| Page Views: 22,018 Last Visit to Cadiz: January, 2004 | Europes Oldest City by Beach_dog - last update: Jan 12, 2004 |
| City view from Torre Tavira. |
The first thing that struck me about Cadiz, was how vulnerable the small city seemed in its location. The oldest part of the city is perched upon a low rocky island and connected to the mainland by a long sandbar, upon some of which the newer areas of the city sit. Cadiz though has survived a very long time, it is thought to be the oldest inhabited city in Europe, dating back to the Phoenicians, who first established a post here in 1,100 BC calling the place Gadir.
As with many towns along the south coast of Spain the Romans came next, and was eventually taken by the Moors who captured it in the 8th century. |
| The Casco Antiguo (Old Town) viewed from the beach |
|  | The city was in decline for a few centuries and was then captured by Alfonso X in 1262. After the Spanish conquest of South America the city passed into its Golden age, the ideal location of its port offered a sheltered position for ships setting sail and returning from the Americas. Merchants moved in, building many of the buildings you see on walks through the older part of the city, money being more abundant financed the construction of the new cathedral. Attacks by both the French and the British during this period led to the construction of many of the cities fortifications and the many towers for watchmen to keep a lookout. |
| Castillo de Santa Catalina |
|  | Today Cadiz is still a busy port and is growing as a popular tourist destination. The nearest airport at Jerez seeing many inexpensive flights from other part of Europe and this combined with the provinces excellent beaches are contributing to this popularity.
I really enjoyed the city, in fact it really exceeded my expectations. Its small and its main points of interest could be explored in a day on foot. This said I was impressed enough to want to revisit, to find out more about its past and features. |
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| In A Nutshell: | "Cadiz far exceeded my expectations, a beautiful city." |
Beach_dog's Cadiz Travel Tips
Beach_dog's Cadiz Travelogues | | | |
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Comments for Beach_dog about Cadiz | | | | |
angiebabe Wed Oct 24, 2007 21:50 UTC I had a quick drive around Cadiz, parked at the Genoves Gardens, walked down to the Tavira Camera obscura&back, &an xlent view from those gardens which are up on top of high cliffs - about 2-3 hrs but well worth it - lovely city and nice to see your tips. | Maurizioago Sat Oct 20, 2007 17:54 UTC Nice page. I'd like to go there as a daytrip from Sevilla. Ciao! | Charri Tue May 23, 2006 22:19 UTC Hello Beach_dog - your tips are fantastic thanks very much we are very excited about our trip to southern Spain in August and your tips have helped to make our planning so much easier. Cheers Charri | Katmosphere Wed Apr 26, 2006 20:13 UTC a shopping forum? This I gotta see... |
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