Mijas I PULLED MY OWN TEETH OUT

IT is one of the most remarkable stories to emerge from the Franco era.

Now best known as ‘The Mole of Mijas’, Manuel Cortes Quero was the last Republican mayor of the pueblo, from March to November of 1936. However, when the town fell to dictator Franco’s nationalist troops during the Spanish Civil War he was forced to abandon his wife and newborn daughter and flee the town under the cover of darkness.

However he returned in 1939, willing to sacrifice his freedom in exchange for living under the same roof as his family, making himself a prisoner in his own home.

For 30 years - YES you read that correctly, THIRTY years - the Mole stayed hidden, tucked in a cramped space under the stairs behind a false wall.

“I pulled out my own teeth, as soon as I got an ache,” Cortes said later. “I would work at the tooth until it was loose and then I would yank it out with my fingers, without any pliers or tongs. I pulled out nine or ten teeth this way.”

In 1960, after 21 years of hiding, Cortes’ daughter Maria got married. “I had to make do with watching her come out of church through a little hole above,” he said.

“The wedding procession left the house and after the ceremony Maria scurried away to come to my room and kiss me, just as we had planned.”

Listening to the radio on March 28, 1969, with his ear pressed to the wall, Cortes heard the news that he had been waiting 30 years to hear.

The government had granted amnesty to those people who had committed crimes from July 18 1936 to April 1 1939.

“I got a lump in my throat because of the emotion of the moment,” said Cortes. “I couldn’t think straight.”

The then mayor of Mijas, Miguel Gonzalez, accompanied Cortes to the headquarters of the Guardia Civil in Malaga, where the world’s press waited to hear the confirmation that he was finally free.

“Was it worth it?” asked Cortes. “I never lost faith in democracy. The tyranny of the dictatorship could not last forever.”

Today, his amazing story has been given an added tribute, with the addition of an excel- lent new attraction in Mijas. The Escape Room, available in English or Spanish, takes between an hour and 90 minutes and costs just €66 for six people.

Unlike other Escape Rooms around Spain it has a fantastic twist.

“Instead of escaping you must remain in the game and each find a hiding place before the Guardia Civil come knocking on your door,” explained a spokesman. “Oh and don’t leave anything around that could raise suspicion.”

To book or for more information telephone +34 647 679 345 or visit the website at www.secretplacemijas.com

ENTHRALLED FROM THE START!

Olive Press’ new member of staff, Matt Jones, has been in love with Mijas for well over a decade

MY first visit to beautiful Mijas Pueblo was 13 years ago. A number unlucky for some, but as I’m still a regular visitor all those years later, it’s the very opposite.

The impact was immediate and I was totally enthralled with the atmosphere of the place, its nearby mountains, its closeness to nature and, of course, the amazing views down to the twinkling Mediterranean below.

I’ll admit I’m a little bit biassed with my family owning an apartment in the village, but how could anyone tire of visiting this little white gem of a village nestling securely onto the hillside with unrestricted vistas? There is a great range of restaurants and bars served by friendly staff who speak English to help those visitors who are not that confident with Spanish.

There is also a range of lovely shops to while away a few hours of retail therapy. These include many excellent artisan goods, such as hand made jewellery, traditional espadrille footwear, woven baskets, painted tiles and beautiful paintings and textiles to enhance anyone's home.

Mijas Pueblo also has a bus service to be proud of. They are cheap, clean and reliable so a car is really not necessary. Just hop onto a bus - or take a taxi if a quarter of an hour really matters - and after just a short drive you’ll hit the coast with all its beaches and a charming town of La Cala. This lovely spot boasts a wealth of places to eat whether one's preference is for tra- ditional tapas, a more formal dining experience or everything in between. All of this with the added benefit of a beautiful coastal backdrop.

The recently completed boardwalk is a great addition for either taking a stroll or for a more energetic walk, and, of course, there are plenty of beach bars along the way!

THE Secret Garden is a little gem tucked away behind Aroma Café which, in turn, is situated in one of the most picturesque streets in the heart of Mijas Pueblo.

It is a BBQ style Argentinian restaurant serving high quality steaks cooked to individual perfection as well as a range of other meats and fish all accompanied by delicious Mediterranean vegetables and a choice of tasty chips or jacket potatoes.

They also offer an excellent wine and drinks selection and if you still have room, a selection of tasty desserts.

All of this at a very reasonable price for a fine dining experience.

As soon as customers enter the garden the natural beauty of the environment is there to see.

A range of tables is set amongst an extensive and natural garden with a backdrop of mature orange and olive trees, many in blossom when I visited, and all festooned with fairy lights providing a typical Andalucian vibe.

As the area is large there is plenty of space between tables, providing an intimate and very special atmosphere. As beautiful as the surroundings may be, any restaurant is only as good as the food it serves.

The Secret Garden can boast an extensive menu, an excellent and competent chef who, along with a team of polite and professional staff, all work to make the overall dining experience enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons.

If you are ever in Mijas Pueblo seek out the Secret Garden. If your time is limited, you can enjoy just a coffee or a glass of wine or even add a few tapas from their excellent selection. You will be well looked after and not be disappointed.

For more information or to make a reservation, telephone or text to

+34 604 423 230