CEUTA
Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city on the north coast of Africa. It is 20 sq Km (12 sq mi) wide. Bordered by Morocco, it lies along the boundary between the Mediterranean sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of nine populated Spanish territories in Africa and one of two populated Spanish territories on mainland Africa. It was part of the province of Cadiz until March, 14th 1995 when it gained its statue of autonomy.
COUNTRY
Spain
RELIGIONS
Christians
Muslims
Jewish
Hindu
POPULATION
84,434
LANGUAGES
Spanish (official)
Arabic
Berber
French
ETHNIC GROUPS
Europeans
Berbers
Others
CURRENCY
Euro
TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN CEUTA
EL CONJUNTO MONUMENTAL MURALLAS REALES
The Royal Walls of Ceuta (Murallas Reales de Ceuta) are a line of fortification in Ceuta, an autonomous Spanish city in north Africa. The walls date to 962 in its oldest part and the most modern parts to the 18th century. They remain largely intact, with the exception of some outworks, and are listed as a Spanish property of cultural interest.
PLAZA DE AFRICA
Plaza de Africa is an important landmark in Ceuta. It is a welcoming oasis of greenery and calm. The garden is well maintained with tropical plants and the paved areas are nice and clean. It is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the beautiful landscapes surrounding the area.
BANOS ARABES
The Banos Arabes (Arab Baths) in Ceuta are medium size medieval public baths on the northern edges of the Medina quarter. This is thought to have been occupied since the 11th century. Archaeological investigations in 2000 and 2004 have shown that the baths had one room for clothes and toilets followed by a cold bath and then a hot bath in a Roman style. The baths were recognised as a nationally important monument in 2007.
ESTATUA DE HERCULES
The two huge bronze Hercules, the work of the Ceuta artist Ginés Serran Pagan, are 7 meters (23 ft) high and weigh 4 tons each. They are, currently the largest classical mythology bronze sculptures in the world. Due to their size and grandeur these sculptures impress visitors from everywhere around the world. A great statue which is very symbolic and represents the Strait of Gibraltar – Hercules dividing the 2 Continents.
BASILICA TARDORROMANA MUSEO
The creation of this museum arises when the remains of the Late Roman Basilica are found of great historical importance, since they are the only Christian remains on this shore of the Mediterranean in the 4th century. The Basilica is a building formed by a single rectangular room and two collateral naves, made with stone from local quarries. And from the studies carried out, we know that it is an unfinished monument, maybe due to historical events that occurred in the area.
PARQUE MARITIMO DEL MEDITERRANEO
The Parque Maritimo del Mediterraneo is a leisure complex covering 55,000 m² (34 sq mi) located in the autonomous Spanish city of Ceuta, bordering northern Morocco. It consists of three artificial lakes of salt water, filtered directly from the sea. Great place for swimming during the summer months. The park also contains gardens, ornamental waterfalls, sunbathing areas, a stage for concerts and shows and various entertainment establishments such as bars, restaurants, pubs, a casino, and a nightclub, etc. It was designed by Cesar Menrique and inaugurated in 1995.
CASA DE LOS DRAGONES
Casa de los Dragones is an important landmark in Ceuta on the north coast of Africa, and an extraordinary example of electric architecture. The house is on a corner of Kings Square. The building was designed by the architect Jose M.Cortina Perez and completed in 1905.
PARQUE DE SAN AMARO
Parque de San Amaro is a public garden of 20,000 square meters located at the foot of Mount Hacho, facing the beach of the same name. In this park, a family leisure and enjoyment area has been created in a natural environment of singular beauty, in which wide spaces and perspectives play a determining role. It is equipped with large green areas, two playgrounds with a children’s play area, access for the disabled, public toilets, night lighting and furniture with avant-garde artificial white stone benches.
MUSEO MILITAR EL DESNARIGADO
The Museum is located in the battery known as “El Desnarigado” in memory of the pirate of this name who landed on the beach under the fort on May 6, 1417 and took the small Portuguese garrison who was guarding it. The current castle, designed by D.Ramón Carbonell, was built on the old 17th century redoubt. The El Desnarigado Military Historical Museum is a significant compendium of Spanish military culture in the Autonomous City of Ceuta.
PLAYA DE LA RIBERA
Playa de la Ribera is a beach of Ceuta. Like the playa del Chorillo, it lies to the south of the isthmus, but on the part where it joins the mainland. It is about 405 m (0.25 mi) long, with an average width of 40 m (131 ft). It is very busy during the summer months.