The quait town of Villa de Rota is not what you would expect from a coastal town on the edge of Cádiz. It is a town with its own original artistic flair, unlike any other.

The small white villages of Cádiz a special in their way. White-washed buildings, flowers adorning the walls and balconies, and holy images of Mary and Christ can be found displayed proudly on the corners of buildings and above neighbors’ homes. 

While Rota has the same picturesque appeal, it also has some of its artistic pizzazz.

This is thanks to 4 different organizations and identities that have taken it upon themselves to make sure there is a little culture on almost every corner.

The Poems – Senda de la Poesía

As you stroll through the narrow windy streets of Rota, you can find large ceramic tiles with verses and or poems inscribed in cursive on the neighborhood walls. Each poem is the work of a different poet all of which have some sort of connection to the area.

This initiative to beautify Rota with poetic words began in 2020. ‘Foro Plural “Torre de la Merced”’, a social forum aperated by the town of Rota, has created its own Senda de la Poesía, a silk string of poems throughout its streets.

The very first poem titled ‘Si Mi Voz Muriera En Tierra‘, (If My Voice Dies On Land), was placed in the ‘Plaza Borroso’, in front of the restaurant La Silla Azul. You can find the location here.

This poem was chosen to honor Rafael Alberti, a famous poet from el Puerto de Santa Maria, who had several verses within his collection dedicated to the town of Rota.

During the inauguration of the poem, Rafael Alberti’s wife gave a speech in appreciation for this homage to her late husband.

In her talk, she told the crowd that this was a huge honor and Rafael would have been touched. She explained that during his 37 years of exile after Franco (Francisco Franco Bahamonde was the dictator of Spain from 1939 to 1975 ) came to power, he had never lost his connection or love for his home, and the town of Rota was one of the first places he wanted to visit upon his return.

If my voice dies on land, take it to sea level and leave it on the shore. Take her to sea level and name her captain of a white warship. Oh my decorated voice with the marine insignia: on the heart an anchor, and on the anchor a star, and on the star the wind, and on the wind a sail!

Rafael Alberti

• Rafael Alberti was considered one of Spain’s greatest literary figures. He passed away in 1999.

Since 2020 Rota has added several different poems with a QR code next to them for those curious to learn more about the writings. The idea is to turn the old town of Cádiz into an open-air museum and a simple stroll through the town turns into a literary journey.

A map of the location of the poems are here.

The Faces of Rota

As one walks through this small coastal town, it is hard not to notice the flower pots shaped as faces. This more peculiar artistic touch became popular in 2020 when a hostel owner put up his flower pot sculpted in the shape of his father’s face.

Now, flower pots are evident in almost every main plaza. Each one is personalized to resemble one of the neighbors who live in Rota.

‘The Faces of Rota’, began as part of an activity called “Boifara“. This program is to help older adults form healthier habits and lead healthy lives. The program offers both physical activity classes and cultural courses.

Initially the flower part facers were part of this program by Julio Malvido Garcia. Now he offers private classes in his studio and anyone can go and create their own. It takes about 15 min and it is a fun unique Rota souvenir. If interested! You can WhatsApp him +34 635 894 492 or email him jumalga1@gmail.com.

The Silhouettes

In one of the main plazas and the entryway to the beach of la Costilla, you can find a big red sign with the town’s name, Rota. Placed in front of the sign walking toward the beach, are several silhouettes of individuals. The creator is a local Roteño (the name given to people who are born in Rota)who goes by the name of Roman Lokati.

He now resides in London, but when ever he visits his home, he leaves behind artistic surprises. Such as these little figures on the wall which represent the tourists that come to the town. You can check out some other pieces of his work at the restuarant…….

Check out his work on his Instagram here. 

Intervenciones (Interventionist)

Did you know Rota has a secret anonymous art group?

If not, it is worth checking them out! They are very cool, so cool some even call them Rota’s very own Banksy (an anonomous Street artist from England). 

So who is this group and what do they do?

Despite the small size of Rota, this group has been able to keep its secrecy, with the support of the municipal institutions who have supported them from the sidelines. Only the owners of the “intervened” homes are previously informed of the group’s intentions so that they can give their permission.

The act of premeditated nocturnal treacheries (I used the word to give it a dramatic flare), is done at night. The ‘intervention’ group usually places a small artistic detail they have created themselves somewhere in the Old Town of Rota. A video is then posted on social media of their street art but not the location.

There is a map available at the tourism office to help you search for these objects. But, the essence of these secret art pieces, is to creat a scavenger hunt to be found on their own. Thus requiring the onlooker to gaze up at the building and corners bringing attention to the different details of the town, Villa de Rota.

There are over 12 different artistic messages, sculptures, ceramic silhouettes, and small figures all with a specific message and or meaning. The themes can range from current issues, social criticism, and romantic love, as well as references to Rota’s own marine life and social customs. If you enjoy a good Gincana (treasure hunt) and want to do a little touring of the old city of Rota, then check out my blog A SCAVENGER HUNT THROUGH ROTA- BY LOS INTERVENCIONES, and see if you can find all the messages hidden within the city.

Good luck!!