Cádiz (Cadiz)
Cadiz, known in Poland as Cadiz, did not convince me for a long time. First
and a fairly quick visit to this oldest city in Western Europe made me feel disappointed, just like some tourists. I've waited a long time to disenchant it… way too long!
Legend has it that the city was founded by Heracles, while history points to the date of 1110 BC (some sources say the date 1004 BC) when the Phoenicians founded their fishing village here. Their heritage was taken over by Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors, but they made them almost forgotten from the dynamically developing commercial port. It was only when Christopher Columbus decided to start his second and fourth journeys in search of America here that the city came to life again, becoming a center of trade with the New World. The money flowing from the Americas allowed not only to rebuild after the two invasions of the English, but also to bring Cadiz into a golden age, during which in 1812 the first Spanish constitution was enacted.
Actually, everything that needs to be seen in Cadiz is in the old part of the city, located on the Atlantic Ocean headland, separated from the new part, walls and the gate of the Puertas de Tierra. The area of Cadiz is relatively small, only 1 2.10 km² , so we are able to see practically everything in one day.
Certainly, our walk should begin with the golden, characteristic dome of the Catedral Nueva in Plaza de la Catedral. The baroque cathedral of St. Cross, erected in the years 1722-1838, is one of the largest in Spain and has become a reference point for sailors. Despite the combination of styles, i.e. Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassicism, its interiors do not impress, but it is definitely worth going to its bell towers, Torre de Poniente, from which there is an amazing view of the entire city. East of the New Cathedral, designed by Vincent Acer, is the Iglesia de Santa Cruz , known as the Catedral Vieja (Stara Ketedra), which, erected on the site of a former mosque, was completely burnt down in 1596. after the occupation of Cadiz by the English. The church served as a cathedral until 1838 and what we can see today is only a reconstruction of the 17th century. Right behind the church we find the ruins of the Roman Teatro Romano from the 1st century BC, and between the cathedrals there is the 16th century. The Bishop's House (Casa del Obispo), in the basement of which a glass floor will show us Phoenician remains from the 7th century BC. Continuing along Calle Pelota towards the north, we will come to the main square of the old town, which is Plaza San Juan de Dios with a large sizes the town hall (Ayuntamiento). Worth stopping here for a coffee or ice cream, not only that feel the atmosphere of the city, but and enjoy the sun and Spanish architecture. Going west from the square, we will get to Plaza de las Flores and Mercado Central, where we can buy not only fresh seafood, but also churros sold traditionally in booths. From there, it is close to the highest tower, Torre Tavira , rising 45 m above the ocean level, where Camere Oscura - an optical device is installed composed of a screen displaying an image transmitted by a mirror and a magnifying glass. This is also where the panorama of the city is at our fingertips, because from here you can see not only the port and the ocean, but also lower watchtowers and observation towers. IN In the 18th century, they were a symbol of prestige and wealth, serving as a good observation point for ships arriving, as well as acting as a "window to the world". Leaving the buildings towards the south, we will come to a promenade along the Atlantic Ocean, which will lead us to a charming beach - Playa la Caleta with a wonderful spa Balneario de la Palma . Sitting on the beach, we will see bastions and defensive fortresses, i.e. Castillo de San Sebastian , which is legendary that he was the temple of Kronos and Castillo de San Catalina. Walking further along the coast, we come across the larger one in Cadiz and rich in vegetation Park - Parque Genoves, who v The eighteenth century was called "Petrushka Park", for practically nothing grew there.
Cadiz is surprisingly calm. When visiting the city through sleepy narrow streets, you have a feeling of authenticity and passing time. You can see symbols of its former glory here the city and the former, close relations with Nowy Åšwiat, because
climate and architecture Cadiz resembles Cuban Havana. For sure it is it is also a region of the most beautiful beaches of Europe as Playa de la Victoria stretching for a distance of almost 3 km, or even longer Playa de Cortadura, which can be found on the new side of the city. What's more Cadiz is famous for the most celebrated Carnival, which Spaniards from all over the country come to, as los gaditanos (as the inhabitants are called) is characterized by specific sense of humor.
Cadiz is certainly one of those Andalusian cities that it would be a sin to avoid. I did not understand its phenomenon for a long time, but one weekend, a lazy breakfast and a walk through its streets convinced me that the oldest city in Spain deserves my and yours attention :)