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Cádiz Old Town

2P Plaza Topete, Cádiz, Andalucía

Description

Cádiz is one of the southernmost cities in Spain and, having been settled by the Phoenicians in the 12th century BC, it is one of Western Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. It has an unusual topography, akin to a peninsula projecting into the Atlantic Ocean. The Old Town ('Casco Antiguo') is situated at its western end and comprises the neighbourhoods of Santa María, La Viña and El Pópulo. The dominating layout and style is the traditional Andalusian white-washed buildings separated by narrow alleys that connect plazas. Highlights include the Tavira Tower, the Cathedral and its square, the Roman Theatre, and the Plazas de San Antonio, San Francisco and Mina.

Access & Transport

The Old Town is 1km northwest of the main train station but links to major cities such as Seville aren't very fast. By road, it is a 32km / 40mins drive from Jerez de la Frontera, and 120km from Seville on the AP-4 then CA-35.

Instructions & Recommendations

Cultural highlights include the Cathedral and the Cadiz Museum. There are also beaches nearby for those keen to make the most of the seaside setting.

Meta review

This is by far the most popular area of Cadiz for travellers, but the city isn't as well advertised as others in Andalusia. Online reviews suggest that the Cathedral, the covered market and the Torre Tavira rank high among visitors. The latter both for its excellent views and for its Camera Obscura - the real draw - but as many commented, one has to ensure that the timing works, especially if you need the presentation to be in English.

Environmental & Social

Urban environment with hardly any green spaces. The flow of tourism is increasingly having a negative impact on the community but nowhere as over-commercialized as Spain's top destinations

Conclusion

Cádiz Old Town is the main touristic draw of the city, more so than any particular monument or activity, in our opinion. There is a sense of history enhanced by a special geographic situation so if you happen to be in southern Andalusia, we recommend making a detour there - an overnight stay might be a good idea.

Key positive

Photogenic and pleasant atmosphere

Central with several attractions

Key negative

None

Suitability

Not all attractions within the neighbourhood are accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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