Vejer de la Frontera

 

A Spanish hilltop town and municipality in the province of Cádiz, Andalucia, on the right bank of the river Barbate. The town of Vejer de la Frontera occupies a low hill overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar and surrounded by orchards and orange groves. It contains several ancient churches and convents, and the architecture of many of its houses recalls the period of Moorish rule, which lasted from 711 until the town was captured by Saint Ferdinand of Castile in 1248.

 

Agriculture and fruit-farming are the chief industries; fighting bulls are also bred in the neighbourhood and a running of the bulls is held annually.

 

Vejer has a number of supermarkets, post office, medical centre, banks, bars, cafes, restaurants, bakeries and markets.

 

Sights to See:
Plaza de España - A meeting place with numerous cafes and bars around the outside. In the centre there is an ornate ceramic fountain featuring 4 frogs. The town hall is located in the square and a notable feature is the facade of the fabled Casa de la Inquisición (no. 12 & 13).

 

Arab Castle - is hidden in the old quarter. A classic 11th century arch leads into a courtyard. During the summer school holidays the local scouts and guides will show you around the ramparts.

Church of El Divino Salvador - Like many was built on the site of an old Mosque. The front of the main aisle is Visigothic while the reminder is Mudejar. Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Oliva - is a local chapel, which houses a 16th century carved image of the Virgin Mary.

Casa de Mayorazgo - Enter the courtyard of this private house and walk through into an inner patio well kept with lots of potted plants. Climb the corner tower of the old walls for a view down to Plaza de España. This is open while daylight lasts. There is no fee - but donations are accepted.

Casa Marquez de Tamaron - This old building is now used as the Casa de la Cultura which is where the local town hall organises cultural events. Check out the notice board. The small municipal library and reading room is located here.

City Walls and Arches - The city walls are very much still intact and you can climb up on to them at various points. There are half a dozen entrance arches such as Arco de la Villa, Puerto de Sancho IV.