Spanish territory hidden in African land.

According to ancient Greek and Roman legend, the Pillars of Hercules are two stone pillars marking the edge of the known world. One pillar lies on the Rock of Gibraltar, the other in Ceuta.

Related articles

TikToker causes chaos at a train station in Spain.

Spain was the first country in Europe to subsidize travel expenses for retirees.

Today, Ceuta is a Spanish territory, a part of the country completely surrounded by another nation. Located 28 miles from mainland Spain, this tiny European-in-African landmass is one of the most unusual places on both continents.

THE BEAUTY OF SPAIN HIDDEN IN THE TERRITORY OF AFRICA

Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city located on the north coast of Africa, opposite the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of two Spanish overseas territories in Africa, along with Melilla. Ceuta covers an area of ​​18.5 km2 and has a population of approximately 85,000 people.

The history of Ceuta dates back to the 7th century BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians. Subsequently, the city came under the ownership of the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Byzantines, and Berbers. In 1415, Ceuta was captured by the Portuguese and later ceded to Spain in 1580.

Surrounded on three sides by water, Ceuta is protected by high medieval walls, stone fortifications, and barbed wire fences, all bearing witness to its turbulent history.

With an area of ​​just 7 square miles and a population of approximately 85,000, this peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea has been under Spanish ownership since 1580.

But this detached land is more than just colonial ruins; with architecture, culture, and cuisine blending influences from both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar, it may well be Spain's most multicultural city.

GATEWAY TO AFRICA

Ceuta's history is complex. Standing atop the 16th-century Royal Wall that still encircles the old town of the suburbs, Bernal explains how the Portuguese conquered Ceuta in 1415 as the Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula swept across the Mediterranean and into the heart of the Moorish region.

Portugal and Spain united under a single king in 1580, and thus Ceuta was under the rule of the Iberian League until 1640 when Portugal seceded.

However, the people of Ceuta—who had largely migrated from Spanish, rather than Portuguese, territories on the European continent—decided they would side with Spain.

Highly valued for its strategic location, the city's history spans ancient times, and its prominent position protecting the Strait of Gibraltar has led to claims of sovereignty over or conquest by every Mediterranean power.

Phoenician ruins dating back to the 7th century BC can be found next to the Ceuta church. Mediterranean seafarers established a small settlement here as part of their growing maritime empire. Later came the Carthaginians and the Romans, who needed to secure a gateway to Africa.

CULTURAL BLENDING

This city is a prime example of the intermingling of different cultures in its architecture, cuisine, art, and customs. The inhabitants of Ceuta are primarily Spanish and Moroccan, but there are also several other minority communities.

Cultural exchange is a distinctive feature in architecture.

Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city located on the north coast of Africa. The city has a long history and has been ruled by various empires, including the Roman, Visigothic, Berber, and Muslim empires. This has resulted in a unique blend of architectural styles within the city.

The ancient city walls of Las Murallas Reales, surrounding the city of Ceuta, were built in the 16th century by the Spanish. These walls incorporate elements of Roman, Visigoth, and Islamic architecture.

The Ceuta Cathedral (Cateral de la Asunción) was built in the 16th century in the Gothic style. However, the cathedral also incorporates some Islamic architectural details, such as its minaret-shaped bell tower.

The blend of cultures in Ceuta's architecture is one of the things that makes this city unique and attractive. Visitors can find examples of architecture from many different periods and cultures throughout the city.

A land of multicultural cuisine.

Ceuta cuisine is a unique blend of Spanish, Moroccan, and Mediterranean cultures. Due to its unique geographical location and history, Ceuta has absorbed culinary influences from many different places, using many characteristic Mediterranean spices such as garlic, bell peppers, saffron, coriander, cumin, and pepper. Because of its coastal location, seafood plays a significant role in Ceuta cuisine. Popular seafood dishes include fish, squid, shrimp, crab, and clams.

Lamb and chicken are also common ingredients in Ceuta cuisine. Dishes are often cooked with Mediterranean spices and herbs. Bread is an important part of Ceuta cuisine. It is often served with other dishes or as an appetizer.

Ceuta boasts a wide variety of fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables due to its Mediterranean climate. Popular fruits include oranges, tangerines, grapes, apples, and pears. Common vegetables include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic.

Couscous is a popular dish deeply rooted in Ceuta culinary culture. Made from semolina flour, it has a unique and delicious flavor, resembling small pearls. Couscous is typically cooked by steaming or boiling. Once cooked, it is fluffed and mixed with other ingredients such as meat, vegetables, seafood, spices, and herbs. The dish boasts a delicious flavor, combining the richness of the flour, the sweetness of the vegetables, and the savory taste of the meat or seafood. It is often served with a sauce or broth to enhance the flavor.

Ceuta is famous for its abundant reserves of fish, squid, and prawns, so battered and deep-fried fish, squid, and prawns are enjoyed year-round. Diners should also not miss the baked goods filled with mackerel, tuna, prawns, and Norwegian lobster. These seafood dishes are best enjoyed with red wine from southern Spain. Those who don't drink alcohol can opt for mosto, which is grape juice.

Khanh Linh