The “Gibraltar in the Heart” route offers a unique experience to explore the city of San Roque in Cádiz province and its deep historical connection with Gibraltar. San Roque was born from the exile of Gibraltar’s inhabitants after the territory was occupied by the Anglo-Dutch fleet in 1704. The refugees, forced to leave their homes, sought refuge near the hermitage of San Roque, located a few kilometers away, bringing with them their religious beliefs and treasured objects.
This temporary settlement around the old hermitage eventually became the foundation of a new city, established by Spaniards who had fled Gibraltar. San Roque’s identity is forever marked by this sensitive chapter of Spanish history.
Religious Heritage Brought by the Exiles
One of the main legacies the exiles carried with them was their religious heritage. The Parish of Santa María la Coronada, built in 1735 over the old hermitage, houses numerous relics, including images from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, as well as parish records from Gibraltar dating between 1556 and 1704. A standout piece is a 14th-century sculpture of the Virgin Mary, originally from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies in Gibraltar, later renamed Santa María la Coronada in San Roque.
Gibraltar’s Influence on Holy Week Celebrations
Gibraltar’s heritage also shines through in the city’s Holy Week celebrations. Recognized by the Junta de Andalucía for its cultural and iconographic value, the Semana Santa includes a magnificent procession on Good Friday, featuring fourteen religious floats, six of which originated in Gibraltar.
Other Heritage Elements: Nature and Archives
Beyond the religious legacy, San Roque preserves other elements of Gibraltar’s heritage. The Pinar del Rey, a forest of over 300 hectares planted around 1800 by the Spanish Navy with pines and cork oaks for shipbuilding, remains a symbol of the historical bond between the two territories. This green space also includes the Alhaja stream, further enriching the natural and historical landscape.
The San Roque Historical Archive is another invaluable resource, safeguarding official documents from Gibraltar dating back to the era of the Catholic Monarchs up to the British occupation. These archives contain privileges, ordinances, and parish records that tell the intertwined story of both places.
Reflecting on Exile and Cultural Resilience
The “Gibraltar in the Heart” route invites visitors not only to learn about San Roque’s history but also to reflect on the traces left by exile and cultural resilience. It highlights how a community preserved its identity and heritage during times of hardship.
For those interested in delving deeper into this story, San Roque’s Tourist Office offers guided visits that enrich the experience and provide detailed insight.
In summary, this route is a journey into the past that connects two worlds separated by the sea but united through history, culture, and shared memory. It offers a meaningful opportunity to understand how Gibraltar’s legacy remains alive in the heart of San Roque.