Liam Cheasty
Google
An excellent fortification steeped in history, well worth visiting and for a miniscule fee, €3. Some very good exhibits and wonderful views of Africa and the Straits of Gibraltar.
This impressive, solidly-built Moorish fortification, which played an important part in early Spanish history, has been restored. As the southern-most point of the peninsula, Tarifa was an important strategic entry point into Spain and the rest of Europe for would-be invaders, so good defensive structures were essential.
The Castle of Guzman El Bueno was originally built as an alcazar (Moorish fortress) in 960 AD on the orders of Caliph Abderraman III of Cordoba, to protect Tarifa against raids from Africa and the North (Vikings). The castle is now named after Alonso Perez de Guzman, who famously defending it from the Marinids (Moors) in the siege of 1294, when he sacrificed his son's life to save the town, and was given the title Duke of Medina Sidonia by the King (and named El Bueno, which means the Righteous rather than the Good) as a reward. Afterwards it was used as a garrison for Spanish troops over many centuries.
Tarifa is the southernmost place in mainland Europe, next stop Africa. Located at the end of the Iberian Peninsula, it is primarily known as one of the world's most popular destinations for wind sports. Tarifa lies on the Costa de la Luz and across the Strait of Gibraltar facing Morocco.