Monumentos de Rota
El Castillo de Luna
Dating from the 8th Century, the castle was constructed on a fortified Muslim 6th Century convent or ribat. It has a rectangular base with five crennellated towers.
Ponce de León used the castle on his visits and it is also known that Catholic Kings visiting the city also lodged within the castle walls.
The fortress is a symbol for the people of Rota, as can be seen in its presence in the town crest.
This Castle was later to become a Hospital and convent school. At present
it is the seat of the City Council of Rota and its
tourism department.
Guided tours at weekends. Check times at the tourist office: Tel. 956 84 63 45 / 956 84 13 52. Tickets are free and should be collected from the tourist office.
Arco de Regla
The ancient gate of Chipiona, also well known as the Door of La Carne, since this place is where the meat and derivatives transactions were carried out.
Iglesia de la Caridad
Also known as Church of San Juán Bautista. This church is one of the finer examples of the Baroque style in the Town of Rota.
In its interior the 18th Century altar, the work of Don Diego Roldán is of particular note.
In the centre of the altarpiece is the image of Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores holding the lifeless body of Christ.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la O
This temple was constructed in the 14th Century and funded by D. Rodrigo Ponce of León, Duque de Arcos. Its interior stands out as a blend of Gothic, Isabelino, Plateresque, Renaissance and Baroque styles.
The Church is formed with a central area of post gothic style with clear plateresque and renaissance tendencies, joined to five added chapels.
Iglesia de San Roque
Formerly this Church was located on the outskirts of Rota, being a small hermitage where the locals went to pray.
It was built in the middle of the 17th Century and consists of three chapels separated by low and heavy columns. In its interior it houses the image of San Roque who provided support to the people of Rota in the days of misery and disease.
Torre de la Merced
The only architectural remains of where the old Convent of La Merced once stood, founded by D. Rodrigo Ponce of León in c. XVII.
It was destroyed by the earthquake that levelled Rota in 1722.
The current monument erected in its place is square in its base and octagonal in the upper construction. It stands today a shade of orange, contrasting with the shiny white and blue tiles lining the roof.
