Monday, 6. August 2007, 21:57:54
Ceuta - Spanish and European city in North Africa.
The anchor point for an imaginary bridge that links two continents; natural shelter in the middle of the Straits of Gibraltar, where the waters of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet, it is a natural settling point for different civilisations and cultures.
It is precisely this character of a city open to the world that has led to Europeans, Africans and Asians living there today. The mixture of cultures and idiosyncrasies of Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Jews constitute the principal communities in this cosmopolitan town, which lives by the creeds of respect and harmonious living.
Additionally, its size, its balance between city and forest areas, its beaches and its wonderful climate make it a fantastic place to visit and have fun. There are views to be admired (there are few places where you can view the lands of three nations and two continents at the same time) and an impressive cultural heritage, especially its military fortifications.
Get to know this ancient city, rich in legacies from different cultures and civilisations.
photo by Jacek
Our history, divided into periods and with a chronological summary will provide you with all the information necessary to get to know and understand Ceuta's origins.
The great variety of civilisations that have settled in the city over the centuries have made it a place of reference for historians and archaeologists from all over the world.
In the last few years, the Spain's tourist profile has changed quite a bit. Now, visitors come looking for more than just sun, beaches and shopping. Thanks to this new vision, Ceuta can offer its incredible natural setting, history and ethnographic heritage.
For nature lovers, Ceuta offers a surprising natural environment, with panoramic views over the Straits that reach as far as two continents and three nations. Where the ocean and sea meet, visitors can see spectacular sunrises and sunsets. They can also take beautiful walks through the forest, or sunbathe on the beaches.
photo by Jacek
The historic heritage of Ceuta includes magnificent monumental sites, such as the Murallas Reales (Royal Walls) and other examples of fortifications from the Middle Ages to the present day. In addition, Ceuta has numerous museums and archaeological sites that can be visited, as well as Baroque temples and beautiful examples of 20th century architecture.
Furthermore, thanks to the coexistence of different ethnic and religious communities, Ceuta offers a wide range of festivities, in addition to the exciting events on the calendars of cultural associations and institutions.
Museums and exhibitions - No less than nine places you can visit. Something for everyone: Archaeology, Fine Arts, Military History...
Monuments, places, corners and sites that you cannot miss if you really want to get to know the city and its history.
Architecture - Historicism, Rationalism, Eclecticism: the beginning of the 20th century marked the architectural design of the city.
Religious buildings - Catholic cathedral, churches and parishes from Portuguese times, as well as mosques, a synagogue and a Hindu prayer centre.
photo by Jacek
Archaeology - Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Phoenician and Roman sites and remains from the Islamic period; there is much left to discover...
Celebrations - Holy Week, the Carnival, the San Antonio Pilgrimage, the Bonfires of San Juan, the Patron Saint festivities and the Fair...
TEXT SOURCE & Read More on The official portal of Autonomous City of Ceuta
My first friends... and first shot
WIDGETIZE