Cathedral, Cadiz

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Cadiz Cathedral was planned as a Baroque cathedral in the 18th century but was started in 1838, so the style was changed, incorporating more Neoclassical elements. Several Spanish noblemen are buried in the crypt, including Cádiz-born composer Manuel de Falla.

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Standing majestically in this oldest European city of Cadiz, the cathedral's size and sober facade make the stone and marble interiors a sheer delight to the senses! The museum and archive displays a rich collection of ancient manuscripts, gold and silver chalices and custodias, where the holy wafer is traditionally enshrined in Catholic count

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Whether seen from a distance as we approached Cadiz on our ferry (3rd photo) or up-close as we wandered up to its position beside the Atlantic Ocean seawall, the Cádiz Cathedral was the building that stood out most in my mind.

This hodge-podge of architectural styles occupies the site of an even older cathedral, completed in 1260 and subsequently destroyed by fire in 1596 when English forces briefly captured the city during a long period of hostilities between the two countries (the 1585-1604 Anglo–Spanish War that also featured the Spanish Armada attack on England in 1588). It took almost 200 years before construction began on today's cathedral and was it was not until 1892 that work was finally completed, more than three hundred years after the original was destroyed. One result of this long construction period is the mixture of architectural styles that found their way into the structure, varying from Baroque, to Rococo and Neo-Classical.

With our short time-line, we were content to just wander around its exterior, viewing it from both the plaza on the city-side and while standing on the Atlantic Ocean sea wall (4th photo).

Spain is known for their devotion to the Catholic church, so any tour in Spain will include a church or two. Here in Cadiz the Cathedral has its own plaza where many tour groups gather so that the building will not become overcrowded. Me, I am not a big church guy, sure they are an important part of history and culture, but I just prefer to see how the people live. While the tour was queued, I broke away and headed for the post office.

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From the outside you could mistake the catholic cathedral to be a mosque with its magnificent 50 m high golden dome (which was once real gold). Building work began on the cathedral in 1716 although it wasn't actually finished until 1838 (building work takes time in the south of Spain!).

From the inside it looks far more modest than most cathedral although for me this is a plus. The roof has started to crumble a bit, but don't worry they give you hard hats to wear inside! Only joking, they've put up nets to catch the small chucks that crumble away!

The cathedral comes equipped with a crypt which is for me the highlight of the cathedral for it has an AMAZING echo. Every footstep sounds like a giants. I really can't describe the sound properly so you'll have to go see for yourself!!!

The cathedral is open from 10-18:30 Monday to Friday. 10-16:30 Saturdays and 13-18:30 Sundays.

It costs 4 € to enter unless you are a group of 20 or more and then you get a whole euro discount! oooh. The price includes a visit to the Cathedral Museum too which is on pza, Fray Felix (Casa de la Contaduria).

There is what is directly translated as 'culture timetable' on Sundays from 11-13 (mass is at 12).

The Plaza outside the Cathedral is a very popular place to have a drink and a snack. Please find attached a photo of the square. There are lots of outdoor bars and restaurants which waiters that speak English, French, German and of course Spanish among other languages!!!!

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Cathedral placed in the center of the old city of Cadiz. When you stop in the square to see it you realize that the majority of the South American cathedrals are of the same style.
The majority of the ships and of the trips that came to the new world went out or of here or closely of here and it is obvious.
The admission charge is expensive enough for what then you are inside, but from 7 to 8 of the evening it is free.

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The cathedral is a definite landmark is the old city centre. It is located on the site of an older cathedral, which got destroyed by a fire in the late 16th century. The reconstruction of the cathedral started in the 18th century, Cadiz’s golden age and lasted over 116 years. Due to this drawn-out period of construction, it underwent several major changes to its original design and is a bit of a mix of styles. It was originally intended to be a baroque edifice, but it also contains rococo elements as well as neoclassical style. The building is topped with a dome of gilded brick, which gives it an impressive look. The towers and the sacristy were built last, in the 19th century. Its chapels have many paintings and relics from the old cathedral and monasteries from throughout Spain.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 4.30-7pm. Saturdays, 10am-1pm.
Admission: €4. Reduced admission to those over 65s, groups, groups of min 20 people, students and children).

A spanish composer who was born in Cadiz in 1876 is buried in a crypt in the Cathedral, his name was Manuel de Falla and he was a classical composer. He died in Argentina in 1946 but his body brought back to Cadiz to be interred here.

Opening Hours are:
Monday-Friday 10am - 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 7pm
Saturdays 10am-1pm
Masses are:
Wednesday and Friday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 12pm
Admission:
Adults 4 euros
Children 2.50 euros
The entrance fee to the Cathedral also includes your entrance to the Cathedral Museum

The Cathedral Museum is housed in a building also known as Casa de la Contaduria. It all belongs to a complex of buildings belonging to the Cathedral. There are exhibitions of the city of Cadiz along with paintings and sculptures.

Opening times are the same as for the Cathedral
The price for the Cathedral includes the museum entrance.

Driving into Cadiz and having seen photos of the Cathedral suddenly there it was looming up high looking more like a mosuq with its onion shaped domes.
Building of this cathedral was supposed to be in the early 1700's but it wasnt built until about 1840 so original designs and the current of the day had their influence over the building.

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Cádiz worldwide is known for its Catedral, which constructions have completed in 1853, it´s style during ages changed from baroque to neo'classic. This building large proportions were the result of the financial prosperity of the city, caused by the port activity and trade with America, after the trade monopoly moved from Seville in 1717.
The tower in the cathedral Torre de Poniente is the highest tower of Cádiz, build in a strategic place in the Catedral, offering best panoramic views of the city, and the Atlantic ocean.