ON THE VAST PLANICIE THAT SHAPES THE REGION OF ANTEQUERA, RAISED UPON A GROUP OF SMALL HILLS WHICH BORDER THE FLAXEN MOUNTAINS OF PEÑARRUBIA, IS TEBA. A BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE OF ARID ROOTS, BATHED BY THE RIVER GUADALTEBA AND LAPPED BY AN OCEAN OF GRAIN AND OLIVE TREES.

The village of Teba, of typical Andalusian dimensions, is peppered with little palaces and lordly dwellings that create an imposing presence in its lustrous streets. The lovely village, which has justly been designated a historical and artistic heritage site, can be seen from its partlyruined castle.

Monuments:
Although there are some remains of a Roman defence structure in the area known as Teba la Vieja, it is the Castillo de la Estrella (Castle of the Star), with Roman towers and walls and for the rest Arabic, which is this settlement's most singular monument. It still has the circular tower known as the Torre del Homenaje and large sections of the fortress with a spectacular parade ground.
Its state of repair is not as good as could be desired (weather, wars, wind and neglect have taken their toll on its walls), but the prodigious view you gain of the village and its surroundings is alone well worth the visit.
The parish church of Santa Cruz also stands out, built between 1699 and 1715 by José Tirado, master builder of Seville Cathedral. Its marvels are its red marble columns that came from the area of El Torcal de Antequera and the collection of antique gold work on display in the vestry.
Other places of interest are the ancient San Francisco monatery, built in the 16th century in the mannerist style; the hermitage del Carmen, dating from the 16th century, the small Palace of the Marqués de Greñina, dating back to the 19th century and the facade of the Stately Home of Emperatriz Eugenia de Montijo, in the renaissance style (16th century).

Origins:
During Roman rule, Teba was one of the largest settlements in the Bética region. It was called Attegua and was situated in the place where today stands what they call Teba la Vieja. Julius Cesar, in his books on the civil war, in which he relates the struggle againts Pompei, describes how Attegua was forced to surrender in February of the year 45 b.c., after the defender of the city, Numancio Flaco, had killed a great number of its inhabitants.
During Arab rule, the city was moved to its current position, and was called Ostipo and Ostebba, from which the current name derives.
Father Mariana, in book XV of his General History of Spain, relates how the city was conquered by Alfonso XI of Castilla on 20 January 1389, after the Christian army had suffered large losses. Encouraged by this victory, Alfonso XI rushed to conquer Turon and Ardales. Teba never again came under Moslem rule, despite the numerous sieges it had to resist, mainly during the reign of Juan II. At that time it had one of the largest jurisdictions in the region and a great number of pioneers were to leave its fields for newly-conquered lands.
To get a better idea of the depth of heritage in Teba, you should visit the Sala Arqueológica (Archaeological Room) to be found in the Casa de la Cultura in the village. Inside, finds are on display from three archeological sites: neolithic remains discovered in the "Cueva de las Palomas" (doves caves), stoneware and ceramic remains found at the "Los Castillejos" site, and Roman relics uncovered mainly in the settlement of "El Tajo".
Next to these, built with modern materials, are the necropolis and what remains of the Castillo de la Estrella.
Among the large collection of pieces stand out the "Iberian Ram", and the "Iberian Offering", an anthropomorfous head, almost as abstract as a contemporary work. From the Roman era the highlights are different Roman scales, coins, ceramic remains, as well as large works of sculpture and epigraph, like the bust of Tiberius Caesar and a curious bearded man, possibly representing a faun.
In the same display, together with numerous Hispano-Moslem and Christian materials from the Castillo de la Estrella and its necropolis, there are pieces from the 19th century, like the remains of "flintlock" pistols and a Napoleonic socket bayonet.

Eating and shopping:
Good food is another feature of Teba, as it is throughout the whole region. Its cuisine is shaped by produce harvested from its own soil, predominantly olive oil and flour. Olives are very important in Teba, although the flour made from grain cultivated in its fields should not be forgotten.
The cuisine of Teba is based mainly on vegetables and on game. Among its culinary specialities is Porra Tebeña, whose accompaniment, for example fish, is brought in from neighbouring areas. Its breads and pastries are equilly good.
Then there are its crafts: embroidery and objects made with esparto grass and palm, like baskets, hampers, brooms and agricultural tools. These hand-made items are highly esteemed in the area. Teba is a village with a lot to offer. It will enchant any visitor who decides to come.

Useful information
Access: From Málaga, on the N-340 to exit 231 (A-357). Then take the A-367 to the exit for the C-341. Finally, join the MA-465.

Basic data:
Size: 143.10 Km²
Population: 4,417
Residents known as: Tebeños or Tebanos
Monuments: Shrine to Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, Entrance to the Casa Condal Emperatriz Eugenia de Montijo, Palacete (small palace) of the Marqués de Greñina and Shrine to Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Church of Santa Cruz Real.
Geographical situation: In the Guadalteba area, 87 kilometres from Malaga, at 550 metres above sea level.
Tourist information: Town Hall, Plaza de la Constitución, 13. 29327.
Phone: 952 748 020 Fax: 952 748 422

Fiestas:
Teba celebrates its festival in honour of the town’s patron saint, the Virgen del Rosario, during the first week in October. On October 7th, the saint’s day, there is a large procession through the streets. The Romería de San Isidro Labrador takes place in the middle of May on the banks of the river Guadalteba, and on July 16th there is the festival of the Virgen del Carmen. The town’s annual feria takes place in August.

Places to be visited
Castle of La Estrella
This was declared a building of Historic-Artistic Interest in 1931. Built on the 600-metre high Hill of La Estrella, from which it gets its name, the castle dominates the surrounding countryside and the northern approaches to the Ronda Mountains, and was evidently of great strategic importance in its time. It covers an area of approximately 25,000 square metres, making it one of the biggest castles in the province of Malaga. It was built in two walled areas, with 18 towers in total. Throughout history it has been occupied by different peoples, and has undergone a certain amount of restoration in the past.
Church of La Santa Cruz Real
This church was built between 1699 and 1715 by José Tirado, master of works in the Cathedral of Seville. The basilica-shaped ground plan has three naves, separated by eight red marble columns, each eight metres high. Among the most interesting pieces we can find in the permanent exhibition inside is the 75 centimetre-high silver monstrance, made by Cordoba craftsmen in the 17th century, but there are other interesting pieces too, like the chalices, one of which dates from the 15th century and weighs a kilo of pure gold. Another shows figures in relief, and was donated by Cardenal Portocarrero with two inscriptions in Latin that read: "Carlos II por la gracia de Dios Rey de las Españas por su valor y protección. 1696" and "El Ilustrísimo Señor Don Pedro Portocarrero y Guzmán, Patriarca de las Indias". The cross raised in procession through the streets during the big festivals is an authentic jewel in the Renaissance style. There are cups here in all styles, lecterns and other liturgical items and vestments from centuries gone by.
Municipal Historical Museum
Management: Plaza de la Constitución. Tel: 952 748 020.