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Ceuta Travel Guide
Ceuta
Located on the Tingitana peninsula, on the African coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, the autonomous city of Ceuta occupies an area of almost 19 square kilometres and has a population of more than 80,000 inhabitants with various cultures such as Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu.
History
The history of Ceuta includes traces of the Palaeolithic period, from which pieces were found that demonstrated the presence of man in the region from that moment on. Among these pieces, some of importance were made of flint. The Neolithic period left remains of pieces made of stone above all, thus demonstrating the development of the lithic industry.Subsequently, the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians settled in the territory of present-day Ceuta.
The Romans also occupied Ceuta at the time of the empire. After the fall of the Carthaginian empire with the Punic wars, Ceuta became a territory of Mauritania. Already after his death, in the year 33 BC, Boco II of Mauritania left Ceuta as an inheritance to Rome. In his time, the Romans called Ceuta the city of Septem Ftratres (seven brothers) due to the seven hills that can be seen there. At present, in San Francisco Javier street, next to the San Felipe moat, one can see remains of the Roman walls in Ceuta.
In the middle of the first century BC, there was an urban nucleus in the region that covers the area from the navigable moat to the western face of the peninsula of La Almina.
In the second century, the city we know today as Ceuta became a Roman municipality (municipium civium romanorum).
The Byzantines made unsuccessful attempts to occupy the region. In 615, the city was besieged and later conquered by the Visigothic king Sisebuto.
In the second century, the city we know today as Ceuta became a Roman municipality (municipium civium romanorum).
The Byzantines made unsuccessful attempts to occupy the region. In 615, the city was besieged and later conquered by the Visigothic king Sisebuto.
The Muslim name for Ceuta was Sebta, an adaptation of the ancient Roman name Septem. Ceuta was under Arab rule for seven centuries. During the first taifa kingdoms, the city was linked first with Malaga, then with Granada. After the Almoravid and Almohad conquests, it was attached to the taifa of Murcia.
The centuries of Muslim domination culminated when the city was conquered on August 21, 1415, by Juan Vaz de Almeda, who raised the Lisbon flag on the Torre de Vela de Ceuta. For two centuries, Ceuta was under Portuguese rule.
In its Portuguese stage, Ceuta was a nucleus of corsairs. These possessed letters of marque, that is to say, they could legally attack vessels belonging to enemy nations. The Portuguese corsairs from Ceuta had Muslim territories as their primary objective, such as those of Muslim Granada.
In its Portuguese stage, Ceuta was a nucleus of corsairs. These possessed letters of marque, that is to say, they could legally attack vessels belonging to enemy nations. The Portuguese corsairs from Ceuta had Muslim territories as their primary objective, such as those of Muslim Granada.
At the end of the 18th century, the kings of Morocco besieged the city on numerous occasions, intending to take it. At times, they even had British support, although they were never successful in said objective. Later, at the end of the Enlightenment century, through commercial and political agreements between Spain and Morocco, Spanish sovereignty was officially and permanently recognized.
Top 5 things to visit in Ceuta
Ceuta is a city with an important patrimonial, historical and artistic heritage thanks to the interesting amalgamation of cultures, religions and idiosyncrasies that comprise life in its interior. This is revealed in an impressive number of monuments and buildings of enormous tourist attraction. Among the highlights are the following:The Royal Walls
Among the great treasures of its past, worth mentioning are the impressive Royal Walls, initially built by the Romans, enlarged by the Arabs in the 10th century, and rebuilt during the 16th century to serve as a defensive complex for Christian troops, taking advantage of their strategic location.
These walls consist of three bridges and were part of a large defensive barracks that no longer exists. In their place is the Parador Nacional de La Muralla.
These walls consist of three bridges and were part of a large defensive barracks that no longer exists. In their place is the Parador Nacional de La Muralla.
The House of Dragons
This spectacular building with an eclectic architectural style—the work of the famous architect José María Manuel Cortina Pérez—first underwent construction in 1900 and was inaugurated in 1905. It is a sample of the interesting mix of cultures, artistic styles and idiosyncrasies within this cosmopolitan city.
Originally, it was going to be baptized simply as the Cerni González Building, the original owners of the property, but it has always been known as the House of Dragons due to the four majestic and enigmatic dragons that coil on its top floor.
Originally, it was going to be baptized simply as the Cerni González Building, the original owners of the property, but it has always been known as the House of Dragons due to the four majestic and enigmatic dragons that coil on its top floor.
Africa Square
This square is one of the most popular meeting points in the city because around it are several monuments, buildings and places of great religious, artistic and tourist interest.
In this square is one of the most significant monuments of the city: the Monument to the Fallen during the 1859-1860 Africa War.
It is more than 13 meters high and beautifully carved with bronze bas-reliefs at the bottom.
In this square is one of the most significant monuments of the city: the Monument to the Fallen during the 1859-1860 Africa War.
It is more than 13 meters high and beautifully carved with bronze bas-reliefs at the bottom.
There is also the Sanctuary of Saint Mary of Africa, built in the 15th century. Behind it is a monument in honour of Colonel González-Tablas.
