Marinid Walls of Algeciras

Nestled in the heart of Algeciras, the Marinid Walls of Algeciras, known locally as Parque Arqueológico de las Murallas Meriníes de Algeciras, offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s storied past. This archaeological park, spanning approximately 6,000 square meters, showcases the remnants of a once formidable defensive structure built by the Marinid dynasty. As you stroll through this historical site, you are transported back to a time when Algeciras was a significant stronghold in the Islamic world.

The Discovery of the Marinid Walls

The story of the Marinid Walls' rediscovery is as intriguing as the walls themselves. In 1996, during the demolition of an old infantry barracks and the urbanization of the area, the first signs of these ancient walls emerged. Initial excavations revealed their archaeological potential, sparking a wave of excitement and concern over their preservation. In 1997, during an international conference on fortifications in Al-Andalus, researchers presented their findings and advocated for the conservation of these significant remnants. The city’s government responded by altering urban development plans to protect the site. However, it wasn’t until 2006 that a formal conservation project was initiated, leading to the park's inauguration in 2009.

Archaeological Significance

The Marinid Walls are one of the few surviving remnants of Algeciras' medieval past. The city, largely destroyed and abandoned in 1379, has little remaining from its earlier periods. The excavated area corresponds to the northern enclosure of the old town, known as Villa Vieja de Al-Yazirat Al-Hadra. Prior to the excavations, the only visible remnant was a small section of wall, which was later identified as part of the moat’s escarpment and the barbican. This discovery spurred systematic excavations, revealing the extensive remains we see today.

The Remnants of the Walls

The archaeological park preserves about 200 meters of wall, along with four towers, a moat, part of the barbican, and the Gibraltar Gate. The walls, constructed with a core of mortar and faced with rows of masonry, are between 1.5 and 2 meters thick. Although the original height of the walls is unknown, their sturdy construction speaks to their defensive purpose.

The Towers

The four towers, spaced approximately 20 meters apart, are built with well-crafted masonry blocks, giving them a truncated pyramidal shape to better integrate with the wall structure. The preserved sections are about seven meters wide and two meters high. Interestingly, stonecutter marks on the blocks indicate the work of various teams from Castile and Aragon. The towers were likely solid up to a certain height, although they might have been hollow above that point. Between some towers, remnants of poorly constructed mortar walls suggest attempts at repair or reinforcement during the city’s final siege in 1344.

The Moat

The moat, with its escarpment and counterscarp largely intact, varies in width from 4.4 to 8.2 meters and is about three meters deep. The escarpment and counterscarp, made of smaller masonry blocks than the towers, served as the foundation for the barbican and parapet. While the parapet no longer exists, it was likely no more than 1.5 meters high. The barbican, situated 12.5 to 18 meters from the wall, was two meters high and constructed with a core of mortar faced with less refined masonry.

The Gibraltar Gate

The Gibraltar Gate, also known as Bab Tarafa or the Gate of the Fonsario, is a monumental defensive structure designed to protect one of the city’s most vulnerable points. The gate complex includes a forward tower and a series of staggered doors. The walls, built with a core of mortar and faced with masonry, form three stone-paved rooms connected by doors. The remains suggest that stairs once led to the upper levels of the gate.

The Cemetery

Excavations in the park’s northern area uncovered a cemetery with four phases of occupation, dating from the 10th century to the city’s destruction in 1379. The discovery of 137 burials, mostly simple graves but some with tile coverings or small maqabriyyas, indicates its importance. Green-glazed stone steles, possibly marking graves or sections of the cemetery, have become symbols of Algeciras’ Islamic past.

Preservation and Presentation

Following negotiations between the city and the Junta de Andalucía, the remains were conserved and partially reconstructed for public display. The towers and walls were rebuilt using materials found on-site, raising their height to over two meters. The fourth tower was left in its original state to show the destruction process. The barbican, Gibraltar Gate, and moat were also stabilized and partially reconstructed. The site includes pathways, access points, and displays of architectural elements and stone balls from the Christian siege of 1344.

The Marinid Walls of Algeciras offer a captivating journey through time, revealing the city’s rich history and the enduring legacy of its medieval fortifications. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, this archaeological park provides a unique and educational experience, highlighting the significance of Algeciras in the broader narrative of the Islamic world and medieval Spain.