History
Triperia No.1 is located right next to what would have been the principal entrance to Vejer in the medieval area with an important aspect overlooking the valley. The house would possibly have belonged to a merchant with stabling in the courtyard (now under the pool area) and direct access to the Plaza (the main market of the Medina) making it a property of some distinction in its time. The small rooms and labyrinthine layout indicate that the house dates from some time between the 12th. and 15th. century. Today the brick built Moorish arches and the distinctive double mouthed cistern (14m. deep) are the only true remnants left of this area.
Vejer
Vejer de la Frontera formed part of a great Islamic empire that stretched from Damascus to Granada between the 8th. and 15th.C. Vejer formed a strategic part in the Moors defence of their new homeland and today is probably the best preserved of the Arab towns in the south of Spain. Almost 500 years of Islamic domination left an indelible mark on the culture, architecture and landscape of the town and region. Vejer was declared a town of National Historic & Artistic importance in 1978. From many parts of Vejer the lights of the Bay of Tangiers can be seen at night and the rocky buttress of Djebl Moussa (one half of the mythical 'Pillars of Hercules') is a common sight from the town ramparts.
The Town
The narrow winding streets, whitewashed facades and monuments have stood the test of time. A 12th.C. native of Vejer returning now would have no problem guiding himself around parts of the old town. He would even find the prayer minaret although a Visigothic church has long since replaced the mosque. Every house is painted a startling white and the streets are cobble stoned. Built on a hill the whole town is terraced affording views of all angles from a variety of viewpoints. The castle, principal church and 3 convents can all be visited while simply wandering around and peering into flower filled courtyards is one of the great pleasures of Vejer. The town is very much a market town where a large number of the population still work in the country. There is a market, small cinema & the newer part of town has a medical centre, large supermarkets and other conveniences.
