El Rompido

The Phoenician origin of his name (= the city Carteia) indicates the antiquity of their origin and, like some archeological evidence of their environment, guarantee that the site was inhabited since ancient times. Although in archaeological studies appears that the first settlers date back to Phoenician times it was not until the fifteenth century when the population matures. The insecurity of the area, which was frequently attacked by Barbary pirates and Norman did not allow some normality to the Marquess of Gibraleón-who won a lawsuit to the Lordship of Ayamonte by which he could establish a step by boat across the Rio Piedras-based the city to defend the pass. Seven years later work began on the castle of the Zuniga, located west of present day urban and which retains only the parade. Also on that date the church is built on Mudejar style which was later lifted the present Church of St. Peter. Also, the insecurity of the municipality moves the Discalced Trinitarians of Mercy, an order dedicated to the redemption of captives, to settle in the town. Mercy Convent is now integrated into the town and its Baroque tower stands out against the sky like the tower of the Renaissance church and the balanced mass of the castle.