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A beautiful and tranquil city that is almost surrounded by water, as it juts out into the Bay of Cadiz. It’s been described by many as being like a tongue sticking out into the water, and the city lies in the southwest of the country. Cadiz is believed to be one of Europe’s oldest cities, being founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC.
The city is effectively split into two, with the beaches, wide pavements and bars of modern Cadiz. On the other side the traveller is presented with a very different Cadiz. Here are the much older parts, steeped in history.
The influence of the Moors is ever present and there’s some breathtakingly beautiful architecture to be seen, particularly the land gates, narrow cobbled streets, and the Cathedral.
The annual Carnival in February is acknowledged to be the wildest in Spain. The party is fast, furious, high-spirited and lasts for days. Many people spend a whole year preparing for the next one. You won’t get a room at this time of year unless you have booked well in advance.
As well as being a popular holiday destination, the city is still a working port.
CADIZ ATTRACTIONS
Oratorio de Santa Cueva (Holy Cave)
This 18th century church is considered by many to be the most important site in Cadiz. The upper oratory houses several frescoes by Goya. There’s also a subterranean chapel containing a sculpture of the crucifixion
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10.00-13.00 and 17.00-20.00 Saturday and Sunday 10.00-13.00
Catederal Neuva
A baroque cathedral that took 110 years to build. It’s capped by a dome of seemingly golden tiles. The crypt contains two of the city’s most famous sons, the composer Manuel de Falla and the poet Jose Maria Peman.
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10.00-13.00 and 16.30-18.30 Saturday 10.00-13.00 Sunday 11.00-13.00
Plaza de las Flores
A beautiful square that’s a riot of colour, largely because of the many flower sellers.
Torre Tavira
There used to be more than 160 watchtowers in Cadiz, installed in the 18th century to help monitor the entrance to the port of trade ships. Now only a few remain and Torre Tavira is the tallest at 41 metres above sea-level. Panoramic views of the city can be enjoyed with the Torre’s Camera Obscura.
Opening Hours: October-May 10.00-18.00 June-September 10.00-20.00
Las Puertas de Tierra (The Doors of Land)
The city gates that originated in the sixteenth century.
Beaches
There are many beautiful, popular sandy beaches in the vicinity, including Playa de la Caleta and Playa de la Victoria.
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