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Vélez-Málaga History
There are remains of several settlements in the municipality,
such as the Mozarab Eremitic Complex at Valle-Niza, the Phoenician
remains at Los Toscanos and the Cerro Mar y Jardín
burial grounds, some of which go back to pre-historic times.
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There are various explanations as to why the main
town, Vélez-Málaga, is not on the coast,
as is usual with municipalities which reach down to
the seashore. One of these explanations refers to an
earthquake in the year 365. |
The huge waves caused by seismic movement devastated the
only settlement on the coast. Remains of this town are to
be found at the Phoenician archaeological site of Los Toscanos
and in the surrounding area. After this catastrophe it was
decided to build a town on the hill where the fortress currently
stands.
Another explanation, rather less scientific and more legendary,
tells the story of a shepherd who found an image of the Virgin
Mary in the countryside. He liked it so much that he decided
to take it home for his daughter but lost it on the way.The
story spread like wildfire and all the local people began
to think that it was a miracle, erecting the present shrine
at the spot where the image had been found.
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