What is characteristic about Cadiz are its marine promenades which virtually cover the perimeter of the city center, starting from the sea to the ramparts. It affords an excellent view of the bay and the comforting sensation of the sun and the gentle sea breeze on your skin.
The houses in the old town generally boast the the Moorish style- highly placed and with flat roofs. There are quite a number of squares in the center. In the Plaza de San Francisco, you can visit the church named after this plaza. In the Plaza Mina, you will find the Cadiz Municipal Museum, while in the Plaza de España, you will see the monument to the Parliament and the Palace of the Provincial Government. The Plaza de las Flores holds an excellent shopping area and the Central Market.
When it comes to tourism, here is a list of “must-sees” you must take note of along your walking tour of the city:
Las Puertas de Tierra
This 16th century gate (“The Doors of the Land”) separates the old town from the modern part of Cadiz. It used to consist of a number of layers of walls. Currently, however, only one wall remains standing.
Cadiz Cathedral and Museum
The Nueva Catedral (New Cathedral) of Cadiz is its most famous landmark. Its construction started during the early part of the 18th century but it wasn't finally finished until over a hundred years later. Neoclassical and Baroque in design, it is a grand structure capped with a gold-tiled dome. The cathedral houses a magnificent collection of religious and artistic treasures and artifacts. Of particular note is the Custodia del Millon, which is covered with hundreds of thousands of precious stones. There is also the processional cross of Enrique de Arfe, along with quite a number of gold, silver and gems on show at the museum. The remains of Cadiz-born composer Manuel de Falla lie in rest within its crypt.
- Address: Plaza de la Catedral
- Telephone: +34 956 286 154
- Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Entry Fee: €4.00, includes entrance to the Cathedral and the museum.
Oratorio de San Felipe Neri (San Felipe Oratory)
A splendid specimen of Baroque architecture, it also has historical significance as this was the site where Spain’s first liberal constitution was made in 1812. The building’s interior is oval in shape, and the “Immaculate Conception” by Murillo is prominently displayed.
- Address: Calle Santa Ines
- Telephone: +34 956 211 612
- Hours: Daily, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 to 9:45 p.m., Closed in July
- Entry Fee: €1.20
Women’s Hospital (Hospital de Mujeres)
Built in the Andalusian
Baroque style, this structure was built in honor of the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint and protector of fishermen. It has a beautiful patio with a Baroque staircase and a Flemish-style station of the cross.
Address: Hospital de Mujeres, 26
Telephone: +34 956 223 647
Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Entry Fee: 0.80 €
Oratorio de Santa Cruz
This oval shaped chapel has an excellent upper floor, which houses paintings by Goya: the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, the Last Supper and the Guest at the Wedding. This was built in the 13th century but was destroyed by the British and later rebuilt in 1592.
- Address: Plaza de Fray Felix, s/n
- Telephone: +34 956 287 794
- Hours: Open for visit before Mass begins (noon and 7:00 p.m.)
- Entry Fee: €1.50
Town Hall (Ayuntamiento)
This townhall is built in two sections. The first part in the Neoclassical style, dating to 1799, and the other completed in 1861. Bright lights set a dramatic setting for the town hall at night and adds to its attraction.
- Address: Plaza San Juan de Dios
- Telephone: +34 956 241 000
- Hours: Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Entry Fee: Entrance is free
Torre Tavira
One of the many watchtowers in Cadiz and the tallest at 34.55 meters above ground is the Torre Tavira (Tavira Tower). In the 18th century, Cadiz had as many as 160 towers that protected and watched over the city, protecting it from invaders. There is a room - the Camara Obscura - which has a magnifying lens, pipe and concave drum. These take in excellent panoramic views of the city and reflect them on the darkroom walls.
- Address: Marqués del Real Tesoro, 10
- Telephone: +34 956 212 910
- Hours: June 15 to September 15, daily 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- September 16 to June 14, daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Entry fee: €3.50 (Adults), €2.80 (Students and children)
Other sights:
- San Sebastian Castle, a fort located on an island near La Caleta beach.
- Santa Catalina Castle, a 17th century which is now a concert hall and an exhibition center.
- Santo Domingo de Guzman Church and Nuestra Señora del Rosario, built in the 17th century by Bartolome Ruiz and Anton Maria Calafate.
- San Agustin Church, built in 1617 in the neoclassic style by the Augustines.
- Oratorio de la Santa Cueva, built in the Neoclassical tradition, this small chapel has three paintings by Goya
- Central Market, a closed market that was built in 1837.
- Alameda de Apodaca provides superb views of the sea and is across the Genovés Park, a lovely seaside garden
