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Cadiz City - Five Fascinating Facts

Cadiz´s name and reputation is linked with its maritime adventures © Michelle Chaplow
Cadiz´s name and reputation is linked with its maritime adventures © Michelle Chaplow

Cadiz City - Five Fascinating Facts

By Fiona Flores Watson

Cadiz´s name and reputation have forever been linked with its maritime adventures. It was from this ancient port city, dramatically situated on a spit of land surrounded on three sides by the sea, that two of Columbus´ four voyages set out for the New World. During the Franco era it was known as a hotbed of dissent, with its legendary carnival continuing despite the dictator´s ban on such decadent events. To this day Cadiz remains famously left-of-centre. For the visitor, this often-overlooked city is divided into two parts: the old walled city, a charming, characterful jumble of slightly decaying mansions, parks and beaches; and the newer part, which links the old city with the mainland, which has modern high-rise apartments and hotels.

Take a Bond Movie Sunset stroll to the Castle of San Sebastián — pure Cádiz magic Take a Bond Movie Sunset stroll to the Castle of San Sebastián — pure Cádiz magic
Cadiz - Fascinating Fact 1 - Cuban Bond

Few people who saw the James Bond movie, Die Another Day, could forget the scene where Halle Berry strolls slinkily out of the sea watched by an appreciative 007. That beach was La Caleta, the… More →

The historic city walls of Cadiz © Michelle Chaplow The historic city walls of Cadiz © Michelle Chaplow
Cadiz City - Fascinating Fact 2 - Name that City

The oldest continuously-inhabited city in the Iberian Peninsula, and possibly all of southwestern Europe - it was founded in 1104 BC - Cadiz´s fascinating history and varied fortunes can be… More →

Cadiz was a favourite victim of attack by many of England´s most famed pirates © Michelle Chaplow Cadiz was a favourite victim of attack by many of England´s most famed pirates
Cadiz City - Fascinating Fact 3 - Pirates Ahoy

Cadiz was a favourite victim of attack by many of England´s most famed marine adventurers - Sir Francis Drake made his mark in 1587, capturing and destroying so many ships that he delayed the… More →

It´s one non-stop party during the Carnival of Cadiz © Michelle Chaplow It´s one non-stop party during the Carnival of Cadiz © Michelle Chaplow
Cadiz City - Fascinating Fact 4 - Party On

If you´ve ever been in a Andalucian bus or train station on a mid-February weekend and seen groups of adult-sized chickens and babies walking around, they were probably people in fancy dress on… More →

In Cadiz Cathedral crypt lies the tomb of composer Manuel de Falla, (1876-1946) © Michelle Chaplow In Cadiz Cathedral crypt lies the tomb of composer Manuel de Falla, (1876-1946)
Cadiz City - Fascinating Fact 5 - Famous faces

A ubiquitous name around Cadiz which the visitor cannot fail to notice, is that of Manuel de Falla. One of Spain´s most famous composers, and a friend of Lorca, Falla has a theatre named after him… More →

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