Mysterious Cave. Impressionism

by Jenny Rainbow

Title

Mysterious Cave. Impressionism

Artist

Jenny Rainbow

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

The Medieval Water Mine. Ronda, Andalusia. Spain.

Carved in the cliffs of the El Tajo gorge is a surprising mine and fortress that dates back to the Moorish era when constant wars in Al-Andalus required the city governors to protect water supplies to the people and defenders.
The Water Mine was built during the reign of Ronda's King Abomelic at the beginning of the 14th century, when Ronda was an independent Islamic kingdom on the frontline between the Christian north, and the newly developing Islamic Nazari Kingdom in Granada. To reach the water mine it is necessary to first enter the gardens of the House of the Moorish King.
In popular culture, the mine is rumoured to be the secret hiding place of Abomelic's gold, and many people in Ronda still believe that underground chambers and palaces may still be discovered. This is unlikely however, and many of the rumours could have been started by slaves freed after the city fell to the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella in 1485.
Within the mine there are 231 steps carved into the rock that lead to the river below, a total distance of 60 metres, and the bottom 30 metres contain an impregnable fortress from which the city defence could protect essential water supplies.
The fortress is a marvel of medieval Islamic engineering, and unique in all of Spain. The chambers were built using a complex latticework of stacked vaults that made it possible to defend the lowest chamber and the entrance from chambers higher up the fortress.
At one time it wasn't necessary to leave the fortress to collect water, a water wheel with buckets was used to bring water from a well in the room of the spring (Sala del Manantial), and then slaves would form a human chain to pass water in skin bags called zagues from the bottom to the city above.
The fortress at the bottom of the water mine was also thought to be a secret escape from the city because the location of the fortress cannot be seen from the Arab Bridge which was the main entrance to the city. However, to make sure the city was defended, the weapons room included a small window above the door, that could be used to pour boiling water onto attackers.
Another interesting aspect of the fortress is that the stone walls prevent sound traveling, and in the room of secrets it is said that if a person stands in the centre of the room, he cannot hear what is said in the corner.
From myself I would say it was a scare experience, as even you knew that somebody was already going there the total stillness, darkness and creepy Medieval atmosphere cover you as soon as you made your first step down... The people was so surprised to meet the photographer with tripod staying in the dark cave.. :-)

Looks great and stylish on the metallic print.

Uploaded

September 15th, 2012

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