Alora has been a crossroads of civilizations since prehistoric times. Tartessians and Phoenicians established early settlements, laying the foundations for a fortress later expanded by the Romans. Known as Iluro during the Roman era, Alora became a thriving commercial hub, renowned for its honey, wine, and olive oil, and even minted its own currency.
With the arrival of the Arabs, Alora was renamed Alura, and its fortress on the Cerro de las Torres became a key defensive stronghold. The Visigoths and later the Arabs reinforced the castle, which held strong until the Christian conquest in 1484. The Middle Ages brought epic tales like the "Romance de Alora," recounting the tragic death of Don Diego de Rivera before the city walls.
A devastating earthquake in the 17th century destroyed much of the town, and the castle, a witness to centuries of history, was repurposed as a cemetery. Despite challenges, Alora persevered, growing from a population of just 500 in the 17th century to a vibrant cultural and tourist center by the 20th century.
