Cadiz is believed to be the oldest city still standing in Europe. Its history is marked by its strategic military and commercial location on the Atlantic Ocean and at the entrance to a large sheltered bay. The settlement was founded by Phoenicians from Tyre (modern day Lebanon) following the Trojan War in about 1.104 BC.

The city town hall overlooks the Plaza San Juan de Dios and was constructed in two stages, the first in 1799, the latter in 1861.

This hospital has a brilliant El Greco of St Francis in Ecstasy, depicting the grey-cloaked saint experiencing a mystical vision.

A couple of blocks west of the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri is Calle Ancha, the main street of late 18th and early 19th century Cadiz. The cafes and bars here were the unofficial gathering and debating places for members of the 1812 Cortes.

The original simple chapel here was founded by a Philippine community around the year 1671.  Transformation began in the year 1688 at the hands of the master builder, Blas Díaz, and were finished for its inauguration in 1719.

This church is divided into two very distinct parts: the gloomily simplistic oval 18th century chapel with only a crucifixion sculpture; and the contrasting upper floor, elegantly decorated and containing some fine Goya paintings depicting the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, the Guest at the Wedding and the Last Supper. An excellent free guide is given upon entry.