| - C E U T A -
Set on an isthmus on the
northern coast of Africa overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, Ceuta is
a city surrounded by the sea. An important port and commercial center,
sometimes called the "Great Bazaar" because of its large number of stores,
the city extends west from the Hacho Mountain, which juts out into the
Mediterranean Sea and is said to be one of the legendary Towers of Hercules.
From its heights, crowned by a fortress, exceptional views of the city,
the Strait of Gibraltar and western Andalucia unfold, and at the outskirts
of the city the Isabel II overlook provides memorable views.
Ceuta was a Carthaginian
colony, later fortified by the Caliph of Cordoba Abd al-Rahman III. It
was conquered by Portugal in the early fifteenth century and passed to
Spain when Spanish King Philip II was also crowned king of Portugal. The
Foso de San Felipe, a navigable canal that cuts across the isthmus, and
the royal walls were built by the Portuguese and later expanded under Spanish
rule.
Gastronomy
Because of Ceuta's proximity
to southern Spain, the city has a very Andalusian appearance, and its fishing
fleet is sizable. As one would expect, wonderfully fresh seafood is the
highlight of the city's gastronomy, simply fried or grilled or in light
sauces, all prepared in the style of Andalucia.
Attractions
Sights in Ceuta include
the remains of the fourteenth century Arab walls and fortress, and in the
outskirts of the city the Arab aqueduct Arcos Quebrados still stands. Ceuta's
cathedral is built on the site of a sixth century Christian temple and
although neoclassic in appearance, its original construction is fifteenth
century. It features a lovely Renaissance portal of black marble and a
baroque altar. In the elegant Municipal Palace the Throne Room displays
the standard of the city and many archeological remains.
Fine beaches, a government
parador in a lush garden setting adjoining the city walls, and a casino
within the beautiful Parque Maritimo del Mediterraneo that was created
by visionary Canary Island artist Cesar Manrique, are other enticing reasons
to visit the city.
- M E L I L L A
-
For centuries the city of
Melilla has been an outpost of Spain because of its strategic location
on the peninsula of Tres Forcas on Africa's Mediterranean coast. In ancient
times the city was occupied by Phoenicians and Carthaginians before it
was integrated into the Roman Empire in the first century. When the Moors
conquered Spain, Melilla became part of the Caliphate of Cordoba
and later reverted to the kingdom of Fez. Melilla declined in the Middle
Ages, becoming a refuge for pirates, until it was conquered by the Catholic
Kings at the end of the fifteenth century, and it has remained Spanish
since then. Subsequent monarchs repopulated and fortified the city, and
in the eighteenth century Melilla was further secured by numerous fortresses
that still ring the city.
Today Melilla is a culturally
diverse city and duty free port where languages mix and mingle. It is joined
to the Spanish mainland by ferry and air service and boasts a fine mild
Mediterranean climate similar to Spain's Costa del Sol. A municipal marina
also makes it a center for sports fishing and other related activities,
and an attractive government parador in the Old Quarter that has exceptional
views of the city and its port is a fine place to relax when visiting the
city.
Gastronomy
Melilla's gastronomy, based
on the exceptional fish and shellfish from nearby waters, is in essence
Andalusian but with interesting Moroccan overtones, and the city is filled
with tapas bars.
Attractions
Melilla's most striking
feature is the Old City or Citadel -the original fifteenth century walled
city of steep narrow streets at the highest point of the city that has
been declared a historic-artistic monument. Entered by way of the Puerta
de Santiago graced by the coat of arms of Emperor Charles V, the old quarter
encloses three walled districts, separated from one another by deep moats
and joined by bridges. Other sights include the Municipal Museum, housed
in the Renaissance Concepcion Church where the visitor can relive the history
of the city.
Text courtesy of the Tourist
Office of Spain |
