The adaptation works for the new Antonio Ariza promenade, stretching from La Muralla to La Calita beach, were completed approximately one month ago. The project included landscape restoration with new plantings and gardening, alongside the installation of bioclimatic pergolas and the refurbishment of outdoor spaces.
The total investment for the works amounted to 297,919 euros, financed through the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Plan-NextGenerationEU. The primary objectives of this initiative were to enhance user well-being, reduce heat islands, increase CO2 absorption, improve wind impact, and regenerate a public space and tourist enclave.
Although the project has been finished for several weeks, it has not yet been officially inaugurated. In the time since its completion, some deterioration has been observed in the new plant species, prompting a team of gardeners to work in the area this week to revitalize the latest plantings.
The intervention area is concentrated near the residential buildings of Fuerte Ciudad. At the rear access points to the houses, which open onto the promenade, small stone paths have been created to traverse the landscaped zones.
The Antonio Ariza promenade runs through an area of El Puerto deeply connected to history. To commemorate the enclave's defensive past, several wrought-iron cannons have been placed along its route.
The origin of the Fuerte de Santa Catalina, currently in poor condition, dates back to the late 16th century during the reign of Philip II, intended to hinder the entry of enemy ships. Later, in 1810, during the War of Independence, the fortress was demolished by order of the Captain General of Andalusia to prevent its use by Napoleonic troops. In 1823, the ruins were occupied by French troops, and control of the area was maintained until 1828.
The defensive complex is classified as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC). Recently, a technical committee comprising the City Council, the Regional Government of Andalusia, the Coastal Authority, and the Betilo association is working towards the recovery of this site, which holds significant landscape and historical value.
This promenade is heavily frequented throughout the year, offering magnificent views of the Bay of Cadiz.
In a second phase, funded by municipal resources, plans include replacing the current lampposts with new solar LED luminaires, improving the pavement and railing, and creating a park-and-ride facility on a municipal plot to enhance mobility in the area.
