Province
& Villages - Cadiz - Rota - Culture
Rota information
Historical - Cultural Route
DURATION: From 1 to 2 hours.
DISTANCE: Approx. 2 km.
DIFFICULTY: Low.
Leaving the Plaza de España turn to the CASTILLO DE
LUNA passing Italia, García López, San
Clement streets, all typically narrow and white, with
plants pots surrounding the castle built in the Middle
Ages.
The CASTILLO DE LUNA, built around a rectangular strcuture
with 5 turreted towers, was built in the 18th century
on and ANCIENT ARABIC RIBAT as a fortress destined
for prayer and defending the neighbouring area.
Its historical importance is reflected in the 247
tiles that form the mural at the Castle entrance.
The mural depicts the visit of CATHOLIC MONARCHS in
1477, guests of DON RODRIGO PONCE DE LEÓN.
In the Castle's interior, the patio from the 16th
century, maintains the original columns and main banisters
as well as the murals painted in MUDEJAR STYLE.
The castle was a hospital and college and was finally
restored and put back into use as the seat of the
TOWN HALL OF ROTA.
Following this, you can visit the Iglesia de NUESTRA
SEÑORA DE LA O built under de instructions of DON
RODRIGO PONCE DE LEÓN in the 16th century.
In the beginning only the central building was erected
in a GOTHIC STYLE. Later, in the 17th and 18th century,
five jointed chapels were added, the description of
which is found on the door of each chapel.
Most notable is the CHOIR, of noble wood realised
by DIEGO ROLDAN and the ORGAN, designed by JUAN DE
BONO in the 18th century.
Having seen these two monuments, if you turn to the
street opposite the main door passing a small arch,
you will arrive at the Marine walkway, where some
of the most impressive views of the Costilla coastline
can be seen with more than 4 km of fine golden sands.
If you continue to the left you will pass in front
of the Hotel Duque de Najera to arrive at the Sports
Harbour, built in 1992 on the sea. Also on the left
is the Town of Rota, protected by its ANCIENT WALL,
where you will find a ramp to access the the old part
of the town and where you also able to reflect on
the ancient PUERTA DE JEREZ, one of the gates in the
wall that connected Rota with the aforementioned city.
A little further on, you will find the "Mirador
de las Almenas", from which can be seen an incredible
view of the Rompidillo beach and the Sports Harbour.
Behind you is THE PLAZA DE ABASTOS, where the COVENT
OF THE HOLY MERCEDARIAN FATHERS was preciously housed,
built in the 17th century and where the TORRE DE LA
MERCD is the only remaining artefact. Taking the street
adjoining the market you will arrive at its main entrance
from where you should be able to see the aforementioned
tower.
Leaving the market, you will arrive at Calle Veracruz
on the left is the arch of the ancient Town Hall.
This was the most important gate of the ancient wall,
connecting with Sanlúcar and receiving, in
those days, the majority of commercial traffic.
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