Cadiz
Cádiz is a daytripper's paradise, because nearly everything of historic or cultural interest is within the city center. From the railroad station or cruise port, you can easily walk to sites such as the Cádiz Cathedral (sometimes referred to as the "New Cathedral," to distinguish it from the old Cathedral, the Church of Santa Cruz.)
Allow time to enjoy views from the Cathedal's Poniente Tower, where you ascend to the top via wide ramps that aren't nearly as claustrophobic as the fan-shaped steps in many cathedrals. (Admission to the Cathedral's interior and the Cathedral Museum requires a separate fee.)
Nearby are the Roman Theatre, which was discovered and excavated after a fire in 1980, and the Phoenecian and Roman Archæological Site at the Bishop's House. Another popular sight is the Tavira Tower, a remnant of the more than 160 towers that merchants once used to watch for arriving ships. You can climb to the top and visit the Camera Obscura, which offers a unique view of the city.
Plaza de San Antonio photoOther popular sights in the medieval center include the 17th Century Admiral's House or Casa de Almirante (which you can view from the outside), the Museum of Cádiz, the free Courts Museum with its 18th Century model of Cádiz, and the Plaza de San Antonio (inset photo), which was the city's main square in the 1800s. The Mercado Central, or central market, is worth visiting if you enjoy shopping and don't mind crowds.
Castillo de Santa Catalina photoIt's almost impossible to miss the castles and fortresses along the seawalls that protect the city center. One--the Castillo de Santa Catarina--has been turned into an exhibition space; it also offers nice views of the Playa de la Caleta beach (see photo and description below).
Another fortress, the Castillo de San Sebastián, is at the end of a long spit just below the Caleta beach. You can't enter the fortress, but the walk out to the Castillo is pleasant with its views of the fortress, the coastline, and bathers or anglers on the rocks.
Tip:
El Vapor de El Puerto runs a boat service between the Estación Maritima in Cádiz and the port of Santa Maria up the coast, with the trip lasting 40 minutes each way. Fares are cheap, the boat operates most of the year, and--in July and August--you can take a nighttime Bay of Cádiz cruise on the double-deck excursion vessel. For advice on local transportation and tourist literature, see the Practical Information on page 3 of this article.
Beaches
The Playa de la Victoria, said to be one of the best beaches in Spain, is the modern resort district outside of the city center.
Cadiz beach photoFortunately, there's no need to walk or ride that far: The Playa de la Caleta (inset photo) is conveniently located next to the Castillo de Santa Catarina at the northwest corner of the city center. Admission to the beach is free.
Parks
Cádiz has a number of waterfront parks and promenades, some with cafés or restaurants. They're easy to find by walking along the oceanfront or by consulting the free city map from the Cádiz Tourist Office.
Situated on the bay of the same name, it is completely surrounded by sea. It is easily accessible and is an important port. It has train and bus stations and an airport 35 Km away. There is a regular ferry service between the port of Cadiz and the Canary Islands that departs on Tuesdays at 18.00 hours.
Cadiz is a seafaring city with 3,000 years of history. It is the southern most provincial capital in Spain . The walls of the "Puertas de Tierra" clearly separate the modern area from the more historical, older part; made up of narrow streets, small squares and colourful local areas, such as "La Viña", an old fishing district where one can try the famous "pescaíto frito" (fried fish); or the "Mentidero" or "Santa María" districts, the true home of flamenco singing; or such as the San Juan de Dios Square, or the "El Pópulo" neighbourhood which was originally an old medieval village.
Most of the principal monuments can be found in the old part of the city, which is also ideal for shopping. There is also La Caleta beach, situated on a reef and bordredf by the Castles of Santa Catalina and San Sebastian. The new area is made up of modern buildings, avenues and a promenade. It also has the magnificent La Victoria , Sta. María del Mar and Cortadura beaches.
