Castillo de la Duquesa

This 18th century castle (only a few minutes from my place) was built as a barracks for the military of the day. When I first visited it, forty years ago, it housed 13 families. Several families would share a living space, just separated from their neighbours by a simple curtain.

All around the site there was was an important Roman settlement and bath house. The industry was fishing, and making the popular fish paste - Garrum. The jar below is said to be a Garrum jar. The site is in the process of being excavated. In the castle there is a Museum of Archaology to house many of the 'finds'; pottery, glass, jewelery, fishhooks, etc. Now the Castle is used for cultural events; lectures, concerts, and as a wedding venue.

The Castillo also has a Museum of Fencing, which it is defined as swordmanship in general. With this broad definition, it is possible to include the weapons used in cave paintings - and certainly King Arthur's sword Excaliber.

The Cave - of Cueva De La Pileta

This cave is near Benaojan, about 70 kilometers from Bahia Dorada - through wonderfully wild mountain scenery. I've wanted to explore it for years. This week I did so for the first time! There are many steep steps up to the cave entrance, and inside the cave, so people with heart or agility problems are advised not to attempt to visit it. Once inside, Tilly lamps are lit and the group follows a guide who speaks in Spanish and English.

The Cave is most famous for a large depiction of a fish - which is most unusual in cave paintings.

The cave has Paleolithic and Neolithic paintings of animal and human forms, and many abstract lines and patterns, whose meaning is still open to interpretation. Carbon dating was possible as animal fat was used in making the 'paints'. There are two small lakes, with water that was once fresh enough to drink. (Now, coins dropped into them has spoiled its purity.) Many pottery shards can also be seen in the cave.

The postcard on the left distinctly shows the 'Pregnant mare' and a goat. Some people think the lines like a comb may be some sort of moon calendar. What of those circles with dots inside?

Moorish Watch Towers

It is disputed as to exactly when the Watch Towers were set up as a protection against piracy along the Mediteranean coast. Each tower was visible to two others in either direction, and each had a chimney to produce smoke to raise the alarm if enemy ships were seen.

This tower, on Bahia Dorada, was in existance before 1492! It is 13 meters high, with a flat roof to view the sea and surrounding area. Its entrance is 7.5 meters high off the ground! There is no other way in! There is an account of its history in the 1997 local telephone directory! It was manned by two guards. One kept perminant watch, while the other came every afternoon and left at dawn. A rope ladder could be let down for the relief man to climb up. "The watchmen could defend themselves by throwing stones, fire or bullets of molton lead"!

Roman ruins; Baleo Caudia

The Roman ruins of Baleo Claudia near Tarifa, are in a stunning position beside a long sandy beach. Before going there check opening times, which vary with the seasons; and use a map and follow signposts carefully. The car park is beside the museum.

The most important industry of Baleo Claudio was garrum; a highly prized fish paste, that was exported all over the Roman Empire! Near the beach there are many large tanks cut into the rock in which the garrum was made. Salt and herbs were pounded together with the fish.

After visiting the ruins, enjoy eating at one of the delightful beachside restaurants nearby; stroll along the sands or have a swim. This place is only about an hour from my place! Or stop over at one of the nearby camp grounds or in a hostal or hotel in Zahara.

Everything Changed!

In 1492 Christopher Columbus set off to discover the New World, which led to more profound world changes than the Apollo programme and landing on the moon 500 years later. Columbus believed he could reach India by sailing west. He discussed the possibility with two monks at the La Rabida monastery. One was an astronomer, who thought the idea was feasible. The other monk was the Confessor to Queen Isabella, and able to present her with the idea and enlisted her help. She provided three caravels the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. Before setting sail, Columbus left his ten year old son under the care of the monks, as it was uncertain whether he would return from his dangerous mission! The rest, as they say, is history.

Visit La Rabida monastery, near Huelva, where the plans were made. Go to the little harbour at La Rabida (near Huelva, close to the Portuguese border) where there is a little harbour with replicas of the caravels. You can explore them. See for yourself how uncomfortable life was on board then! It is extraordinary what risks people are willing to take!

As the journey from my place is about 7 or 8 hours, make a mini-holiday of it, and see other places on the way. It's worth taking several days over the trip. Take time to see magnificent Sevilla and Jerez en route. BUT avoid going in summer when the weather is unbearably hot!

Don't Try This!

This walkway was built for the King to view the construction of a new dam some time ago, around the turn of the century. It has since fallen into disrepair, and in fact has now been closed to prevent accidents.

However, this video was made and shows the risks people are still willing to take.

It is in the El Chorro area, near Antequera, which is a very beautiful area to have a picnic, swim in the lake, and walk in the woods.



Further information about this is available at this site