Cadiz

Cadiz (Gadir) is thought to be the oldest city in Europe and began as a trading post in about 1100 BC.

Located on the Bay of Cadiz it is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The Phoenicians called it Gadir and used it as a trading point for tin, silver and amber. Later the Carthaginians developed it into a busy port which ulimately prospered under the Romans because of its strategic location to make trade with the New World.

The Moors came to rule Cadiz in the 16th century and their influence over the city and its charachter is obvious today with narrow cobbled streets and Moorish architecture. During the 16th century Cadiz was used as a launching point for the newly discovered lands of America and was twice used by Christopher Columbus on such expeditions.

The 18th century saw Cadiz grow substantially but it was also a time of unrest having seen the invasion by Sir Francis Drake and its near capture by Napoleon. In 1812 the provincial government set down the Liberal Constitution, Spain´s first constitution.

Cadiz is a fine place to spend time and soak up the sights and the culture. The port is busy yet feels relaxed and is safe to wander about. There are lots of things to see and do and the province of Cadiz boasts of a 260 km coastline containing inumerable beaches of fine white sand and beautiful shores (see Costa de la Luz). And, if you're lucky enough to be visiting in February you will be able to experience one of Spains wildest and most entertaining carnivals.

Places of interest in Cadiz

Cadiz Cathedral

Arguably the most impressive landmark in Cadiz, the cathedral from a distance looks more like a mosque glimmering in the sky with a 50 m high golden dome which was once made of real gold.

Building work began on Cadiz cathedral in 1716 and wasn't completed until 1838 which is why it has quite a modern feel to it. Compared to the exterior the interior is quite humble and modest with pieces of the building beginning to crumble and fall.

The Cathedral Museum is home to an impressive collection of treasures and there is also a crypt where the tomb of Manuel de Falla lies. He was a fine composer, born in Cadiz, who won international recognition as a composer whose music was evocative of the magic of Andalucia and influenced by the traditional Andalusian cante jondo.

Cathedral opening times: Monday to Saturday From 10-1, then 5:30-7

Torre Tavira

The Tavira tower was part of the palace of the Marquis of Recano and was named after its first watchman D. Antonio Tavira.

45m above sea level it was the highest lookout point in Cadiz and hence designated the official watchtower of the town. Now the tower has become a Camera Obscura. An interesting device consisting of a white concave screen inside the tower that allows you to see what is happening outside the tower via an optical effect.

For more information on the camera obscura visit the following link: http://www.torretavira.com

Churches of Cadiz

Santa Cruz

A church divided into two visually distinctive areas: the dark and simplistic oval chapel from the 18th century and the upper floor which is elegantly decorated and contains the painting depicting the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes and also other fine paintings by Goya.

San Felipe Neri

Having been the place where the first liberal constitution was set up by the provisional government, it has become a place of pilgrimage for democracy loving Spaniards.

Costa de la Luz

Situated on the Western coastline of Andalucia, facing out to the Atlantic, the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) stretches from Huelva in the North down to Cadiz in the South and is well known for its expansive beaches with fine golden sand.