There are also commercial centres, yacht clubs, a football stadium and sports complexes. Cadiz is a lively city. The best way to get to know it is to slowly stroll through its streets, parks and boulevards full of ancient plants, talk to the people, enjoy a drink on its sidewalk cafés or in its noisy bars, all of which have an unmistakable Andalusian character.
The Bay of Cadiz and its beaches are ideal for all water sports. Every year, important nautical events are held in the Bay of Cadiz , due to its mild water temperature and prevailing breezes.
Cadiz is a city with a long history
Founded by the Phoenicians about 1,100 years B.C., it is the oldest city in the west. Many cultures have passed through the city, Greek, Roman, Visigoth, Arab etc. It was conquered by Alfonso X �The Wise� in 1262, who built a cathedral on the site of an old Arab mosque.
Cadiz was the starting point for Christopher Columbus's second and fourth voyages of discovery to America and the port of return for the third of these voyages when he set sail from Sanlucar de Barrameda. Felipe II ordered the city walls to be built after suffering the attacks of English troops in the 16 th and 17 th Centuries.
In the 18 th Century, it became one of the most important cities in Spain when the "Casa de Contratación", responsible for regulating all trade with the Latin American colonies, was moved there. Cadiz then became acosmopolitan and liberal city and one of the most important commercial centres in Europe . These liberal ideas were quashed in 1812 with the establishment of the Spanish parliament in Cadiz , in addition to the first Spanish constitution, converting it into the capital of Spain between 1810 and 1813.
Monuments
The old part of Cadiz is considered to be a Historical and Artistic Monument . Special mention should be made of:
- The cathedral. 18 th Century of Neoclassical Baroque design. It is home to the Cathedral Museum with a wealth of exhibits.Manuel de Falla, the famous composer from Cadiz , is buried there.
- The Church of Santa Cruz , an old cathedral built in the 13 th Century. Worthy of mention is the altarpiece of the high altar and the Genoese chapel.
- The San Felipe Neri Oratorio. Built in the 17 th Century. A painting of the Immaculate Conception by Muríllo is part of the Rocco high altar. This church was the home of the Spanish parliament in Cadiz in 1812 and where the Spanish constitution was drawn up.
- The Chapel of the Santa Cueva (1796), with three canvases by Goya.
- The Old Women's Hospital. 18 th Century, with a beautiful patio with a station of the cross painted in Flemish style and a Baroque staircase. There is a painting by El Greco inside the hospital.
- The Church of San Agustín (1647) with interesting sculptures and engravings.
Outstanding examples of the many 18 th century churches built in the colonial style are:
- The Church of El Carmen and the Church of La Pastora , with original two storey steeples.
Other examples of civil architecture includet:
- The city walls, of special note are the so-called "Puertas de Tierra" dating back to the 17 th century. The three doors of the original city are older: The Rose Arch, The El Pópulo Arch and the Arch of the �Blancos�.
- The Royal Prison, considered to be the best neoclassical monument in the city (today it is the home of the city courts).
- The Mora Palace , The Admirals House or the Casa de Las Cadenas, are good examples of the cities prosperity in the 18 th and 19 th centuries.
- The Candelaria and Mártires strongholds.
- Also worthy of mention are the Castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina .
- The Neo-Mudejar Falla Theatre was built in 1909 on the site of an old wooden theatre.
- The large Roman Theatre .
Museums
Cadiz Museum , The Municipal History Museum , The Cathedral Museum , The Museum in the Mora Palace.
What independent authors say about Cadiz...
CADIZ: the silver jewel
Author: amalbyWonderful places in Spain
You are probably aware that Spain is a very beautiful country and you've heard so much about it, that you are planning to visit it. You made the right choice, because the experience you are going to have in Spain is unbelievable. Since you want your holiday to be perfect, I recommend Cadiz. Everything is spectacular in Cadiz and is an ideal location for your holiday.
