Montemero began in 1981 when german artist and spear-fisher, Wolfgang Simon (1940- 2013) built his private residence on a small plateau in the desert of Andalusia. 

 

The 2.8 hectres plot at the mediterranean sea was partly afforded by the spearfishing success of Simon. At times he payed his mortgage with his catch of the day! Townspeople recall his characteristics similar to those of a mero (spanish for grouper)- smart, assertive and a solitary hunter. This gave rise to the title “Mero of the mountain” and thus creating the name Montemero. He established Finca Montemero as a biological reserve, further showing his life-long appreciation for the environment.

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​Wolfgang Simon was an illustrator and graphic artist. He studied at the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts from 1957 to 1962 and saw himself as a student of Friedrich Schröder Sonnenstern. In the 1960’s and 1970’s he was active in the Kreuzberg artist scene around Günther Bruno Fuchs.  Simon was also involved in the ’68 movement. He resided in Andalusia since the late 1960’s.