Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
EUR
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Population:
Approximately 164,000 people call Cadiz home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Cadiz Spain: Very hot in the high summer months of July through August, with temperatures regularly nudging 100°F/38°C but it is much milder from April through June as well as September through October. Winter highs average in the low 60°F/16°C's.
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Cadiz is Settled over three thousand years ago, the oldest city in Spain and the largest Spanish port on the Atlantic. Cadiz is an intriguing and historic seaport from which Spain's galleons once sailed in quest of New World treasure. It is strategically situated on an isthmus that carries the city three miles out into a fine bay. The history of Cadiz is long and impressive. Its origin can be traced to the Phoenicians, who founded a port region in 1100 B.C. and named it Gadir. It is claimed that Cadiz is the oldest constantly inhabited city in the entire Western World. Julius Caesar lived here and held office, and Hannibal resided here for a time, as well. During the Middle Ages, while controlled by the Moors, Cadiz was forced into a steady decline. Finally, after the discovery of the Americas, the city's commercial importance was rediscovered. Columbus set sail from Cadiz on his second voyage to the New World. In the 18th century, the New World trade was monopolized by Cadiz, and it developed into the most lucrative port in all of Western Europe. The majority of the buildings in the city date from this time period. Built from gold and silver brought from the New World, the cathedral in Cadiz is a breathtaking structure.A grouping of narrow streets opens into a series of lovely, small squares, and this makes up the forefront of Cadiz. The older portions of the city have an African appearance to them, and the cathedral's golden cupola towers above low, off-white homes. Outstanding parks are scattered throughout Cadiz, and the sparkling bay can be seen from the center of this wonderful city. Plaza de Mina is the perfect starting point to begin your explorations. This square features grand, shady palm trees and an abundance of warm beaches. Everywhere you go, the locals will greet you with a pleasant smile and a kind word, epitomizing the inviting nature of Cadiz, Spain. Barbary corsairs to English admiral Sir Francis Drake.Cadiz defies most expectations of a port city thanks to its Andalusian character, with whitewashed houses lining narrow streets that lead into lovely squares. The magnificent baroque cathedral and impressive mansions were built with the gold brought back from the New World. Cadiz’s modern-day treasure lies 30 minutes to the north in the rolling hills of Jerez. Here the production of the liquid gold, as the famous sherry is often called, ensures a booming economy. Jerez is also home to some of Spain’s most prestigious horse breeding farms.In addition to the above attractions available from Cadiz, the port provides a convenient starting point for trips to Seville and typical hilltop villages.
The City today has characterised by palm trees, look-out towers and weathered old buildings. Flamenco, horses and sherry are keynotes of Western Andalusia, where fertile pastures and chalky vineyards produce the inimitable amber-colored fortified Spanish wine that is prized the world over. The wines are exported from Cadiz, the largest Spanish port on the Atlantic, strategically situated on an isthmus that carries the city three miles out into a fine bay. Strategically located between the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean on the southwestern tip of Spain, Cádiz was the preferred port of Spanish explorers and one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. The same qualities, plus a vibrant nightlife, make Cádiz one of the leading resort areas of today’s Costa del Sol.
Docking in Cadiz Cruise ships dock at the Queen Sofia Pier at Port of Cadiz Bay (tel. 956/240-400), located at Plaza de Espania 17. The city center is within walking distance of the port. Taxis for trips farther afield are generally available at the pier. Cadiz is an excellent walking city, yet motorized transportation options exist as well. If you'd like to take a taxi around Cadiz, contact the Association Tele-Taxi Linense (tel. 956/172-010) to arrange for a pickup. If you'd prefer to rent a car while in Cadiz, the folks at Sierra Bermeja (tel. 956/795-507) would be happy to assist you.
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Attractions |
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The Colegio de Arquitectos:
It is a beautiful architectural college in the middle of the Plaza de Mina (956/212-281). This historical site is ornately decorated and a pleasure to stroll through. The Museo de Cadiz, otherwise known as the Provincial Museum, is located alongside the college in the Plaza de Mina (956/212-281). The museum's works by Alonso Cano and Murillo are fantastic, as is Zurbaran's Four Evangelists.
The Oratorio de San Felipe Neri:
(956/211-612) It is a glorious church that housed the first constitution in Spain. This revolutionary document was originally drafted in 1812, and the independent Parliament of Cadiz met here during the reign of Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother. Fortunately, because of the constitution of Cadiz, the citizens were not subjected to the rule of the tyrant Bonaparte. The main altar displays Immaculate Conception by Murillo, one of the greatest Spanish works of art.
The Museo Historico Municipal:
The Museo Historico is located in Santa Ines (956/221-788) and is fairly small but quite pleasant nonetheless. The establishment of the Constitution in 1812 is depicted in mural form, a work that was created in the mid-19th century. The most fascinating work in the museum is the mahogany and ivory model representation of Cadiz, which was constructed in 1779. The amazing attention to detail is flawless, and the model looks remarkably similar to the streets of today's Cadiz.
