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It is quite a surprise to realise that Lepe was founded by the Phoenicians, approximately 2,400 years ago. As to the origins of the name of Lepe, there are as many opinions as there are experts to offer one. Moslem and Jewish cultures were present in the history of Lepe until the 15th century AD.
Remains found in "El Cabezo de la Tinajita" indicate that Lepe was founded by the Phoenicians approximately 2,400 years ago. As to the origins of the name of Lepe, there are as many opinions as there are experts to offer one. Some defend the theory that it comes from Laepa, of Phoenician origin, whilst others believe that it owes its name to the Roman legion Leptis which was based in this area – unless, of course, the Roman was based on the Phoenician name already in place.
There were also Moslem and Jewish cultures present until the 15th century AD. Lepe has played a leading role in Spain’s history. As early as the 14th century it was exporting wines to England (as mentioned in "The Canterbury Tales").
Lepe’s participation in the Discovery of America was, from the first voyage, decisive. A Lepero, Alvaro Alonso Barba, wrote a world-wide known work whilst in America, "The Art of the Metals". The "Rio Piedras" (Rocky River) was used to ship out local produce, such as its famous figs, to northern Europe - as today it does with the strawberry. Another worthy person of note in our Fería history is the monk, José Oria y Castano, designer of the first electrical illumination system for the Sevilla.
One of the monumental remains which deserve a mention, is the 14th Century Santo Domingo de Guzmán temple, which shelters the image of Nuestra Senora de la Bella (Our Lady of Beauty). In a corner overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, known as The Hill, contemplation is called for.
The 14th century Catalan watchtower was built to defend our coast against Moorish piracy. In the enclosure where the pilgrimage of Our Lady of Beauty (La Romeria de Nuestra Senora de la Bella) is celebrated, the remains of the convent of Santa Maria de la Bella are visible. It was here that the Franciscans sheltered the Virgin’s revered image until its transfer to Lepe on the disappearance of the Order.
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