The actual city of Huelva dates back
some 3000 years when it was named Onuba. Later, it prospered
under the Cathaginians and Romans who used it as a base
for mining. Three of the key sites of the Columbus story
can also be found here - Lugares Colombinos.
Today it is large, sprawling and industrialised with a population
of 141,000. Heavy industrial plants line much of its Odiel
waterfront and stretch far to the south. The city centre
is pleasant and it is a convenient base for visiting the
nearby Columbus sites or the Marismas del Odiel wetlands
and the Coto Dónana national park.
Huelva claims to be a 'flamenco capital', however several
of the city's splendid old buildings and monuments remain,
including the 15th century Church of San Pedro, built on
the site of a mosque; the Shrine of Nuestra Senora de la
Cinta and, last but not least, the home of Christopher Columbus
next to his commemorative monument.
Wander around the atmospheric barrio Reina Victoria Alonso
or visit the Alonso Sanchez park which affords attractive
views of the city. Other points of interest in the city
include the Muelle del Tinto docks, built at the beginning
of the century to load Huelva's mineral exports; the Conquero
lookout and the provincial museum. The commemorative monument.
Christopher
Columbus guards the Rio Tinto. The monument was crafted
by the American sculptress, Gertrude Whitney.
Other places of interest in
the city include the Muelle del Tinto docks, built
at the beginning of the century to load Huelva's mineral
exports; the Conquero lookout and the provincial museum.
