Cadiz or also known as the "Tacita de Plata" is considered the oldest city in the West. It was founded (1100 BC) by the Phoenicians, a seafaring people who made Gadir an important commercial colony where the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Muslims would later settle.


A cosmopolitan and open city, Columbus chose its port as the starting point for his second voyage to the New World. After the decline of the port of Seville, the city became the port of the Indies, bringing together the flow of trade with America. This frenetic commercial activity led to a period of economic and cultural splendour, in which the Baroque palaces with their characteristic lookout towers were erected.

The Cathedral, visible from the sea, especially its dome covered with golden tiles, fits in perfectly with the colonial-style appearance of Cádiz. It combines baroque and neoclassical styles and its treasury is one of the most important in Spain.

The intense trade with the Indies aroused the greed of pirates, making it necessary for the city to fortify itself. The remains of the primitive, although remodelled, defensive system of cross-fires devised by Vauban form an important part of the rich heritage of Cádiz. The Puertas de Tierra (earth gates) conserve on both sides stretches of wall and semi-baluartes such as those of San Roque and Santa Elena.

A walk through Campo del Sur allows you to contemplate the defensive bastions of Los Mártires and Capuchinos, next to La Caleta, escorted by the Castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina.

In the direction of the Alameda Apodaca, the Baluarte de la Candelaria and the Walls of San Carlos can be admired. The Walls of the Puertas de Tierra clearly separate the new city reclaimed from the sea - structured along a large avenue and its extensive and atmospheric promenade - from the old city.

The old town has narrow streets and small squares with popular quarters such as La Viña, the fishermen's quarter, El Mentidero, Santa María (the true home of flamenco singing) and El Pópulo.

The Barrio del Pópulo, the oldest quarter of the capital, preserves the three gates of the primitive medieval city: Arco del Pópulo, de la Rosa and de los Blancos; as well as the Roman Theatre and the Church of Santa Cruz, the old Cathedral.

In the emblematic Plaza de San Juan de Dios you can try the typical "pescaíto" frito (fried fish) while listening to Manuel de Falla's Amor Brujo in the Town Hall clock.