The Castle Walk

Our city of Fuengirola was known in ancient times as Suel and then Suhayl dating back its origins in Phoenician, Roman, and Arab civilizations. The Sohail Castle (from Suel and then Suhayl) was built in 956 AD as a coastal defense. The castle ruins were renovated in 2000 and at that time Phoenician ruins were discovered dating back to before 300 BC. The castle is near the southwest end of the beach and we live near the southeast end. I walk there regularly — about 4 km/2.5 miles — but have never gone inside the castle or the grounds that sprawl below it. So, I was happy to join niece Sara, John, and Jack for a visit. The views are incredible and we could easily appreciate its strategic importance.

FROM THE FUENGIROLA RIVER.

ENTERING THE CASTLE.
JACK COMING BACK TO SEE WHAT'S TAKING US SO LONG.

Truly Great Nephew Jack was again truly great all day. He posed in the remains of the guard house. I told him to salute and he was immediately cooperative. However, he gave a "two-fingered salute" (aka "the longbowman salute," "the two," "the tongs," and "the forks"). It's long been an insulting gesture in England (and other places) — their version of the American "finger." At a glance it looks like the "peace sign," but the palm is facing inwards. Do you suppose Truly Great Nephew Jack knew what he was doing?

JACK AND MUM SARA STANDING GUARD.
(JACK AND HIS TWO-FINGER SALUTE).

A COMFY WINDOW-SEAT?

LOOKING EAST-ISH. MÁLAGA BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS.

STRATEGIC LOCATION.

NOW A POPULAR SPOT FOR CONCERTS AND SHOWS.

SARA ADMIRING THE VIEW AS JOHN AND JACK HEAD BACK DOWN FOR MORE EXPLORATION.

LOOKING BACK AT THE ENTRY. JACK'S GUARDHOUSE TO LEFT OF ARCHWAY.

BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO WALK.

THE PARK AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIGS.

HEADING BACK DOWN.

THE BRIDGE OVER THE FUENGIROLA RIVER.
AT LOW-TIDE, YOU CAN CROSS ALONG THE BEACH IF YOU LIKE.

FRED ASTAIRE & GINGER ROGERS PERFORM VERNON & IRENE CASTLE'S "CASTLE WALK."