| Cadiz |
| Cadiz is a summer and winter resort. A beautiful city with clean streets, elegant residences, stately buildings, beautiful squares and well tended parks have in the past earned it the title " la tacita de plata" ( little silver cup). A province of wonderful variety an area that appeals to lovers of ancient architecture, narrow mazy city streets, perfect long sandy beaches. Then there are the quality of the wines, the maritime traditions, views of the Moroccan coast, and a world famous Cadiz Carnival featuring the irreverent local people. Jerez de La Frontera is different in character, slower and laid back with it's own world famous horse and sherry fair celebrating the breeding of it's famed Carthusian horses and centre of a lucrative sherry trade. Cadiz province also has smaller towns and hilly villages many of them retaining the feel and look of the original Moorish builders. Those of an energetic nature can enjoy the wind surfing and sailing along the Costa de La Luz and Tarifa, the long walks through beautiful countryside and the enjoyable tapas and bar life throughout the night. The histories show that the first peoples to inhabit this area were the Phoenicians who flourished as early as the third millennium B.C. in the Levant, a coastal region now divided primarily between Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. But it wasn't until around 1100 B.C., after a period of general disorder and social collapse throughout the region, that they emerged as a significant cultural and political force. From the ninth to sixth centuries B.C. they dominated the Mediterranean Sea, establishing emporiums and colonies from Cyprus in the east to the Aegean Sea, Italy, North Africa, and Spain in the west. They grew rich trading precious metals from abroad and products such as wine, olive oil, and most notably the timber from the famous cedars of Lebanon, which forested the mountains that rise steeply from the coast of their homeland. The Mediterranean and North African coast entered the mainstream of Mediterranean history with the arrival in the of Phoenician traders. The Phoenicians were not looking for land to settle but for anchorages and staging points on the trade route from Phoenicia to Spain, a source of silver and tin. Points on an alternative route by way of Sicily, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands also were occupied. The Phoenicians lacked the manpower and the need to found large colonies as the Greeks did, and few of their settlements grew to any size. The sites chosen were generally offshore islands or easily defensible promontories with sheltered beaches on which ships could be drawn up. Carthage ( Cartagena - from the Phoenician Kart-Hadasht, New City or Land, founded by Queen Elissar of Tyre) was destined to be the largest Phoenician colony and in the end an imperial power, conformed to the pattern. Since those early days the city has flourished and is now one of the wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Cadiz is the capital of the province of Cadiz and is one of the eights regions which form the autonomous government of Andalusia. An important and busy sea port which has managed to maintain a relaxed and easy atmosphere. See Google Map The best places to visit in Cadiz and the most important tourists sites include the The San Sebastian Fortress which is located on a steep cliff at Caleta beach, in front of the Santa Catalina Castle, over a small island from which it protected the northern front of Cadiz’s city. This castle is joined to the mainland by means of a seaside drive, which makes it possible not to be isolated during the high tide. This popular beach has all types of facilities: bars, open-air drinks stalls, etc. It has two fortifications: the and the Castle of San Sebastián on the two, opposite ends of the cove. It has a pleasant promenade with palm trees and street lighting skirting the coast. See Map The Alameda Apodaca is a broad avenue with cobbled streets such a beautiful spot in the city of Cadiz which is perfect place to stroll stroll and relax as you look out over the bay. As you stroll you can admire the geometric patterns of the cobbles. Enjoy the shade of the beautiful trees that provide the area with luxuriant, colourful vegetation. The street is decorated glazed ceramics and wrought iron, and the design of the lamp posts is outstanding. Paseo Alameda Marqués de Comillas, 5, 11003 Cádiz, Spain see map
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To get panoramic views over the city of Cadiz visit an old watch tower called TorreTavira. The Baroque Tavira Tower was once part of the Palace of the Marquises of Recaño, now the Music Conservatoire...read more The Phoenician Gadir became Gades, the Julia Augusta Gaditana of the Romans. The Moors took over; Alfonso the Wise reconquered it and during 'The War of Independance', the town put up a heroic resistance. It was from here that the Spanish and French squadrons anchored in the bay sailed under the orders of Villeneuve to attack Nelson's fleet at The Battle of Trafalgar off the coast just south of Cadiz.See BBC animation of this famous sea battle See map of ships The ancient Cadiz Cathedral was completely destroyed during a raid by the English in 1596, was rebuilt in Renaissance style. Inside there is a processional high altar curtain in silver. Read More Other interesting tourist attractions in Cadiz includeThe church of Santa Catalina ... read more The Aqueduct of Los Arcos, or also known as Algeciras is one of the most important buildings in the city.... ..read moreCadiz Historical Museum ArchivesThe museum's collections consist of 2000 artifacts, archaeological pieces and everyday objects...read more An important site for ship building in Spain is the Arsenal de la Carraca, San Fernando, Cadiz dating back to 1752The first shipbuilding centre of Spain. Cadiz Tourist Office More places to visit in Cadiz Cadiz Carnival Jerez de la Frontera Horse & Sherry Fair Bética Roman Route The Baroque Tavira Tower Cadiz Historical Museum Archives A Campo Abierto, in Median Sidonia The Academy of Fine Arts The church of Santa Catalina Cadiz Cathedral Castle of Santa Catalina Arcos de la Frontera Bull Routes in Andalucia The route of Sun and Wine, Andalucia, Spain |