History of Vejer

The Carthaginians

Vejer is home to one of the oldest cultural landscapes in Spain due its strategic position above the river Barbate and the sea. Its early origin can be contributed to the fact that the ships could easily set out to sea by the river. It is believed that Vejer existed during the rule of the Carthaginians (roughly 400 BC). The name of the city presumably originates from that period. It is likely that the Carthaginians called the river Barbate "Wadi-Baka" after the city of Baka which dominated its delta. During the course of time the word "Baka" gradually transformed into the name 'Vejer'.

Romans, Vandals and Visigoths

Intriguing relics from the time of the Roman rule include the street at the northern slope of the hill on which Vejer is situated, the arch at the end of the Corredera and parts of the lglesia Parroquial. The Teutonic migration of people into Spain finally ended the Roman rule here. During the short time the Vandals occupied the Southern parts of Spain and before moving on to North Africa they indirectly gave Andalusia its present name. It was the Arabs, who referred to the Southern part of Spain as " al-Andalus" meaning "country of the Vandals".

The Islamic invasion

Sections of the vault in the Parroquial cathedral originate from the Visigoth's. Whom were overtaken by the Arabs at the later on at the lagoon of the River Barbate ("Laguna La Janda") close to Vejer. The following centuries lead to development of a Castle, fortifications, streets and houses. Ushering in the 13th century, the Reconquista brought military activity to the area. This activity eventually lead to the Christian overtake in 1250.

Vejer continued to change hands between the Christians and Arabs following the 13th century. The appendix "de la Frontera" originates from this time period and pertains to the frontier between Arab and Christian occupied Spain. Guzmán 'el Bueno' (the good) protected Vejer against the last Arab attack in 1291and in 1292, Guzmán set out to defend Tarifa. During these campaigns he sacrificed one of his sons who had been captured by the Arabs and held hostage in an attempt to force the city to surrender. In 1293 Guzmán became the first mayor of Vejer. As a reward for his great contributions, Guzmán was given ownership of the land by Fernando IV.

The Battle of Trafalgar

October 2l, 1805 marked the day that the British navy under the command of Admiral Nelson, destroyed the unified French and Spanish armada at Cabo Trafalgar. The roar of cannon fire could be heard as far as Vejer. In 1811 Napoleon's troops occupied Vejer. Don José Miranda Cabezón, led a successful campaign against the French occupation which resulted in the liberation of Andalusia.