Chiclana de la Frontera

A town located the Bay of Cádiz where sandy terrain and pine-covered plains prevail alongside mud flats, while further inland there are still remnants of cork oak groves, such as El Pago del Humo. Most of the municipal area belongs to Cadiz Bay Natural Park, Sancti Petri Marshes Beauty Spot being a case in point.

Outside of the Park stands the Chiclana Marsh Complex, which has been declared a Nature Reserve. The highlight of the coast is La Barrosa beach, an expanse of fine sands.

The town centre, whitewashed and carefully looked-after, has several monuments of interest, such as St. Anne's Chapel and Saint John the Baptist Church.Sancti Petri Castle , once a military fortress, is also worth a visit.

History

The most famous Herculean temple built by the Phoenicians is supposed to have once stood here: the sanctuary to the god Melkar, on the island of Sancti Petri. This sanctuary was visited by Hannibal and Julius Caesar.

Dating back to the 14th century, it was founded in 1403 by Alonso Perez de Guzman on unpopulated land donated by King Ferdinand IV.

During the War of Independence, the population was wiped out. The area also witnessed the famous Battle of Chiclana, where the joint efforts of the Spanish army under General La Peña combined with British troops commanded by General Graham defeated the French forces intent on capturing Cadiz, where the famous Cortes (Government assemblies) were being held.

Among its tourist attractions, special mention must be made of La Barrosa Beach and Fuente Amarga Health Spa, with its medicinal waters.

It is also considered to be one of the birthplaces of Flamenco song.