Centuries of history
There is much more to Cádiz than its beautiful beaches and ‘Playa de la Victoria’. To visit Cádiz is to go back in time to colonial times, the glory of the period reflected in its architecture, splendorous baroque and historical buildings. Is good to know Cádiz was the centre of power in 19th century Spain, for few years even its Capital city (1810-1813) Cádiz even goes back 3000 years, Phoenicians and Romans settlements can be found all over the city.
One day visit
The Cádiz Tourist Board kindly offered a day trip around the city so after meeting my very experienced lady guide, Luisa Garcia, we head towards our first visit. El ‘Mercado de los Abastos’ is the fantastic food market and one of the most functional monuments of the city. Here you will find fish, meat, seafood, vegetables super fresh, and the best part? You can buy your catch of the day and take it to Taberna ‘La Bombilla’ they will be happy to cook it for you!
From there to the Roman Theater and Cádiz Cathedral, both monuments quite close to each other in the San Juan quarter. The Roman theater was discovered by accident in 1980 and it was opened in 2015. Here you can see a well preserve Roman amphitheater, the oldest and second large in the world! The cathedral is ‘new’ dating from the 18th century.
Next it was Yacimiento Gadir, Cádiz Phoenician archaeological site. Gadir was how the Phoenicians named Cádiz and this is a most interesting free attraction. Here you will witness the evolution of the city from its foundation 3000 years ago to now. A 10-min video (Spanish with English subtitles) will introduce you to the site and then you will be able to walk above it. See for yourself what their houses, kitchens and even household goods looked like.
The last visit of the morning was to one of my favorite monuments, the Church of the Oratorio de San Felipe No only a very beautiful and unique baroque church with a most unusual elliptical structure, but a place of extremely historical importance. The Oratory was the place where in 1812 the first Spanish constitution was created and signed but in Colonial times it was here where Ambassadors from all over Latin-America came to discuss the destiny of the new world.
Lunch was probably the best I had in my long trip to Andalusia. We had lunch at the delicious Marmita Centro Restaurant near the Plaza San Antonio. An amazing tasting menu with wines was waiting for us. Prices for the quality quite affordable, you should not leave Cadiz without given this a try!
Our last visit was La Torre Tavira This was the most important lookout tower in 18th Cadiz, as it was in the highest point in the old town. A climb to the top of the tower will offer you the best views over Cádiz, 360 degrees of this beautiful city and beyond! The tower is open all year round, best time to visit around dusk. The beautiful golden light of ‘Costa de la Luz’ will allow you to take the most spectacular photos of the city.
Recommended places to Stay and Eat: El Armador Casa Palacio La Curiosidad de Mauro Barreiro La Marmita Centro
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