The Puerta de Tierra is a historic gate located in the city of Cadiz. It dates back to the 16th century and served as one of the main entrances to the city, protecting it from sea attacks. The Puerta de Tierra is a symbol of the city’s rich history and has undergone several renovations throughout the years to maintain its original appearance. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into Cadiz’s past and providing stunning views of the surrounding area. The Puerta de Tierra is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of Cadiz.
Continue reading Puerta de TierraTag Archives: Monuments in Cádiz
Bella Escondida tower
The Bella Escondida tower is the only lookout tower (of the hundreds) in Cádiz with an octagonal floor plan. It is located on top of the house at number 13 Calle José but as it’s name suggests, it can’t be seen from the street. “Escondida” in English means “hidden”.
If you want to see this tower then visit the rooftop bar of the hotel las Cortes de Cádiz from where you can get a great view whilst enjoying a coffee, beer or glass of wine.
Search for guided tours and activities in Cádiz here: https://visitingcadiz.com/guided-tours-and-activities-in-cadiz/
It is said that this tower was built not only to watch for the ships arriving from the Indies but also to show the love a father had for his daughter refelected in the beautiful facade of the tower. She was secluded in the convent in the adjacent street but from her room she could see the tower and know that her father loved her.
The tower itself is different from the other towers scattered throughout the historic center of the city due its octagonal floor plan with columns and pilasters. It has four floors, small balconies and its location makes it impossible to see from the street. It is also peculiar in its baroque style, decoration of polychrome tiles and ceramic pinnacles as well as its Mudejar-inspired geometric drawings.
This tower was called the Bella Escondida by the now deceased local journalist Bartolomé Llompart. (Considered by many Gaditanos to be the unofficial chronicler of the city). In one of the articles that he wrote for the newspaper Diario de Cádiz, he gave an account of the discovery made whilst walking down the street called José de Toro. A building had been demolished leaving a “grande view of this strange tower that few had ever seen.” Many people came to see the tower after his article was published but very soon a new building was constructed on the old site once again obsuring the tower from view.
Ronda Today. Everything you need to know before you visit “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
The fortress of Santa Catalina
After the Anglo-Dutch sack of the city in 1596, King Felipe II sent the engineer Cristóbal de Rojas to Cádiz to carry out a defense project. Rojas considered that the quickest and most effective way to protect the city was to design a fortification in the bay of Santa Catalina. So, in order to defend the most vulnerable maritime borders of the city of Cádiz, the fortress of Santa Catalina was built.
Search for guided tours and activities in Cádiz here: https://visitingcadiz.com/guided-tours-and-activities-in-cadiz/
The building represents an important example of modern military architecture and has survived to this day without any major changes or warfare damage. It has a star-shaped plan with two well defined fronts. One is formed by triangular bastions that rest on the beach and the other open towards the city where the only gate to the enclosure is located. This is protected by two bastions and a moat/ditch which used to regulate the level of water through various locks. Access is across a bridge to a simple door protected by an upper guardhouse. Here there is a plaque that commemorates the completion of the works during the reign of Felipe II.
Inside the fortress, the different pavilions are organized around a parade ground. The chapel of Santa Catalina was built in 1693.
The fortress has been transformed into a large multipurpose cultural and leisure space which includes temporary exhibition halls, educational workshops for students. Artistic, craft workshops and concerts are also organized in the Plaza de las Armas del Castillo along with outdoor activities during the summer.
Ask in the tourist office or your hotel for information about any upcoming events here.
Opening times
- Monday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wildside Holidays – Spain
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: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/