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.
The Audio Guided Tour of Cádiz
The Plaza de Mina is part of the Visit Cádiz audio guided route. Check it out here: https://visitingcadiz.com/immerse-yourself-in-cadizs-rich-history-a-guided-audio-tour/
Or, just scan the QR code on the left with your mobile phone.
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.
Check out prices and availability over at booking.com
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.
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.
Look out for the four statues that represent the seasons.
- Spring is represented by a woman carrying flowers. This is Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, gardens and spring.
- Summer is also feminine and carries ears of grain. This is Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, crops and fertility.
- Autumn is a young man with vine leaves and a bunch of grapes, representing the grape harvest.
- Winter is an older, bearded and hooded man.
Carved in white marble on a smaller scale than life, they all wear Roman togas or tunics and are displayed on cylindrical pillars.
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.) This 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 and the philanthropist Ana de Viya, who devoted her capital to charity and was the founder of the Salesian Professional School.
A Salesian school is an educational institution run by the Catholic Salesian Congregation of Saint John Bosco (or Don Bosco), and one that uses his methods. Salesian schools are dedicated to helping young people, especially the poor, in an educational and formative environment.
The Museum of Cádiz in the Plaza Mina
The Museum of Cádiz was founded in 1970 after the Fine Arts and Archaeology collections merged.
The art gallery
The art gallery has an impressive collection including works from Zurbarán, Murillo, Rubens, Zuloaga, Sorolla and Miró. Zurbarán’s complete works come from the Cartuja de Jerez de la Frontera, except “La Pentecostés”, which comes from the offices of the “Consulate of the Indies”.
The archaeology department
The archaeology department in the museum has some outstanding objects in its collection. Among them, the famous Phoenician sarcophagi that were found in the port of Cádiz in 1877.
Many other artefacts from the Roman era are available to see from local sites such as Baelo Claudia, Medina Sidonia, Carissa Aurelia, Sancti Petri or Gades (Cádiz) itself.
The collection is split into various categories installed inside 8 display rooms.
La Tía Norica de Cádiz
La Tía Norica de Cádiz, is a puppet show tradition dating back 200 years or more. The latest investigations date its existence to around 1790 and it’s considered to be of Italian origin. The puppets are recognised as works of art and have been awarded the Gold medal for merit in fine arts.
The collection was declared an asset of cultural interest by the Junta de Andalucía and some of the oldest pieces are located here in the Museum of Cádiz.
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/
Plaza de Mina FAQs: History, Attractions, and Tips for Visitors
Plaza de Mina honours General Espoz y Mina, a hero of the War of Independence, who also donated the land to the city. Over the centuries, the square has hosted political, social, and cultural events, making it a key landmark in Cádiz. Visitors can explore its architecture, gardens, and monuments, all reflecting the city’s rich history.
The square features the “Fountain of the Four Seasons” with four allegorical statues representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Carved in white marble, each figure wears Roman attire, offering a charming mix of art and symbolism. Look closely for Flora, Ceres, a grape-harvesting youth, and a winter figure with a hood and beard.
Plaza de Mina is framed by impressive 18th- and 19th-century bourgeois houses. Noteworthy sites include the Museum of Cádiz and Casa Pinillos, now a cultural centre. Some buildings commemorate famous residents like composer Manuel de Falla or philanthropist Ana de Viya. Each façade showcases Baroque, Neoclassical, or Elizabethan styles.
The Museum of Cádiz houses fine art, archaeology, and puppetry collections. Highlights include Zurbarán’s works, Phoenician sarcophagi, and La Tía Norica puppets. The museum spans three floors, with archaeology on the ground floor, art on the first, and puppets on the top floor, offering a full cultural experience.
Yes, Plaza de Mina features a central gazebo, flower beds, radial paths, and benches shaded by trees like Aleppo pines, plane trees, and flamboyán. The gardens’ design encourages leisurely strolls, and seasonal blooms add vibrant colours throughout the year, making it a relaxing stop in Cádiz.
Plaza Mina Suites, set in an 1888 merchant’s palace, offers 1- and 2-bedroom suites with kitchens, Wi-Fi, and terraces. The rooftop bar provides panoramic views of Cádiz, while La Caleta Beach and Genovés Park are just a short walk away. see the full article for rates and availability
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