Monte Hacho

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Monte Hacho, with Ceuta harbour in the foreground. Fortaleza de Hacho can be seen at the top of the hill.

Monte Hacho is a low mountain that overlooks the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, on the north coast of Africa. Located at 35°54′N, 5°17′W, it is 204 m (669 ft) high. Monte Hacho is positioned on the Mediterranean coast at the Strait of Gibraltar opposite Gibraltar, and along with the Rock of Gibraltar is claimed by some to be one of the Pillars of Hercules (the other candidate for the southern pillar being Jebel Musa).

In classical civilization it was known as Abila Mons (Mount Abila or Abyla).

Monte Hacho is located on a peninsula and topped by a fort, the Fortaleza de Hacho, which was first built by the Byzantines, before being added to by the Moroccans, Portuguese and Spanish. It is now occupied by the Spanish army. Monte Hacho also has a convent, Ermita de San Antonio, and a monument to Generalissimo Francisco Franco and the start of the Spanish Civil War in North Africa in 1936.

[edit] References

• Morocco, Lonely planet ISBN 1-74059-361-8
• peakbagger.com

[edit] External links

• Images of Fortaleza de Hacho