The Merinid Walls
Another defensive bastion in Ceuta was the complex system known as the Merinid Walls, also made up of towers, built under the rule of the Merinid dynasty and dating from the 14th century.
This enormous enclosure performed different functions over the centuries, including a defensive citadel, refuge, shelter, military garrison and sanctuary for foreigners who arrived late at night looking for lodging.
This enormous enclosure performed different functions over the centuries, including a defensive citadel, refuge, shelter, military garrison and sanctuary for foreigners who arrived late at night looking for lodging.
Mount Musa
On the outskirts of Ceuta, right on the western border with Morocco, is Mount Musa, popularly known as “the dead woman”.
In addition to offering excellent views of its surroundings and the magnificent Mediterranean coastline, Mount Musa is a place of great popularity due to the unique mythological legend of its origin, about a woman who was petrified with jealousy when she saw Hercules separate Europe from Africa, raising the columns that separate Gibraltar and Ceuta.
In addition to offering excellent views of its surroundings and the magnificent Mediterranean coastline, Mount Musa is a place of great popularity due to the unique mythological legend of its origin, about a woman who was petrified with jealousy when she saw Hercules separate Europe from Africa, raising the columns that separate Gibraltar and Ceuta.
What to do in Ceuta
A few minutes by boat and you are inside an architecture and a culture different from that of the Iberian Peninsula. Welcome to Ceuta, the door to Africa.In Ceuta, the charm of the old cities mixes with the comforts of modernity. Ceuta's multiculturalism is one of its greatest attractions. Here, Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus coexist. This coexistence can be observed in the most important religious buildings of each of the orders and also in the varied gastronomy in the city.
This was always a key city in the defence of the Iberian Peninsula. On a walk through the Sierra Bullones, one can observe the neo-medieval towers that were built on the hills separating Spain from Morocco.
If you prefer something quieter, take a walk along Las Murallas Reales, visit the Mercado de Abastos or look out at the Isabel II viewpoint, from where you can see the Iberian Peninsula and the Rock of Gibraltar.
Gastronomy in Ceuta
Thanks to its geographical location, Ceuta has based its gastronomy on seafood. However, it has been able to incorporate numerous ingredients through imports due to the difficulties involved in cultivating crops there.The gastronomy of Ceuta has been influenced by the various cultures that have comprised its population. Among them, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Christians have made contributions.
In general, the cuisine of Ceuta is related mainly to the gastronomy of Andalusia, the gastronomy of Al-Andalus and the gastronomy of Morocco. It is, in turn, part of what is known as the Mediterranean diet. Fish and shellfish stand out due to Ceuta’s location between the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Moroccan border.
Among the most consumed marine species, including those in the markets of Ceuta, are bonito, spade needle, grouper, red mullet, sloth, mackerel, anchovy and sardines.
One can also find Strait roosters, dogfish, turbot, cuttlefish, squid, tuna, clams, fine shells, prawns, langoustines and king crabs.
As for vegetables and fruits, they are mostly purchased by import. Highlights among the dishes prepared with these foods are vegetable “tajine”, “gazpacho” and “harira”.
One can also find Strait roosters, dogfish, turbot, cuttlefish, squid, tuna, clams, fine shells, prawns, langoustines and king crabs.
As for vegetables and fruits, they are mostly purchased by import. Highlights among the dishes prepared with these foods are vegetable “tajine”, “gazpacho” and “harira”.
Speaking of spices, the most used are cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, paprika, anise, saffron and coriander. It is also very common to sell a mixture of different varieties of them, marketed under the name “Ras el hanout”.
Among the most typical desserts in Ceuta are French toast, “chuparquías” and pastries.
Regarding drinks, the city has a great reputation for beer thanks to a factory located there; it closed at the end of the previous century. Currently, Ceuta has a small craft beer factory. The inhabitants of Ceuta also enjoy green tea with mint.
Accommodation in Ceuta
The Weather in Ceuta
In Ceuta, summers are usually arid, dry and hot, but short and clear, while winter is much longer, cloudy, with strong winds and humidity.The ideal time to plan trips is the months of June, July, August and September, precisely when the average temperature is around 25°C.
The coldest months are November to March. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature can reach 11°C.
Festivals in Ceuta
Something remarkable in Ceuta is that its festivities and celebrations are the product of a long mix of cultures and influences, as on its festive calendar are Christian, Jewish, Muslim and even Hindu liturgical festivals, in addition to the celebration of Ceuta Day, of great symbolism.Among them, Holy Week is observed with its traditional processions on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. These have been held since the arrival of the Portuguese in 1415. Also celebrated are the Hebrew Hanukkah and especially Eid Al-Adha, the traditional day of the sacrifice of the Muslim lamb, with an official status since 2010 and marking the only non-Christian liturgical celebration in Spanish territory.
But without a doubt, the most "universal" celebrations for all are the colourful carnivals, characterized by parades of costumes, musical events and gastronomic tastings in which each community contributes something particular from its culture to a great party attracting many tourists every year.
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