The waters of the Atlantic Ocean which wash over its shores are so silver, that the city is also known as the silver cup; and indeed, its beauty really makes it look like a silver jewel. When you arrive you will be welcomed by the carnival atmosphere which is permanently present in the city. The inhabitants are terrific people, always happy and ready to receive guests, so you will have a wonderful time in Cadiz.
The history of Cadiz
The history of the city spans centuries and is very interesting. The Phoenicians founded the city, giving it the name of "Gadir", which in English means "the fortified city". Cadiz was the most important city within The Tartessos kingdom. Hannibal's campaign came to an end when the Carthaginians arrived however, when the Romans conquered Cadiz it flourished and many of the monuments that can be seen all over the province date back to the successful Roman Era.
Roman Sightseeing points
The Romans helped the city to develop and possibly played the most important role in its history by building aqueducts, an amphitheatre important for social and cultural activities together with many other outstanding buildings. The Cadiz Museum is a great place to learn about the interesting archaeological past of the city; the art and the ethnography have special dedicated sections. The Roman Theatre is an exquisite example if you are interested in how the city looked in the 1st century BC. When it was first built, it was the largest theatre Spain had. The Aqueduct is incredible; it shows you how the city received water from 70 kilometers away, while the Roman Factory which produced salted fish shows you how well the city was developing during that time. Visit the city and you will fall in love with it.
The province of Cadiz has a total of 5 National Parks, the largest being Los Alcornocales. There are several caves to explore in the park with Neolithic cave paintings. You can also participate in a variety of activities including canoeing and abseiling. A day trip to this park is awe inspiring and will be a memorable part of your holiday in this impressive Spanish province.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/cadiz-the-silver-jewel-4145105.html
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Cadiz: Known For The Best Beaches in Iberian Peninsula
Author: justinntaylorCadiz is known to have some of the best beaches of the Iberian Peninsula that feature miles of uninterrupted stretches and super fine white sand. Cadiz is just perfect if you are looking for a small town that truly enjoys a relaxed pace life. The villas on this piece of land, some being actively situated along the coast add to a super luxurious vacation.
There are a number of ways in which you can arrive in Cadiz and travel around. This small town offers a complete peace of mind and relaxation. Renting a car will add to your comfort and help you to explore the place in better way.
Malaga Airport and Jerez Airport are the two main airports that can help you in arrival and transition. Malaga airport is at a farther distance to Cadiz than that of Jerez Airport but the airport has a number of international connections and a car drive from Malaga airport to the town of Cadiz is filled with breathtaking scenery. Jerez de la Frontera, which is well known for horse exhibitions and sherry is a quaint village just about 40 km from Cadiz.
Cortadura and La Victoria are the best beaches in the city with vast stretches of sand. La Caleta is another beach and you'll find a lot of historical sections around. You can pick up a free city guide from the tourism office of Cadiz.
Roaming around Cadiz in a car can be a great opportunity. You're not likely to face direction problems as the routes are generally color-coordinated with the road so that it is easy for you to click around.
Los Caños de Meca is yet another beach which is common with surfers in Costa de la Luz. The beach is surrounded by beautiful area with enough greenery on one side and cliffs on the other sites. These clips also give a way to harbor fresh waterways and a small protecting cove. If you go westwards, you'll find the lighthouse of Trafalgar which is quite a known spot.
The Marisucia beach is also nearby and here you can avail the opportunity of walking through medicinal mud which is a famous activity. This area has quite a vibrant nightlife and a lot of nudist areas on the beach.
Barbate is a small beachside village that still maintains the authenticity of ancient tuna fishing and even in today's time, the same techniques of fishing is used in Barnate. You can avail the opportunity of having a fresh catch in a beachside restaurants. ‘Atún encebollado' is a famous and delicious tapa and a must-have. You may go ahead to enjoy Zahara de los Atunes beach, which is known for providing despite from a hectic life and relax to soothe your soul.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/cadiz-known-for-the-best-beaches-in-iberian-peninsula-2822089.html
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