Valle de Abdalajís isn’t just another village in Málaga. For thousands of years, it’s been a key connection between the coast and the inland plains of Antequera. That long history left behind a treasure trove of archaeological finds. Walking here means stepping over traces of the past.

Prehistoric paths through wild land

Back in the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, hunter-gatherers moved through what we now call Valle de Abdalajís. This natural passage was part of their route between the mountains and the sea. Even today, remains of their temporary camps can still be found in the area.

Trading routes and fortified settlements

Around the first millennium BC, things started to change. The Phoenicians and Greeks brought trade, tools, and new ideas to the coast. Valle de Abdalajís became more important than ever. Fortresses and watchpoints were built to protect this route between Tartessos and Malaka.

A Roman town beneath your feet

When the Romans arrived, the area transformed again. People moved from the hilltops to the valleys. Beneath the current streets of Valle de Abdalajís once stood Nescania, a Roman settlement fully integrated into Roman culture and commerce.

Medieval times and hidden stories

Not much is known about the Islamic period here. What we do know comes from archaeological finds. The ruins of Nescania seem to have been abandoned. But elsewhere in the area, seven smaller settlements from this time have been discovered, along with plenty of loose objects that tell small stories of daily life.

A new chapter in the 16th century

In 1493, the Catholic Monarchs divided up lands taken from the Moors. A large part was given to Juan de Eslava. Through his daughter Ana and her marriage to Alonso Pérez de Padilla, a new estate was formed. This became the foundation for what is now Valle de Abdalajís. On March 14, 1519, Queen Juana officially granted control over the area.

San José de la Montaña: more than a convent

One of the village’s most striking buildings is the Convento Residencia San José de la Montaña. It was built on the farm once owned by Ana Josefa Pérez Florido—better known as Madre Petra. She founded a religious order to care for abandoned children. Her old living quarters remain intact and open to the public.

Casa Madre Petra: past and present in one place

In 1917, the congregation officially opened its doors under the leadership of Madre Trinidad de San José (Rafaela Conejo Muñoz), also from the village. Today, Casa Madre Petra welcomes visitors interested in faith, culture, and local heritage. It’s a place where history is still very much alive.

source: www.valledeabdalajis.es