Vejer

Vejer History

It is thought Iberians and Phoenicians settled this strategic hilltop site, but the first traces of occupation come from Carthaginian times, a few hundred years BC. 'Vejer' is thought to originate from their name for the town: Baka, or Bekkeh.

The Romans, Vandals and Visigoths were all in evidence here; the Vandals were banished to Tunisia after defeat at the Battle of Guadavicea, a few kilometres south of Vejer.

The Visigoths were themselves defeat by the Moors at the Battle of La Janda (the now reclaimed swampland to the east of the town), while Vejer fell into Christian hands for good when Guzmán El Bueno led the reconquista forces to victory in the late 13th century.

He was later awarded the town as a fiefdom which created tensions for hundreds of years; the situation at times boiled over into violent action by the townsfolk, who resented having a lord and master.

There was trouble, too, during the Spanish Civil War, when General Franco's troops occupied the town and five locals were killed.

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