Cadiz Favorites

Favorite thing: After the French Wars in the beginning of the 19th century, the spanish people gathered and declared the first constitution in our nation.

Cadiz was a main center of the Liberal party on those days, and here was declared the first constitution we had in Spain, in 1812. It was declared in the "San Felipe Neri" church, that can be visited in the center. There is a monument in the Plaza de España to celebrate it...

Favorite thing: Cadiz throughout history has owed its existence to its sheltered port. In its hayday in the 17th century, it handled much of the trade from Spains colonies in the Americas. Today it is still a busy port, handling freight from around the world and other areas such as the Canary Isles.

Favorite thing: Many of the buildings have towers, the purpose of which were to afford good views of the ships coming into port. The houses were the homes to the merchants and traders who lived in Cadiz during the busier centuries when it was a great trading port. Many of the merchants had these towers incorporated into their homes so they could watch for the return of their ships.

The small buildings at the tops of the towers are called Garitas, due to their similarity to sentry boxes used by the military. They were there to cover the top of the stairways.

You can only really appreciate the towers from a high vantage point, so I suggest you view them from Torre Tavira or the Cathedral tower.

Favorite thing: I had heard that this market was the first indoor market in Spain, I´m not sure at what date it was constructed. On the Saturday we visited it was certainly busy, stalls selling just about everything you need in day to day life.

Favorite thing: The Grand Theatre Falla is relatively recent, only completed in 1905. It is built in a Neo Mudejar style of red brick. I found the style and design of the building interesting, blending in so well with the old Andalucian style of buildings. I assume it was named after Manuel de Falla the composer who was born in Cadiz.

Favorite thing: This is the main feast in Cadiz. During one week, around the end of February, all the city's activities stop to perform the big Carnival week.

The main activities take place in the city old center. People (almost everyone in town) get disguised, mostly at nights both weekends. Sundays at noon there is a show of singing Groups in the Central Market (Plaza de la Libertad).

Favorite thing: In front of the harbour, this square houses the Town Hall. All around you can find many terraces to sit quietly for breakfast, lunch... At the right corner at the bottom there is a little street that will take you to the Cathedral.

Favorite thing: There are several tourist info points in Cadiz, but I think the main one is in the "Canalejas Gardens", just in front of the harbour, in the closest corner of the San Juan de Dios Square (where the Town Hall is).

To get there from the train station, pass the big fountain and turn left after the tall building on your left.

Here you will find schedules, leaflets, info about wine cellars, beaches....