If you’re planning a visit to the city of Cádiz, then thePlaza España should definitely be on your list of places to visit and explore. As one of the main landmarks in the city, the plaza is a hub of activity and a central gathering point for both locals and tourists.
One of the most striking features of the Plaza de España is its stunning architecture, a captivating testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Cádiz. As you step into the square, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a mesmerizing blend of architectural styles that span centuries, each building telling its own unique story.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
The Plaza Candelaria is a historic area located in the heart of Cadiz. The square is named after the Virgen de la Candelaria and is one of the oldest public spaces in the city.
Known for its impressive architecture and cultural significance. It is surrounded by several notable buildings, including the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. The houses that surround the square are, for the most part. from the end of the 19th century, with elements from the romantic period predominating.
House number 15, known as “Asilo de Oviedo” is built in the Elizabethan style and notably, the Chilean insurgent leader Bernardo O’Higgins lived here for many years. Its magnificent façade stands out with its attached pilasters and corbels that have figures of eagles.
Also noteworthy is house number 6, built in 1906 and in which glass and iron architecture are combined beautifully.
Emilio Castelar
Another of the characteristic elements of this square is the bronze statue of Emilio Castelar, a great orator and last president of the First Republic, born in one of the houses facing the square, which presides over the central gazebo. Also, on one of the sides there is a small marble fountain.
Emilio Castelar y Ripoll (1832-1899) was a Spanish politician, writer, and orator who played an important role in the history of modern Spain during the second half of the 19th century.
Castelar was a prominent member of the Republican Party and was known for his eloquence and liberal ideas. He was elected to the Spanish Parliament several times and served as President of the Chamber of Deputies in 1873-1874. He also briefly served as President of the First Spanish Republic in 1873, but the republic was short-lived and was replaced by a monarchy a year later.
As a writer and orator, Castelar was highly regarded for his speeches and essays on democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression. He was a vocal opponent of authoritarianism and advocated for a more democratic and progressive Spain. He also supported the abolition of slavery and was a defender of women’s rights.
Castelar’s legacy as a politician, writer, and orator has been widely recognized in Spain and beyond. He is remembered as a key figure in the history of Spanish liberalism and as a symbol of democratic values and ideals.
The gardens
The landscaped space is organized around a central gazebo with radial paths connected to a perimeter promenade, some of them covered by bougainvillea-covered pergolas. The external sidewalk that borders the square has a row of elm trees on the outer edge that, like other existing elm trees in the city, are gradually being replaced by other species such as hackberry, due to their poor health status. In the inner part of the sidewalk we find a row of bitter orange trees, which in spring perfume the square with the intense smell of their orange blossoms.
In the flower beds, among the tree species present, the following specimens stand out
An Araucaria or Norfolk Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) over 100 years old.
a Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) also over 100 years old.
A Canary Island Palm (Phoenix canariensis), a specimen over 100 years old.
A dragon tree (Dracaena draco) about 40 years old.
A Livistona (Livistona chinensis) at more than 80 years.
Set in a stately Mediterranean-style building and featuring wood floors. The warm, casual rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and desks, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities. Suites add separate living spaces. Room service is available.
A breakfast buffet is available and there is a relaxed cafe/bar. Other amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness room and a spa with hot tubs, an ice cave and saunas. There’s also a bright enclosed courtyard with a fountain and seating. The hotel also has parking.
Plaza Candelaria, a historic gem in the heart of Cádiz, is known for its impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage. Surround yourself with 19th-century romantic period houses, notable buildings like the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, and a bronze statue of Emilio Castelar. Don’t miss the lush gardens featuring century-old trees and vibrant floral displays. Make sure to visit this iconic square to fully experience Cádiz’s charm and history.
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
The Plaza Sevilla in Cádiz is more of a roundabout for vehicles. It is close to the Puerta de Tierra and is an important point in the city, as the symbolic Puerta del Mar is also located nearby. It is one of the main access points to the passenger port area, where the catamarans and large cruise ships are located.
On one side of the square, near the entrance to the port, is one of the two “Liberty Torches” that were installed in the city of Cádiz in 2012 on the occasion of the bicentennial of the Constitution of 1812. The “torch” was designed by architect Antonio Ángel García Moreno, who won the contest organized by the City Council of Cádiz.
In front of the torch stands the classic building of the old railway station, built in 1890, representing a classic work of iron architecture engineering of the time. Currently, it is unused as a passenger station. Next to it is the new train station that extends behind it, and a little further away, the new bus station, making this Seville Square the starting or ending point for many visitors to the city.
In the center of the square is a large circular fountain with landscaped flowerbeds around it, serving as a roundabout for road traffic. Some of the other important historic buildings in Cádiz are distributed around it. One of them is the building of the Old Customs House, a unique and stately building that was inaugurated on October 27, 1959, designed by architect Manuel Ródenas. It is of eclectic historicist style, highlighting its symmetry, its central body with a large balcony and giant Ionic columns, and the successful arrangement of its openings and bicromy of its facade.
Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz is close to the Plaza de Sevilla
This quaint hotel in a 17th-century convent is a 2-minute walk from Cádiz train station, and a short walk to the baroque architecture of Cádiz Cathedral. Caleta beach is 2 KM. The rooms provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes and minibars. Some have sea views and/or sleep up to 3 guests. Amenities include a simple cafe, an ornate chapel, a central courtyard and an exercise room, as well as a library. A breakfast buffet is also available.
Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz is a 17th-century convent in the centre of Cádiz and just 25 metres from the Palacio de Congresos Conference Centre. It has a charming interior courtyard.
On this plaza you will also find the National Tobacco Factory bulding (now converted into the Congress Palace of Cádiz.) The best facade, with neo-Mudéjar reminiscences, faces Calle Plocia. This important brick building, of which its slender conical chimney stands out, is a work of 19th-century industrial architecture, created in 1883, and designed by Federico Gil de los Reyes.
The Church of Santo Domingo
Further uphill (along the Cuesta de las Calesas) is the Convent and Church of Santo Domingo, a magnificent Baroque complex built in 1650 by Martín Calafate and Bartolomé Ruiz.
The Convent and Church of Santo Domingo in Cádiz is actually on one side a church and on the other it is the Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz.
The church, with expressive Baroque style, was reformed in 1666 by Luis Lojo, and also subsequently in the mid-18th century. Its interior highlights the magnificent marble altarpiece by the Andreoli brothers from 1691, and the altar where the patron saint of Cádiz, Our Lady of the Rosary, is venerated.
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I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
The Plaza de San Antonio in Cádiz is a vast quadrangular expanse that serves as a bustling focal point in the heart of the city. Its origins trace back to the Campo de Jara, named after a nearby water well that quenched the city’s thirst for many years.
It was renamed in the 1600s to honor the church and hermitage dedicated to San Antonio and this square has witnessed many centuries of Cádiz’s vibrant history.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
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. The plaza’s name pays homage to General Espoz y Mina, a celebrated hero of the War of Independence and a businessman who donated the land to the city in the late 18th century.
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Plaza Mina Suites – A great place to stay in Plaza Mina
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 Genovés 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.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
