Natural Park of Penyal d'Ifac

The Ifach (Spanish Peñón de Ifach ) is a rock on the Spanish Mediterranean coast near the city of Calp, north of Alicante.

Geography

The Ifach rises 332 meters high from the sea, is about 1 km long and covers approximately 50,000 m². It is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Although the rock looks like a lava dome and a volcanic origins distributed on the Internet is circulating the Ifach consists of calcareous rock and has nothing to do with volcanism. Rather, it is assumed that there is a remnant of a landslide in the Sierra de Oltà. In the larger geological context of Ifach is part of the Betic Cordillera and is thus directly related to the Balearic Islands.

History

As widely visible landmark of Ifach has always served as a safe landmark for travelers on water and on land. His name " Ifach " ( = Arab. North) because he was also from the famous seafaring Phoenicians who wanted him so different from the at least equally striking southern rock of Gibraltar. It is assumed that the rock throughout history has been used not only as a landmark, but also as a lookout. At the foot of the rock, the Iberians, the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Byzantines and other peoples and were able to settle a possible danger facing related by enemy sailors (eg pirates) early detection.

Ever since the modern era is the Ifach also a tourist attraction. While in the past the last section had to be climbed to the top on sheer rock faces and therefore was dangerous, one arrives since the early 20th century by a 30 meter tunnel convenient to the summit.

Owner

Over the years, the Peñón de Ifach was owned by different people. In the 19th century it first belonged to the municipality of Calpe, then a resident of Valencia, and finally a Mr. Gregorio González Ausina from Altea. 1915 Rock of Vicente París Morla from Gandia for 5,000 reales ( old Spanish currency) was purchased. This owner built on the slopes of a house ( " París "), a manor house and put in about 180 meters to the tunnel that led to the southwest through. 1951 bought him José Más Capó of Paris ' heirs and was until 1987 the last owner before the rock passed into the possession of the autonomous region of Valencia, which then declared him a nature reserve. Since then, what was once the home París, converted to a nature area, and in the former manor house laboratories and showrooms have been established.