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The city of Cadiz
Geographical location
COSTA DE LA LUZ
The Costa de la Luz boasts the most magnificent beaches in the whole of Spain! Fringed by mile upon mile of golden sand….this is where you can find Cadiz!
The city is located in the bay of Cadiz, which includes the municipalities of San Fernando, Puerto Real, Chiclana, Puerto de Santa Maria… This area, which covers 592 km2 and has a population of 600.000 inhabitants, is one of the industrial, tourist and commercial motors of Andalusia.
To the North of Cadiz
is the Bay of Cadiz
To the South
Following the magnificent pristine beaches, we find the Strait of Gibraltar which takes us to Morocco, the door to the African continent.
To the East
the city of Seville and the impressive “Sierra” (the mountains) with its charming “Pueblos Blancos” (white villages) like Arcos de la Frontera, Vejer, and Ronda that lead us towards Málaga and the rest of Andalusia.
To the West
it’s the Atlantic Ocean always leading us towards America.
History of Cadiz
The history of Cádiz and the most important aspects of its culture are greatly influenced by its geographical location.
Cádiz, the oldest populated city in the West, lies between Europe and Africa, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
It was founded by the Phoenicians in the year 1100 BC and became the main trading post of both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Later, the Carthaginians and, after them, the Romans would also settle in Cádiz. The most significant trace the Romans left in Cádiz is "el Barrio del Pópulo" ( the Pópulo’s District) where the ruins of the Roman Theatre are still preserved.
Around the 5th century, the Goths arrived in Cádiz before the long period of Muslim rule beginning in the year 711. This was a period of decadence since these peoples did not keep Cadiz’s close ties to the sea.
Cádiz was rebuilt again and had its walls reconstructed after the Christian Reconquest headed in 1262 by Alfonso X ‘el Sabio’ (the Wise Man). The first cathedral temple was built where the old Arab mosque had been. Today this is where the visitor will find the ‘Iglesia del Sagrario’ (Sagrario Church) and the ‘Parroquia de Santa Cruz’ (Santa Cruz Parish Church).
The period of prosperity of Cádiz began in the 16th century. The city became the main trading post with the Indies. This growth in business had a deep impact on the urban development of Cádiz that went on until the 18th and 19th centuries. The ‘Plaza de San Juan de Dios’ was built on land that had been reclaimed form the sea. The highlights of this plaza are the ‘Ayuntamiento’ (Town Hall) and the ‘Iglesia de San Juan de Dios’ (San Juan de Dios Church). To protect the city a system of walls were constructed which includes the ‘Castillo de Santa Catalina’ (Santa Catalina Castle) built in the 16th century and the ‘Castillo de San Sebastián’ (San Sebastián Castle) which was built in the 18th century.
The building of the new Cathedral, which went on until the middle of the 19th century, began in 1722. In the ‘Museo Histórico’ of the city the visitor will find a spectacular model that shows in detail how Cádiz looked like by the end of the 18th century. In the year 1812, the city of Cádiz, due to its liberalism, served as a refuge for politicians, since the Napoleonic troops had conquered the rest of Spain. As a result, the first Spanish Constitution known by the name of ‘La Pepa’ was drafted in Cádiz in this year.
Cádiz has been built and rebuilt many times and various cultures have influenced the city. Cadiz’s rich history makes it not simply a city of monuments but a monument itself. Walking through its streets and plazas you will discover this cultural richness as you admire its balconies and stone towers.
More about Cadiz (The people)
Its inhabitants are called “Gaditanos”.
It is the capital of the province of Cádiz (same name as the city). It’s situated in the Bay of the same name, on a peninsula surrounded by the sea. Its straight narrow streets are in contrast with the typical areas such as La Viña, Santa María or El Pópulo.
One of a kind...it’s the oldest City of the West, founded in 1.100 B.C. by the Phoenicians it has a special personality; every travel guide describes Cadiz as a unique discovery… a spoilt treasure of the Andalusian landscape. Not greatly affected by tourism it offers the student a huge range of delights: the amazing architecture, the huge range of sport activities, the culture, the friendly locals………. All this adds up to a unforgettable experience. Many people fall in love with its charm and quickly make resolutions to return here soon.
What else does it offer? Fancy a drink?… just down the road is the Land of Sherry wines: Jerez which also has an international airport and provides access to the most important Spanish cities. Want to visit the Canary Islands?….Cadiz port provides you with the opportunity.
And of course you can’t overlook its gastronomy, which offers shellfish accompanied by the best wines…..just so much to enjoy!
Cadiz is known as ‘La Tacita de Plata’ or `The Little Silver Cup´. It has been given this name due to its peculiar shape, its light, and the way in which the sea is reflected on the city. The walled city of Cadiz is surrounded on three sides by the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean and boasts some of the best beaches in all of Spain. Partly due to its particularly beneficial situation and naturally protected harbours, Cadiz is the oldest city in Europe.
The city is situated in the southwestern coast of the Iberian Peninsula in the region of Spain known as Andalusia. It is considered a bridge between Europe and Africa, and, certainly, you find the two cultures intimately entwined in nearly all aspects of the art and culture.
Cadiz is not affected by mass tourism. This means that those who wish to visit will be able to enjoy its many cobblestone streets, wonderfully landscaped squares, numerous ruins, monuments and beaches in perfect leisure without all the trappings of mass tourism. In this relaxed atmosphere, it is easy to integrate into the culture and community of our city. If, on top of that, you also want to learn Spanish and make some new friends, Cadiz is the ideal city for your study abroad.
The old quarter
Still sheltered by its surrounding walls, is known by the people of Cadiz simply as Cadiz. This area preserves the charm of all the ancient cultures that have enriched it through the centuries.
The new area
known as ‘Puerta Tierra’, has been built outside the city walls on land reclaimed from the sea. It is characterised by its avenues and tall buildings.
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