Category Archives: Churches in Cádiz

Churches in Cádiz, Monuments in Cádiz, Plazas in Cádiz, Tourist Information, What to see in Cádiz

The Plaza de San Juan de Dios in Cádiz

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The Plaza de San Juan de Dios is one of the most important squares in the city of Cádiz, located in the heart of the historic center. Its irregular layout is due to its location near one of the mouths of the old arm of the sea that crossed the current island of Cádiz. In the 16th century, it became a center of urban activity and a hub for trade with the Americas. It was also used as a public market until the inauguration of the Central Market.

The Plaza de San Juan de Dios is home to several important buildings, including the Town Hall, which was built in the 18th century and is one of the most representative examples of the Elizabethan style in the city. The church of San Juan de Dios is also located in the square and is known for its Baroque facade and ornate interior. Another notable building is the Casa de los Pazos Miranda, also known as the Amaya building, which was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Cádiz.

Hostal Bahia

Set in the historic center of Cadiz, this low-key budget hotel is really close to the Plaza de San Juan de Dios and just a minute’s walk from the Palacio de Congresos. It is also within walking distance from Cádiz train station.

The unassuming, compact rooms come with straightforward furnishings, plus TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some rooms sleep up to 3 people.
There’s a patio with seating, as well as a 24-hour reception.

In 2012, the square underwent a remodeling which included the pedestrianization of the space and the addition of new ornamental elements, such as the monument to the Cádiz politician Segismundo Moret. The monument was originally inaugurated in the square in 1909 and was recovered during the remodeling.

Today, the Plaza de San Juan de Dios is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of history and modernity in the heart of Cádiz’s old town.

See the full list of plazas in the city of Cádiz here: https://visitingcadiz.com/plazas-in-cadiz/

The Caminito del Rey

Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/

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Churches in Cádiz

The Cathedral in Cádiz

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During the early years of the18th century, as Cádiz grew wealthy on trade with the Americas and Indies, its was decided to replace the old cathedral (Iglesia Santa Cruz) with a new and more lavish building that reflected the citys riches during this golden age. The new cathedral was designed by Vicente Acero, construction began in 1722 funded by the wealthy shipping magnates of the city.

The Cathedral in Cádiz

Search for guided tours and activities in Cádiz here: https://visitingcadiz.com/guided-tours-and-activities-in-cadiz/

You might be forgiven for thinking that the cathedral has an “Italian” look and feel as the building combines Spanish architectural tradition with Italian Baroque forms. The plans of Gothic origins also coincided with the works of Italian architects at the time. However, the original plans did go through many changes and directions right up to when the ground was consecrated in 1838

The Cathedral in Cádiz

The temple is in the shape of a Latin cross and has three naves, an apse and side chapels. The naves are separated by elliptical pillars with fluted Corinthian columns at the ends. The main façade, framed by two large towers that increase its width, is divided into three sections. The central area houses the main entrance made of stunning white marble.

The octagonal towers are made up of three sections: the first in the Baroque style and the other two in the Neoclassical style. The dome, located on the cross, stands out for the yellow color of the glazed tiles, on whose base you will see the sculptures of the four evangelists.

Inside the Cathedral there are 16 chapels with the most interesting being:
  • The chapel San Sebastián stands out as it holds a work by the Genoese artist Andrea Ansaldi painted in 1621.
  • The chapels of San Servando and San Germán preserve representative baroque sculptures of the owners. made in 1687 they are the work of Luisa Roldán (known as la Roldana).
  • The chapel of Santa Teresa holds the tabernacle of the Corpus Christi procession. This was made of silver between 1649 and 1664 by Alejando Saavedra.
  • The main chapel has a circular neoclassical temple made of colored marble and gilt bronze, Built in 1790 by Manuel Machuca.
The Cathedral in Cádiz
The crypt

The crypt, designed by Vicente Acero was completed in 1726. It is organized around a circular space covered by a flat vault, from which various rooms open. Here we find a rectangular space with niches for burials in which, on the head wall, there is a marble Genoese altar from the 17th century with the image of the Virgin of the Rosary. In addition to the bishops of the diocese, Manuel de Falla and José Maria Pemán, illustrious figures from Cádiz, are also buried in the crypt.

Opening times
  • Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Last visit at 7:15 p.m.
  • Sundays: Cathedral from 1:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Clock Tower from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Mass: Sundays and holidays at 12:00 p.m.
Entry prices
  • General: €7 – Pensioners €6, Students (under 25 years) and groups (more than 20 pax) €5 – Children (under 12 years) free. (The entrance ticket also includes a visit to the Clock Tower).

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