Hidden beneath the lively streets of Cádiz, the Catacumbas del Beaterio offers a compelling glimpse into the city’s past. Once a burial site, these shadowed corridors preserve stories that trace Cádiz’s early Christian heritage and its links to wider European traditions. As you move through the chambers, each space reveals echoes of those who lived and worshipped here, creating an experience that appeals to both curious visitors and devoted history enthusiasts. Skilled guides enrich the journey with insights that bring this remarkable underground site to life.
History of El Beaterio de Cádiz
El Beaterio de Cádiz was founded in 1633 by María José Isabel under the 3rd Order of Saint Francis and became home to a community of twelve sisters led by an Elder Sister who followed the Vow of Observance and the Vow of the Barefoot. The original complex included a chapel, sacristy, choir and lower pantheon, and in 1813 the chapel—dedicated to Jesus, Mary and Joseph and Archangel Saint Michael—was expanded. A judge later ordered the upper floors to be auctioned, and eventually the entire building was sold during the church “disentailment” of 1820–1823. (When the government appropriated properties from the church.)
After the sisters left, the premises housed a sewing school for women at risk of exclusion before most of the structure was demolished, leaving only the burial pantheon. A new residential building was constructed in the mid-19th century, preserving the catacombs until a major explosion in 1947 caused the upper floors to collapse and fill parts of the chambers with rubble.
During the Spanish Civil War, locals also used the lowest parts of the catacombs as a hiding place. Today, the site stands as a preserved testament to Cádiz’s layered past.
Visiting the Catacombs
Visitors can choose between guided and self-guided tours, with guided visits lasting around 30 to 45 minutes. Guided tours include a Spanish–English guide. Tickets can be purchased online at the official website or at “Zonachip Mobility” on Avenida Cayetano del Toro nº16, and all guided groups meet at Catacumbas del Beaterio, C/ Valverde nº3.
IMPORTANT: Sometimes the online booking system does not work so the best option is to head to the shop on Avenida Cayetano del Toro number 16 to get your tickets. You can always ask at your hotel or visit one of the tourist offices to find out more.
Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday between 10:30 and 14:00, and from Thursday to Saturday between 17:00 and 20:00, with guided tours offered at 13:00 and 19:00. Advance booking is recommended.
Getting There
Reaching the Catacumbas del Beaterio is straightforward whether you are walking or using public transport.
- If you begin at Plaza de España, walk south towards Calle José del Castillo, continue straight until Calle Ancha, turn left and follow the street for around 400 metres until you reach Calle Valverde; turn right and you will find the entrance at number 3 on your left.
- Travellers coming from La Caleta Beach can walk north along Paseo de la Alameda to Plaza de España and then follow the same route as above.
- Those using public transport can take bus line 1 from the main bus station towards La Laguna, get off at the ‘Calle San Francisco’ stop, walk north along Calle San Francisco and then turn left onto Calle Valverde, where the catacombs will be on your right at number 3.
Prices
Guided visit: Adults €5, children aged 6–12 €3, children aged 0–5 free. Self-guided visit: Adults and children €3, children aged 0–5 free.
Contact Details
Web: https://catacumbasdelbeaterio.com
Email: info@catacumbasdelbeaterio.com | Telephone: 636 78 83 09 / 722 41 59 79
Address
Catacumbas del Beaterio, C/ Valverde nº3, Cádiz, Spain
Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Catacumbas del Beaterio in Cádiz
The Catacumbas del Beaterio date back to 1633, originally part of El Beaterio de Cádiz, a convent for twelve sisters of the 3rd Order of Saint Francis. Over centuries, the site served as a burial pantheon, a sewing school, and even a refuge during the Spanish Civil War. Guided tours highlight these historical layers, showing how the catacombs reflect Cádiz’s rich religious and social heritage.
Tickets can be purchased online via the official website or at Zonachip Mobility on Avenida Cayetano del Toro nº16. Sometimes the online system is unreliable, so buying directly from the shop or checking with local tourist offices is recommended. Guided tours are available in both Spanish and English.
The catacombs are open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30–14:00, and Thursday to Saturday, 17:00–20:00. Guided tours take place at 13:00 and 19:00. Booking in advance is strongly advised to secure your preferred tour time.
Yes, guided tours last 30–45 minutes and provide rich historical context that self-guided visits cannot fully convey. Guides share stories about the convent’s origins, the sisters’ way of life, and how the catacombs were used over centuries, making the experience more immersive.
Walking from Plaza de España, head south along Calle José del Castillo, turn onto Calle Ancha, then follow Calle Valverde to number 3. If using public transport, bus line 1 stops near Calle San Francisco, with a short walk to the catacombs. Maps and directions are available online for convenience.
Adults pay €5 for guided tours and €3 for self-guided visits. Children aged 6–12 are €3 for guided visits, while under-fives are free. The pricing reflects the unique historical value of the site and ensures continued preservation of the catacombs.
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