Bolonia, Cadiz Province, Andalucia, Spain -
a small isolated coastal village and fishing
community on the Atlantic coast of the Costa
de la Luz, some 15km north of Tarifa.
Windsurfers and sunbathers alike enjoy its fine
sandy beaches. The present village is very popular
in the summer months with young surfers and
travelers. The atmosphere appears to be very
laid back. The fact that there is no through
traffic in Bolonia adds to its tranquility
Some of the surrounding area is ministry of
defense land so access is restricted but if
you turn left when leaving the beach you can
journey up a long hillside road that offers
spectacular views. From the top, you can see
Zahara de los Atunes and beautiful countryside.
The village is located at the end of a 5km
narrow road, which leaves the A7 coast road
at km. 70 climbing over a hill to give beautiful
views of the bay. There is an official bird
watching post here. The road winds down to the
coast. Turn left to enter village. Here you
can find a number of beach bars such as Bar
Los Rejos. At the end of the village the road
comes to a dead end by Bar La Cabana. Continue
(south) on foot and you can visit a number of
isolated coves.
The Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia are just to
the north of the present settlement. The ancient
city site of Baelo Claudia is situated along
the Strait of Gibraltar and was built in a cove
at Bolonia. It is surrounded on three sides
by the mountain ranges of La Plata and San Bartolome,
the remaining side faces the Atlantic Ocean.
It was built in the 2nd century B.C and became
an important centre among the stronghold of
Roman Andalucia, then called Betica.
By the 1st century A.D. the city was at its
best and under the Emperor Claudius. The cities
livelihood centered around the fishing industry
and supplied salted fish, as well as being an
important administrative centre. It is believed
that an earthquake had much to do with the ruination
of the city.
The few remains of the city make an interesting
visit with some classic examples of Roman architecture
to be seen. The city was a walled construction
with a forum, or public square situated at the
meeting point of the two main streets. Around
this stood the public buildings including temples,
shops and a market. The theatre stands on the
area of steepest gradient, to enable easy seating
of the audience. The baths lie to the east of
the city and were probably private. The city
had a water supply by three aqueducts. Close
to the sea shore is the industrial centre where
the fish were cured.
