Cadiz Spain. Founded 3,000 years ago by the Phoenicians, Cádiz is the oldest city in Western Europe. The different people who settled here left an important cultural imprint, whose influence remains in the character of the city’s people. This peninsula, right on the Andalusian Atlantic coast, has been able to preserve an important historical legacy – the result of its commercial importance – together with excellent beaches and exquisite regional cuisine.
The former Phoenician Gades and Roman Gadir experienced its most splendid period when, in the 17th Century, it had the Ultramar (Spanish overseas empire) trade monopoly. This rise attracted attacks by pirates, which made the city fortify itself, constructing defensive bastions, castles, and watchtowers on each flat roof. These are some of the characteristics of the city, in which the balcony railings are also outstanding. A visit might begin in Puerta Tierra, the entry point through the walls and the dividing line between modern and old Cádiz. On one side, wide avenues, beaches (La Victoria, Santa María, and La Cortadura), sailing clubs, and modern sporting facilities. On the other, a Cádiz with more flavor and history, that of the old districts: El Pópulo, the old medieval town; La Viña, the fishing district and center of the local tradition of satirical verses, or Santa María, living temple to flamenco. Streets with distinct characters but which have maintained a uniformity in the look of their houses which together form an exceptionally beautiful pattern.
On the Atlantic front rise the dome and yellow tiles of the Cathedral, looking towards Campo del Sur. Baroque and Neoclassical in style, its crypt guards the remains of the composer Manuel de Falla. Beside it are the old Roman theatre and the old cathedral. What was a royal square, parade ground, and market, originating on land won from the sea, is also worth a visit. This is the Plaza de San Juan de Dios where the Neoclassical structure of Cádiz City Hall stands, looking towards the nearby port.