow.

It is quite amazing to see the shapes and forms of these old trees.

We wonder how many generations this tree has given olives and was cared for.

A variety of olives grow here.

This is a good place to take a break.

In early spring you can see this yellow clovers everywhere in bloom.

Yellow woodsorrel or lemon clover, Trebol amarillo (Oxalis stricta)

Leaving the old olive trees behind us we walked on through an orange grove.

This orange grove was set alongside the river , which is where we are heading.

We followed the dry riverbed east and walked under the bridge.

Over head the main road from Monda to Guaro.

We climbed up the embankment and followed the road back to the village.

On the other side of the stream an almond orchard.

On the roadside a lovely almond tree full of pink flowers.

Watching out for the passing traffic ,we walk back to the village centre.

Set high above the road is the Olive mill of Monda, Molino de Aceite "Mudéjar"

Olive Mill Monda "Mudejar"

In the autumn from about September until early spring the olive mill is in full motion. The olive farmers in the area around Monda, bring their harvests to this mill to be processed. This olive mill produces excellent Virgin Extra olive oil, they also have a special edition of oil, whereby the olives are picked only from centenary trees which grow in this area.

The olive mill has a small shop, where you can buy the oil or you can place an order to have it sent to your home anywhere in Europe.

If you are interested in the process of olive oil, you can book a very informative guided tour.

Telefon 952 457 453, Email: mudejar@alcazarin.com, Mudejar online