OJEN. Hoxen, Oxen and final Ojén, a typical Abdalusian town located very near Marbella is visited by many tourists to enjoy the atractive of its narrow and winding streets and the whiteness of its houses.
Although the exact date of its set up it is unknown, its actual situation is of Arab origin and in the castle of this town, Abderraman III, fighted against Omar Ben Hafsun, Arab lider who rebeled against the Cordoba Caliphate. The castle and the town, where razed in 1569.The most popular feasts in Ojen are kept from 9th to 12th. October to honour its Saint Patron San Dionisio, though along the year there are several interesting entertainments as the famous flamenco festival, in the first week of August, the pilgrimage on May 12th. and the carnivals during the month of February.
From the end of the 19th. century to the middle of the 20th. it was very famous in the whole Spain an anisette manufactured here known as "Anis de Ojen" which, during all that time was enjoyed by its numerous fans, but which secret formula died with its creator. Pablo Picasso at the beginning of his cubist epoch paint one bottle of "Anis de Ojen" in one of his pictures which can be admire know at the Museum of Modern Arts in D'Ascq. Daix. France.
TheRefugio de Juanar, a typical hunting pavillion situated into the very heart of the mountain, is worth a visit, no only because of the beatiful scenery and views, but to enjoy its magnificent and famous cuisine.