Tag Archives: Monuments

What to see in Cádiz

Cádiz – A brief tour of the city

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Welcome to one of Spain’s most visited cities!

The city of Cádiz is reasonably compact. From arriving and discovering the Puerta de Tierra, the Torre Tavira and the Cathedral you will also find that most of the famous and most popular monuments and museums are easily within reach. So, here’s Cádiz – A brief tour of the city.

Cádiz is a historic city located in the southwestern part of Spain, known for its rich history dating back to the Neolithic period. The Phoenicians established a trading post in the area around 1100 BCE, and the city was later conquered by the Romans.

During the Middle Ages, Cádiz was a thriving port city and center of trade and commerce, and in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was a major center of the Spanish empire.

In recent years, Cádiz has become a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of museums, hostels, hotels, tourist information centers, and guided tours. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s history, culture, or just looking for a place to stay, Cádiz has something to offer everyone

Recommended tours in Cádiz

Situated on a narrow slice of land surrounded by the sea‚ Cádiz is a typically Andalusian city with well-preserved historical landmarks and some fantastic beaches.

The older part (within the remnants of the city walls) is commonly referred to as the old Town (Casco Antiguo). Here there are various neighborhoods known as barrios. Among them El Pópulo, La Viña, and Santa María are the most well known.

This promo clip by Cádiz Turismo shows some highlights of the city

Whilst the Old City’s street plan consists of narrow winding alleys connecting large plazas, newer areas of Cádiz typically have wide avenues and more modern buildings. In addition, the city is dotted with numerous parks and gardens.

There are many beautiful churches, museums, wonderful coffee shops, restarants and tapas bars for a day visit. But, to really get the most out of Cádiz, why not book a hotel, stay with us for a few days and immerse yourself into “Gadir”, the place regarded as the most ancient city still standing in Western Europe.

Don’t forget as well the Santa Catalina Castle, The Plaza de España, The Central Market, The beautiful “Hidden Tower or Bella Escondida“, the Roman Theatre, the ruins of Gadir and the Plaza of San Juan de Dios

Remember! After you have checked in to your hotel or other acommodation or even if you are just here for a day trip, your first visit should be one of the main tourist offices. You’ll find all the most up to date information including places to visit, events and everything else you need to get the best out of a visit to Cádiz. Details and where to find them here: https://visitingcadiz.com/the-main-tourist-offices-in-cadiz/

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Ronda Today

Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/

Visit Cádiz

Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/

The Caminito del Rey

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

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.

Iberia Nature Forum

Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/

Monuments in Cádiz, Towers and viewpoints in Cádiz

The watchtowers of Cádiz

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The Watchtowers of Cádiz are a series of defensive structures built during the 16th and 17th centuries in Cádiz, Spain. They were part of the city’s fortifications and were used to watch for incoming ships and to provide early warning of potential attacks by pirates or foreign powers. Some of the towers have been preserved and are now used for various purposes such as museums or tourist attractions.

Influenced by North African architecture but without doubt pure Andalucian, the watchtowers of Cádiz are one of the most characteristic elements of our city.

Whilst walking in the narrow streets, many of the ornate towers are hidden from view. But, from the sea, they create a picturesque and distinctive silhouette of the city that has become famous the world over.

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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).

Ronda Today. Everything you need to know before you visit “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/