Cadiz. The oldest existing city in Europe

Cádiz is a coastal city in southwestern Spain and part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is the capital of the province of Cádiz. According to the 2004 census, the population of Cádiz proper is 133,242, while the population of the entire urban area is estimated to be 629,054. The city is located on a peninsula protruding into the Bay of Cádiz, part of much larger Gulf of Cádiz.

Cádiz is of typical Andalusian character. The old part of Cádiz, commonly referred to as the Old City (Spanish Casco Antiguo), is shaped by the individuality of the various quarters (Spanish barrios), "El Populo," "La Viña," or "Santa Maria." These areas offer a marked contrast to the newer areas of town. While the townscape of the Old City is largely formed by narrow alleys leading into a number of plazas, newer areas consist of wide avenues and more modern buildings. In addition, the city is dotted by numerous park plants, including old giant trees supposedly brought there by Columbus.

Plaza de España in the Old City of Cádiz, Spain. June 9, 2005 by Rebelguys2.

Major Landmarks

Cádiz, the oldest existing city in western Europe (and likely the western world), is home to many beautiful and historic monuments and attractions. Its peculiar location at the end of a narrow peninsula (see Google Maps satellite view) brings an added uniqueness to this city.

Cathedral

One of Cádiz's most famous landmarks is its cathedral. It sits on the site of an older cathedral, completed in 1260, which burned down in 1596. The reconstruction, which was not started until 1776, was supervised by the architect Vicente Arcero, who had also built the Granada Cathedral. Arcero left the project and was succeeded by several other architects. As a result, this largely baroque style cathedral was built over a period of 116 years. Due to this drawn-out construction, the cathedral experienced several major changes to its intended design. Though the cathedral began in baroque style, it contains rococo elements, and was finally completed in the neoclassical style. Its chapels have many paintings and relics from the Old Cathedral and other monasteries.

Gran Teatro Falla

The original Gran Teatro was constructed in 1871 by the architect García del Alamo, and was destroyed in an August 1881 fire. The current theatre was built between 1884 and 1905 over the remains of the previous Gran Teatro. The architect was Adolfo Morales de los Rios, and the direction was carried out by Juan Cabrera de la Torre. The outside was covered in red bricks and is of mudejar style. Following renovations in the 1920s, the theatre was renamed the Gran Teatro Falla, in honor of composer Manuel de Falla, who is buried in the crypt of the cathedral. After a period of disrepair in the 1980s, the theatre has since undergone further renovation.

Ayuntamiento

Overlooking La Plaza de San Juan Dios, the Ayuntamiento is the town hall of Cádiz's Old City. The structure was built in two stages. The first stage began in 1799 under the direction of architect Torcuato Benjumeda in the neoclassical style. The second stage occurred in 1861 under the direction of García del Alamo.

Torre Tavira

In the 18th century, Cádiz had more than 160 towers to watch over its waters; they were used by the many local merchants (and often formed part of their houses), who could then be informed of the ships that arrived and left. Today, Torre Tavira stands as the tallest remaining watchtower. With its "Cámara Oscura," visitors are led into a dark room that offers reflected panoramic views of the Old City.

Las Puertas de Tierra

Las Puertas de Tierra originated from the 16th century, although much of the original work has disappeared. Once consisting of several layers of walls, only one of these remain today. The 20th century saw the need to remodel the entrance into the Old City to accommodate modern traffic. Today, the two arcs cut into the wall serve as one of the primary entrances into the city.

Pylons of Cádiz

The pylons of Cádiz are electricity pylons of unusual design crossing the Bay of Cádiz. The pylons are 158 meters high and designed for two circuits. The pylons were designed by A.M. Toscano. The very unconventional construction consists of a frustum steel framework construction with a narrow grid width and one crossbar on the top for the conductors.

Drive around the street of Cadiz

Throughout the city of Cadiz there are narrow cobbled streets that lead to small squares, which make the city a fascinating place to visit.

Cadiz had glorious headlands and one can truly enjoy walking around it - it will take flat one hour to walk around the area. On your way, there will be charming parks and breathtaking views of the bay.

Cadiz is still flourishing as a destination for real estate investors. You can find many reasonably priced properties for sale. Due to the presence of fascinating landscapes and vintage presence, the city is a heaven for those who love serenity. Cadiz - the oldest city of Europe - is a perfect blend of old monuments and national parks.

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Back 03.04.2006.