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.
The Visit Cádiz audio guided tour
The Plaza de San Antonio is included in the Visit Cádiz audio guided tour. 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.
Want to stay in a beautiful apartment on Plaza San Antonio?
Located right in the heart of Cádiz’s Old Town, the Plaza San Antonio apartment offers an exceptional stay just steps away from Santa Maria del Mar. This charming property features modern amenities like free WiFi and a washing machine, ensuring a comfortable and convenient visit.
Prime Location in Cádiz
Situated less than 1 km from La Caleta Beach and only 300 metres from the vibrant city centre, the Plaza San Antonio apartment provides easy access to the best of Cádiz. Enjoy the nearby attractions including the historic Genovés Park, Plaza San Antonio, and the Cortes Museum.
Check prices and availability over at booking.com
More about the Plaza de San Antonio
During the 1700s, as urbanization surged, the plaza expanded becoming a vibrant center for commerce, civil gatherings, and religious events. It holds a historical significance as this is where the groundbreaking Constitution of 1812 that we talked about earlier, was proclaimed.
The architectural ensemble surrounding the square exudes a captivating harmony, punctuated by the graceful façade of the church of San Antonio.
Noteworthy among these structures is the Gaditano Casino, an architectural gem constructed in the 1700s under the patronage of the Marquis of Pedroso. If you’re standing with the back to the street you came from, its the building ahead of you in the far right corner. Renovated in the elegant Elizabethan style in 1857, its interior boasts intricate neo-Mudejar decorations, a testament to the artistic finesse of Sevillian artist Adolfo López Rodríguez.
Banca Aramburu
The former Banca Aramburu building is the one with the beautiful blue tiling on the upper windows. Adorned with an 18th-century white marble frontispiece, this building stands as another architectural marvel in the Plaza San Antonio. Its façade underwent a modernist transformation by Juan Cabrera Latorre in 1910, adding a touch of contemporary flair to the plaza’s charm.
The Plaza de San Antonio is a vibrant hub in Cádiz, rich in history and architectural beauty. From its origins in the 1600s to its role in the 1812 Constitution proclamation, this plaza is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The surrounding architectural gems, like the Gaditano Casino and Banca Aramburu, add to its allure. Make sure to include this iconic plaza in your Cádiz itinerary to fully experience the city’s historical charm and cultural significance.
Car parking in Cádiz
There is a car park underneath the Plaza de San Antonio but many people complain that the spaces are very small. Read more about parking your car in Cádiz here: https://visitingcadiz.com/where-can-i-park-in-cadiz/
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Visit Cádiz
Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/
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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!