Cadiz is of typical Andalusian character. The old part of Cadiz, commonly referred to as the Old City (Spanish Casco Antiguo), is shaped by the individuality of the various quarters (Spanish barrios), "El Populo," "La Viña," or "Santa Maria." These areas offer a marked contrast to the newer areas of town. While the townscape of the Old City is largely formed by narrow alleys leading into a number of plazas, newer areas consist of wide avenues and more modern buildings. In addition, the city is dotted by numerous park plants, including old giant trees supposedly brought there by Columbus.

Major Landmarks

Cadiz, the oldest existing city in western Europe (and likely the western world), is home to many beautiful and historic monuments and attractions. Its peculiar location at the end of a narrow peninsula brings an added uniqueness to this city.

Cathedral

One of Cadiz's most famous landmarks is its cathedral. It sits on the site of an older cathedral, completed in 1260, which burned down in 1596. The reconstruction, which was not started until 1776, was supervised by the architect Vicente Arcero, who had also built the Granada Cathedral. Arcero left the project and was succeeded by several other architects. As a result, this largely baroque style cathedral was built over a period of 116 years. Due to this drawn-out construction, the cathedral experienced several major changes to its intended design. Though the cathedral began in baroque style, it contains rococo elements, and was finally completed in the neoclassical style. Its chapels have many paintings and relics from the Old Cathedral and other monasteries.

Gran Teatro Falla

The original Gran Teatro was constructed in 1871 by the architect García del Alamo, and was destroyed in an August 1881 fire. The current theatre was built between 1884 and 1905 over the remains of the previous Gran Teatro. The architect was Adolfo Morales de los Rios, and the direction was carried out by Juan Cabrera de la Torre. The outside was covered in red bricks and is of mudejar style. Following renovations in the 1920s, the theatre was renamed the Gran Teatro Falla, in honor of composer Manuel de Falla, who is buried in the crypt of the cathedral. After a period of disrepair in the 1980s, the theatre has since undergone further renovation.

Ayuntamiento

Overlooking La Plaza de San Juan Dios, the Ayuntamiento is the town hall of Cadiz's Old City. The structure was built in two stages. The first stage began in 1799 under the direction of architect Torcuato Benjumeda in the neoclassical style. The second stage occurred in 1861 under the direction of García del Alamo.

Torre Tavira

In the 18th century, Cadiz had more than 160 towers to watch over its waters; they were used by the many local merchants (and often formed part of their houses), who could then be informed of the ships that arrived and left. Today, Torre Tavira stands as the tallest remaining watchtower. With its "Cámara Oscura," visitors are led into a dark room that offers reflected panoramic views of the Old City.

Las Puertas de Tierra

Las Puertas de Tierra originated from the 16th century, although much of the original work has disappeared. Once consisting of several layers of walls, only one of these remain today. The 20th century saw the need to remodel the entrance into the Old City to accommodate modern traffic. Today, the two arcs cut into the wall serve as one of the primary entrances into the city.

Pylons of Cadiz

The pylons of Cadiz are electricity pylons of unusual design crossing the Bay of Cadiz. The pylons are 158 meters high and designed for two circuits. The pylons were designed by A.M. Toscano. The very unconventional construction consists of a frustum steel framework construction with a narrow grid width and one crossbar on the top for the conductors.

Beaches

Cadiz, situated on a peninsula, is home to some of Spain's most beautiful beaches.

La Playa de la Caleta

La Playa de la Caleta is the best-loved beach of Cadiz. It has always been in Carnival songs, due to its unequalled beauty and its proximity to the Barrio de la Viña. It is the beach of the Old City, situated between two castles, San Sebastian and Santa Catalina. It is around four hundred meters long and thirty meters wide at low tide.

La Playa de la Victoria

La Playa de la Victoria is the most visited beach by tourists and the native people of Cadiz. It is about three kilometers long, and it has an average width of fifty meters of sand. The moderate swell and the absence of rocks allow the entire family to enjoy bathing at this beach. It is separated from the city by an avenue; on the other side of the avenue are many shops and restaurants that form the newer part of Cadiz. The beach provides many activities, including sport areas, as well as places where you can rent beach umbrellas, sun loungers, and jetskis.

La Playa de Santa María del Mar

La Playa de Santa María del Mar is a small beach in Cadiz. Situated between La Playa de Victoria and La Playa de la Caleta, it features excellent views of the old district of Cadiz.