Cadiz is an ancient city on the coast of Andalusia, the center of the province of the same name. This is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Legend has it that the city was founded by Hercules. But even if this is not the case, its foundation still dates back to 1100 BC. At that time, it was the Phoenician colony of Gadir. The heyday of the city begins after the completion of Reconquista, largely due to the wealth brought from the New World. The port of Cadiz was the subject of a dispute between the French and the British. In the XVIII century, Cadiz became the main commercial port of Spain. In 1812, Cadiz served as the political center of Spain for some time, and it proclaimed the first Spanish constitution.
The location of Cadiz on two coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea makes it open to all winds. Warm and stable climate, clean beaches are an advantage of both this resort and many other resorts in Spain.
One of the most significant structures of the city is the Cathedral (XVIII century), on the territory of which is the grave of the great Spanish composer Manuel de Falla. In the church of St. Catalina (XVII century) there is an unfinished painting by Murillo "The wedding of St. Catalina". This is the last work of the great Spanish artist. The Cadiz Museum presents objects of ancient cultures discovered during archaeological excavations in the city and its environs, and in the department of fine arts - paintings by Murillo, Ribera, Rubens and Surbaran. The city owes much its attractiveness to crowded squares, such as Piazza San Juan de Dios, above which the mayor's office rises, a white neoclassical building with a facade turned towards the port. Squares such as Plaza de las Flores and Candelaria deserve a leisurely visit. A monument to the Liberal Cortes will be erected on Plaza Espanya, next to the provincial council building. There are also churches of high artistic value in Cadiz. Inside the church of Prayers addressed to the Virgin Mary, there are sculptures of St. Cervando and St. Herman, the patron saints of the city. Very close to here is La Mina Square, next to which is the Baroque Church of St. Francis. The poplar alleys of Apodaca and Marques de Comillas lead to the Carmen Church in a pronounced colonial style. From there, where the Candelaria Battery is located behind the temple, there is a beautiful view of the Cadiz Bay, strewn with ships entering and leaving the port. In the chapel of St. Felipe Neri, declared a national monument, there was a debate on the Constitution of 1812.
The port city of Cadiz is certainly rich in noisy taverns and bars. If in summer, nightlife makes noise on the coast, then in winter, when cold winds blow from the Atlantic, the entertainment center moves to the old city, mainly to bars that stand around St. Francis Square. Many clubs are open from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. The main center of beach parties in summer is Victoria Beach. As for marine sports, there are many sports clubs in the city that organize the rental of equipment, yachts, boats and boats. It is worth visiting Cadiz during Easter Week and before the beginning of Great Lent, when a very Venetian carnival takes place in the city. Since Cadiz is a seaport, there are many fish restaurants here. Fish and seafood are amazingly cooked here. Many dishes are offered by Andalusian sherry. We recommend visiting the Arana restaurant on the coast. Spanish and Portuguese cuisine is served here.