Cadiz, Spain: History, Architecture, Beaches, and Gardens
( Church of our Lady Carmen and Santa Teresa from Jardines de Alomeda Apodaca)
Cadiz, Spain
History, Architecture, Beaches, and Gardens
(St. Augustine)
History
(Part of the Roman city wall)
Long before the Moors, Vandals, or Romans conquered the Iberian Peninsula; before Rome was even founded; prior to Homer and the Golden Age of Ancient Greece, the Phoenicians dominated the seas. From the cities of Tyre and Sidon on the coast of modern Lebanon, these seafarers established colonies throughout the Mediterranean. In 1104 B.C., when David was king of Israel, the Phoenicians established Cadiz.
(Castillo San Sebastian)
For over three millennia, Cadiz has served as an outpost to the Atlantic. It is the oldest European city. Many have staked claim to this protected harbor.
Christopher Columbus sailed from Cadiz on his second and fourth voyages to the new world. It became a wealthy city as most trade from the Americas passed through it. The British bombarded Cadiz in war with Spain, vying for naval dominance.
Our Cruise Stop
(Overlooking Cadiz from the Disney Magic) Today, Cadiz is often forgotten by travelers. Our Disney TransAtlantic Cruise stopped at Cadiz. Most passengers chose to tour Seville or Jerez. We had wanted to go to Seville, but four hours on a bus (2 each direction) for a three hour tour did not appeal to us, though.
Cadiz is quite compact. We chose to skip tours and to explore the historic part of the city on our own. Upon exiting our ship, we received a handy, well marked map. We split our tour into two parts. First, in the morning, we would visit the old town and shopping district. After lunch, we would explore the city parks.
Geography
(Iglesia San Jose) Cadiz lies along a narrow peninsula. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean; to the west a protected bay. Not far to the south, the Straight of Gibraltar marks the entrance to the Mediterranean.
The Old Town
A Walk Along the Sea Wall
(Monument of the Constitution of 1812)Several species of birds flitted all around. We were particularly surprised to see parakeets. The pretty green birds swept overhead. My only experience with parakeets was with my grandmother’s when I was young. It was the meanest pet that I have ever met.
(Parakeet in a tree)
A Day in Cadiz
Tips
(Town Hall)- If you do not mind walking, you can thoroughly explore Cadiz in a day.
- Skip the tours. With a little research, they are not necessary.
- Even the locals will tell you to stay in the historic, old town.
- Don’t miss the Gardens!
- Cadiz Tourism has 4 free walking tour maps you can download.
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Comments
Brook Massey
5 years ago #5
Thanks Franci\ud83d\udc1dEugenia Hoffman, beBee Brand Ambassador!
Brook Massey
5 years ago #4
Brook Massey
5 years ago #3
Luis Alberto Bandeira Machuca We are returning to Cadiz in about 6 weeks. I will definitely try the fish! Thanks for the advice.
Brook Massey
5 years ago #2
I am glad you enjoyed them Jerry Fletcher.
Jerry Fletcher
5 years ago #1