Hand of Fatima

We're heading to the Cabo de Gato National Park in east Andalucia; and instead of spending hours on the road we're broken the journey.

We're staying on the 'Tropical Coast', in a small seaside village called Salobreña.

Sadly the old town has been pretty much 'updated' in true Andaluz style (aluminium windows, crazy paving tile and painted steps smelling of bleach) but now and then one catches a glimpse of history.

These 'Hand of Fatima' door knockers can be found across Andalucia (and of course Morocco). A memory of The Islamic occupation of this part of southern Europe, these cast brass or iron hands offer protection to the home and are rich in symbolism.