Yeguada Horses:
You will gain an overview of the local industry of the horse-breeding business. Watch a video explaining the history and objectives of the facility, and then view the stables, carriages, colts and clinical laboratories. An indoor arena allows a view of the animals.
The Fine Arts and Archaeological Museum:
This museum contains one of Spain’s richest collections of Phoenician exhibits and the works of Murillo, Ruben, van Eyck, and many others. Located in the Plaza de Mina.
The Plaza de San Juan de Dios:
The Plaza de San Juan is the ideal place to sit at a sidewalk cafe and people-watch in the shadow of the neoclassical Isabelino Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), with its outstanding chapter house. The Oratorio de San Felipe Neri, Santa Inés (tel. 95-621-16-12),Plaza de España View the monument to "Las Cortes," established by the Spanish Parliament in 1812 to proclaim its constitution, has an important Murillo (Conception) and a history museum. Admission is 1.50€, and it's open August through June daily from 8:30 to 10am and 7:30 to 9:45pm. The Hospital de Mujeres (Women's Hospital) has a patio courtyard dating from 1740 and a chapel with El Greco's Ecstasy of St. Francis.
Catedral de Cádiz:
This magnificent 18th-century baroque building by architect Vicente Acero has a neoclassical interior dominated by an outstanding apse. The tomb of Cádiz-born composer Manuel de Falla lies in its splendid crypt; music lovers from all over the world come here to pay their respects. Haydn composed The Seven Last Words of Our Savior on the Cross for this cathedral.
Museo de Cádiz:
This fully restored museum contains one of Spain's most important Zurbarán collections, as well as paintings by Rubens and Murillo (including the latter's acclaimed picture of Christ). The archaeology section displays Roman,
Historic Old Cadiz :
Not far from the port, this area of Old Cadiz is a pedestrian zone. A stroll through the narrow streets and past picturesque squares allows one to discover Cadiz’s maritime atmosphere mixed with a distinct Andalusian ambiance. The cathedral and the Diocesan Museum are well worth a visit for their religious masterpieces.
Flower Market:
This small, colorful market, opposite the main post office, offers plenty of local flavor.Alameda Apodaca GardensThe Moorish-style gardens serve as a reminder of the Moors’ occupation in past centuries.
San Francisco Square close to the Archeological Museum, discover this typical Andalusian square with its orange trees and the San Francisco Church. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board.
Golf Club Montecastillo:
Home of the Volvo Master's Cup, Montecastillo is mostly flat and features raised tees. But where the terrain takes control a downhill course has been laid out. An elevated tee looks down for forty meters over a broad sweep of fairway bordering a lake to the left with the green just beyond. There are long distances between green and tee and the panoramic 517-yard 9th hole is one of the favorites in Spain. Guests purchasing the Silver Links Golf Series package on voyage 4228 will play at this course. Guests purchasing an escorted golf excursion as part of the Silver Links 365 day program will play at either La Canada Golf Club or Valderrama Golf Club.
La Canada Golf Club:
Few municipal courses can boast of being designed by Robert Trent Jones. This 9 hole, par 35, 2599 meter course is situated high above the town, there are superb views to the Rio Guadiaro, the Mediterranean and Valderrama Golf. Offers some challenging holes most especially the 9th which is played over a dramatic gulley.Valderrama Golf Club Originally designed in 1974 and re-designed in 1989 by leading course architect Robert Trent Jones, Valderrama is ranked in the top fifty courses of the world by Golf Magazine. Valderrama has hosted many prestigious tournaments including the first nine editions of the Volvo Masters (1988-1996), the Ryder Cup in 1997, and the World Golf Championships-American Express Championship in 1999 and 2000. Lovely old cork oak trees and over 500 olive trees line the medium wide fairways of Valderrama where you never seem to have a flat lie. The back nine is more difficult than the front and the most famous holes are 4 and 17. The amenability of the golf course to the handicap golfer and the severity to the championship player owe much to the extensive range of tees.
Shoping :
Belle Époque, located at Antonio Lopez 2 (956/226-810), is the best place for ceramics, wicker, and Andalusian handcrafts. The collection of spectacular items is a joy for tourists, so be certain to check out this store that specializes in fine furniture and accessories. Cadiz and Seville are known most especially for the shopping. Cadiz is a shopper's paradise. The historical area of town is just a short ten-minute walk from the pier. Taxis are available but don't forget to negotiate your price before gettin in!Carthaginian, and Phoenician finds, and ethnology exhibits include pottery, baskets, textiles, and leather works. There are two branches of El Corte Ingles, where the locals with money shop, and even a branch of Marks & Spencer on Plaza Duque de la Victori. Head for the pedestrian-only CalleSierpes where you'll see such names as the Body Shop, as well as some great boutiques and souvenir stores. Best buys are the wines of the Jerez region, typical Andalusian handicrafts, ceramics and leather articles. Most shops close between 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., then stay open until 9:00 p.m. The local currency is the euro.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Cadiz:
Cadiz Travel Information
The Tourist Office, Av. Ramón de la Carranza s/n (tel. 95-625-86-46
Tuesday - Friday from 9am to 7pm
Saturday from 9am to 2pm.
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