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Cape Spartel is a promontory in Morocco located approximately 300 meters above sea level at the very entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, 12 km west of Tangier. Quite often, it is mistakenly called the northernmost point of Africa, but in fact, the cape is the most northwestern point of Africa.
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| Cape Spartel |
History
Cape Spartel is located at an altitude of 326 meters at the very top of Jebel Quebir Mountain. There are two ancient towers on the cape, one of which is located at the very edge of the cape and serves as a beacon for sailors returning from long voyages. Below the Cape Spartel are the picturesque Caves of Hercules, which are accessible to tourists. The caves are a kind of Neolithic monument, but here, too, a man put his hand. In ancient times, stones were mined here.
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| Cape Spartel |
There was also a period in the history of the caves when they served as a hideout for smugglers. Until the time when the caves became one of the main attractions of Tangier, brothels were located in them. There is a legend that it was in these caves that Hercules spent the night before performing one of his exploits, namely, before stealing apples from the garden of the Hesperides. Not far from the Cape Spartel, an island that sank about 12 centuries ago was discovered; there is an assumption that this is the very disappeared Atlantis.
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| Cape Spartel |
Due to its very advantageous geographical location at the junction of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Cape Spartel has been the unwitting witness of several sea battles.
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| Cape Spartel |
During the American War of Independence on October 20, 1782, a battle took place here between the British flotilla and the combined French-Spanish fleet. And during the Spanish Civil War on September 29, 1936, two cruisers of the Spanish nationalists fought here with two Republican destroyers. As a result of this battle, the Republican blockade of the Strait of Gibraltar was lifted.
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| Cape Spartel |
Architecture
Of course, for walking around Tangier, you can rent a car to visit all the interesting places of this unique city, but it is best to go to Cape Spartel on foot. Hiking provides the opportunity to enjoy an incredible variety of lush vegetation on the way to the cape.
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| Cape Spartel |
The path to Cape Spartel begins in Tangier itself and runs through its western suburb of La Montal, already here you will feel the incredible fragrance of mimosas and perennial eucalyptus trees. It also houses the residences of not only Moroccan kings, but also Saudi and Kuwaiti monarchs. Magnificent villas, surrounded by ancient fortress walls, attract with their luxury, looking at them, you involuntarily return to the golden age of Tangier during the international rule.
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| Cape Spartel |
Here you can see not only famous stone oaks, but also unique cork trees. This is followed by coniferous forests, represented in this area by umbrella pines. From the bushes, the eye is delighted with the mastic tree, heather, broom - all this blooms very profusely, and fills the air with an incredible aroma. Having breathed enough of the unique air of these places, and after walking a little more, you can find yourself at the lighthouse built in 1865.
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| Cape Spartel |
It is located almost at the very edge of the headland, so it offers a stunning view of the Strait of Gibraltar. It is here that the invisible border passes, dividing the Mediterra Cape Spartel Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and connecting Europe and Africa. In clear weather, from the observation deck at Cape Spartel, you can see Cape Trafalgar and the Rock of Gibraltar on the Spanish coast.
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| Cape Spartel |
Going to Tangier, you should carefully think over the route of your trip in order to get acquainted with all the amazing places of this cosmopolitan city.