DEEP IN THE HEART OF THE AXARQUÍA REGION, ON THE BORDER OF THE MONTES DE MÁLAGA, STANDS EL BORGE, A SMALL TOWN OVERLOOKING RAISIN AND VINE COUNTRY. THE SO-CALLED CAPITAL OF THE RAISIN IS A TRANQUIL SPOT OF WHITEWASHED HOUSE FRONTS. COLOURFUL BALCONIES AND WINDING ALLEYWAYS, LEGACY OF ITS REBELLIOUS MOORISH PAST.

Standing 237 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Cerro Cútar (595 m.), alongside the river of the same name, El Borge rises above precipitous hillsides covered with vineyeards and olive groves. On the gentler contours of the lower slopes are cornfields, with orchards of citrus and other fruits, and vegetable plots occupying the base of the valley.

Quite when or how El Borge was founded is a mystery, as the only data available are based purely on the form of the settlement. In any case, the history of the village is similar to that almost all those of the Axarquía region. What is a matter of record is that is was a rebel flashpoint during the great Moorish uprising, to the extent that the Governor of Vélez had to send a considerable detachment to quell ist streets. One of the most remarkable local characters was the bandit known as 'Cross-eye of el Borge', who in 1880 ran circles around the Civil Guard of the district. The force suffered more casualties at his hands than those of any other bandit, although popular legend portrays him as an almost romantic outlaw. The town's Bandit Museum is dedicated to him, and also houses a collection of paintings and illustrations of the bandit life, along with other historical features.

A walk in white
Perhaps El Borge's greatest attraction is simply to let your feet wander down its steep, whitewashed streets, festooned always with blooming geraniums.
One must-see is the district fo El Rinconcillo, where you will find various streets connected by flights of steps.
The Church of the Rosary is the town's most significant historical building, constructed in 1505 on the foundations of the former mosque. Architectually it is one of the most remarkable churches in the region, adopting an original stance somewhere between the Gothic and Renaissance styles.
The naves, meanwhile, are supported by Mudejar-style wooden bracing, while the niches reveal Baroque coffering. In the square outside, to one side of the church, can be seen an elaborate fountain decorated with painted tiles representing Our Lady of Lourdes. Another notable fountain, or Arab origin and recently restored, is known as the Horn Fountain.
The Ornithological and Botanical Park of La Alcua is another fine place in which to lose oneself, its magnificent gardens hone to many exotic plants, fountains and species of bitd. Another treat offered by a visit to El Borge is its food and drik. The simple but varied local menu features such delights as gazpacho accompanied with broad beans and raisins, ajoblanco, a cold almond and garlic soup, and the traditional hornazo pie, prepared for the feast of Saint Mark. Special mention should also be made of the raisins, either as they are or in brandy, and, of course, the muscatel wine.
The introduction throughout the Axarquía region of many subtropical and greenhouse crops (avocados, custard apples, mangoes, papaya, etc.) has greatly enriched the flavours available to its culinary traditions.