Cádiz

Cádiz is a city and port in the autonomous community of Andalusia, in southern Spain. Located on a narrow limestone peninsula that stretches into the Atlantic and forms the Bay of Cádiz, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. Its origins are traditionally traced to the Phoenician settlement of Gadir, founded around 1100 BCE, making the site an early hub of maritime trade.

Throughout antiquity and the medieval period, Cádiz was controlled by various powers, including the Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors. Its natural harbor and strategic position contributed to its prominence as a commercial and military port in early modern Spain, especially between the 16th and 18th centuries when it hosted ships connected to the Americas. In 1812, Cádiz hosted the Cortes, which produced the first Spanish constitution.

Modern Cádiz preserves a compact historic core with notable landmarks. The Cathedral of Cádiz (Catedral de Santa Cruz) sits in the old town, next to the Torre Tavira, which offers a camera obscura and city views. Fortifications such as the Castillo de San Sebastián and the Castillo de Santa Catalina remain. The La Caleta waterfront, the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, and the Gran Teatro Falla are popular sites. The city is also renowned for its Carnival, one of Spain’s most celebrated, featuring the satirical musical ensembles known as chirigotas and comparsas.

Economically, Cádiz remains an important port and tourist destination, with fishing and related services contributing to the local economy. It is linked to the mainland by the La Pepa Bridge and by rail to Seville and other Andalusian cities; the nearest international airport is in Jerez de la Frontera.