Museums in Cádiz Archives - Visiting Cádiz

The Roman Theatre of Cádiz (Gades) was “rediscovered” in 1980 when some old foundry workshops were being demolished. Until then, it had remained hidden, since Cádiz, due to lack of space, had a habit of building on top of previously constructed buildings.

It is known that in the 16th and 17th centuries, it continued to function, but not as a theater. Nowadays, modern buildings such as the municipal nursery that borders the theater, along with buildings that make up the Pópulo neighborhood, as well as the remaining ruins of the medieval city, prevent the excavation of the theater in its entirety.

Why not take a guided tour of Cádiz city that includes a visit to the Roman Theatre?

The Cádiz Theater is one of the largest theaters, with a cavea diameter of 118 meters and a capacity of around 10,000 spectators.
It is the oldest theater among those known in the Iberian Peninsula.
It is one of the few public buildings of Roman Hispania mentioned in works by figures such as Cicero or the Greek historian Strabo.
Cicero himself commented that a play written by Balbo, the younger, founder of Neapolis, the new city, was performed in the theater of Gades, and that the actor who played it was so ugly and did so poorly that Balbo ordered him executed.

The Roman Theater Interpretation Center

This museum offers a complete view of the site and its historical context. The center is organized through a series of models, images, plans, archaeological material, and other elements throughout five rooms.

The exhibition tour concludes with the projection of an educational audiovisual for all types of audiences. Along with the summarized information about the theater, it offers a virtual recreation of the building as it was in its origins, as well as its functionality, its role within the Roman city, its creators, and ultimately, its importance in the context of a city that is over three thousand years old.

The Roman Theater Interpretation Center’s opening hours are:

Winter (October 1st to March 31st): from 10 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.
Summer (April 1st to September 30th): from 11 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Closed: The first Monday of each month and 1st, 6th of January, 1st of May, 24th, 25th y 31st de December

Address C. Mesón, 11, 13, 11005 Cádiz

Find out more about the museums in Cádiz city here: https://visitingcadiz.com/museums-in-cadiz/

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The Plaza de Mina in Cádiz is one of the most emblematic and historic squares in the city and is located in the heart of the historic center. It was named after Manuel de la Mina, a local businessman who donated the land to the city in the late 18th century. It is a popular destination for people of all ages and is planted with ornamental and monumental trees and flower beds.

Plaza Mina Suites

Set in a former merchant’s palace dating from 1888, this refined “all-suite” hotel is close to the Plaza de Mina. It is a short walk to Genoves Park, which runs along the shores of the Bay of Cádiz, and 10 minutes to La Caleta Beach. The chic 1- and 2-bedroom suites feature Wi-Fi, kitchens and living/dining rooms, as well as French balconies, flat-screen TVs and Nespresso machines. Upgraded suites have furnished terraces and there is a rooftop terrace with a bar and fantastic views.

The gardens in the Plaza de Mina

The square has a quadrangular floor plan and is organized around a central gazebo. Radial paths connect the gardens with a wide perimeter promenade delimited by trees and benches with wrought iron backs. There are cast iron central lamp posts, and the central area is divided into flower beds.

One of the most notable features of the Plaza Mina is the large central fountain (top image.) This was built in the mid-19th century and is known as the “Fountain of the Four Seasons.” The fountain is adorned with four allegorical statues representing the four seasons of the year.

Ficus in Plaza de Mina — Images from https://josecelestinomutis.cadiz.es/en/ The official Cádiz city website with information about parks, gardens and natural areas.

The outer perimeter of the plaza is made up of four alignments of various species, among which, due to their size and uniqueness, several specimens of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) of approximately 100 years, various specimens of fire tree (Brachychiton acerifolius ), plane trees (Platanus hybrida), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altíssima) or bottle tree (Brachychiton populneus). Likewise, the existing specimens of flamboyán (Delonix regia) stand out for their great beauty when in flower.

Notable buildings surround the Plaza de Mina

The Plaza de Mina is surrounded by majestic houses that represent the bourgeois architecture of Cádiz from the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of these houses show Baroque influences, while others display late Neoclassical or Elizabethan styles.

Notable buildings in the plaza include the Museum of Cádiz and the Casa Pinillos (which is now a cultural centre.) It is also the birthplace of the musician and composer Manuel de Falla, commemorated by a tablet at number 3. Other notable figures who lived in the surrounding buildings include the geologist José Macpherson y Hemas and the philanthropist Ana de Viya Jáuregui at number 8, who devoted her capital to charity and was the founder of the Salesian Professional Schools.

Museums in Cádiz — Notable buildings in the plaza include the Museum of Cádiz and the Casa Pinillos (which is now a cultural centre.)

The Plaza de Mina has played an important role in the history of Cádiz, having been the site of many political and social events over the centuries. Today, it remains an important cultural and social hub in the city and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and culture of Cádiz.

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

See more parks and gardens in Cádiz here: https://visitingcadiz.com/parks-and-gardens/