| Town
Walls
 You
can still trace the outline of these ancient monuments and in
places they appear proud & defensive & in others disappear
into homes & you'll see somebody's washing being hung on the
ramparts. A notable feature is the various arches that lead into
the old town through the walls. Unlike in many other towns all
the original gateways still exist.
Castle
The Moorish built 'alcazaba' is hidden away down a narrow alleyway.
Only one facade reveals this monument's history as the town has
been built right around the edifice. A classic Ogee arch leads
into a jasmine scented courtyard. Beyond this there is not much
to see, as now much of the castle is residential.
Church
Built on the site of the old
mosque the minaret is still standing now crowned with bells. Under
the church is the outstanding 'alminars' or water deposit built
by the moors (not open to the public) so large that it can be
navigated around in a small dinghy. Towards the front of the Church's
main aisle is Visigoth while the remainder is Mudejar.
Plaza
de España or 'Plaza de los Pescaitos'
The Plaza de los Pescaitos
(Plaza of the Little Fish), gets its name from the goldfish that
swim around the fountain. This plaza is a favorite spot for visitors
& locals alike. Ringed with date palms with some immense bougainvillea
bushes as a backdrop, the ornate fountain is not as old as it
seems and dates back to the early 1900's. Decorated with bright
ceramics & 4 spouting frogs you will find a replica fountain
in the main plaza of Algeciras.
Aqueduct
A short walk away is the recently
restored roman aqueduct of Santa Lucia, usually still working
in the summer, with a water supply that feeds the small lush valley
nearby where avocados, pomegranate & other semitropical fruits
are grown. |
