Cádiz city: history, monuments and food
Three thousand years on an island: Phoenician Gadir, Roman Gades, the port of the Americas and the city of the 1812 Constitution, now surrounded by sea and good food.
Key points
- According to tradition, the Phoenicians founded Gadir around 1100 BC, which is why Cádiz is called the oldest city in the West.
- Spain’s first constitution, “La Pepa”, was proclaimed in the Oratory of San Felipe Neri on 19 March 1812.
- Key sights: the cathedral, Torre Tavira, the Roman Theatre, El Pópulo, and the castles of Santa Catalina and San Sebastián.
- To eat: the Central Market, the freidurías, the bars of La Viña and the restaurants on the seafront.
The areas of the province of Cádiz
History: from Gadir to La Pepa
Sailors from Tyre reached an archipelago at the end of the known world and founded Gadir, a trading post controlling the way into the Atlantic. The Romans called it Gades and made it one of the richest cities of the Empire, home of the agronomist Columella and the Balbus family.
After centuries of decline, the discovery of the Americas brought the city back to prominence. In 1717 the House of Trade moved from Seville to Cádiz, which lived its golden age in the 18th century: its merchants’ houses with watchtowers, from which ships were spotted arriving, date from then.
During the Peninsular War, Cádiz withstood the French siege and hosted the Cortes, which approved the 1812 Constitution, one of the first liberal constitutions in Europe.
- c. 1100 BCTraditional founding of Gadir by the Phoenicians.
- 1st century BCGades, a Roman municipium and great Atlantic port.
- 1717The House of Trade moves to Cádiz.
- 1812The Cortes proclaim the Constitution in San Felipe Neri.
Must-see monuments
- CathedralBaroque and neoclassical, with a golden dome. Climb the Clock Tower and visit the crypt, below sea level, where Manuel de Falla and José María Pemán rest.
- Torre TaviraThe tallest watchtower in the city, with a camera obscura that projects Cádiz live.
- Roman TheatreOne of the oldest and largest in Hispania, in El Pópulo.
- Oratory of San Felipe NeriBaroque church where the 1812 Constitution was proclaimed.
- Castles of La CaletaSanta Catalina and San Sebastián guard La Caleta beach.
- Museum of CádizPhoenician anthropoid sarcophagi and paintings by Zurbarán.
Quarters and walks
El Pópulo, with its three medieval arches, is the oldest quarter; Santa María is the cradle of Cádiz flamenco and La Viña the quarter of Carnival and fried fish, next to La Caleta beach. The gardens of the Alameda Apodaca and Genovés park, with exotic trees brought from the Americas, and a walk along the Campo del Sur facing the Atlantic complete the visit.
Where and what to eat
The Central Market, one of the first covered markets in Spain (1838), has fish stalls and a food corner for tapas. In the city-centre freidurías you buy fried fish in a paper cone, and in La Viña the taverns serve shrimp fritters, chicharrones, papas aliñás, sea urchins and mackerel.
| Area | What you will find | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Central Market | Catch of the day, oysters, tapas stalls | Midday, aperitif |
| La Viña | Taverns, freidurías, fried fish and sea urchins | Casual tapas |
| Centre and Plaza de las Flores | Historic freidurías, wine bars | A cone of fried fish |
| Seafront | Restaurants with views, creative cuisine | Dinner by the sea |
City beaches
La Caleta, between the castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina, is small and famous for its boats and sunsets. Santa María del Mar is the locals’ beach in the centre; La Victoria stretches for three kilometres with a promenade; and Cortadura extends the sand towards San Fernando in a more natural setting.
Cádiz at Carnival
If you visit in February, get ready for the Cádiz Carnival. For eating out, see our Cádiz food guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Cádiz called the “Tacita de Plata”?
The “little silver cup” nickname comes from the look of the city from the sea: a compact, white, shining old town surrounded by water.
Is Cádiz the oldest city in Western Europe?
Tradition dates the Phoenician foundation of Gadir to around 1100 BC, which is why it is often called the oldest city in the West. The known archaeological remains date from the 9th century BC.
How long do you need in Cádiz?
One full day covers the cathedral, Torre Tavira, the market, El Pópulo and La Caleta. With two days you can add the museums, the city walls and an afternoon on the beach.