Cádiz was found over three thousand years ago and it is the
oldest inhabited city in Europe. since then, it has experienced
many changes, with eras of expansion and decline.
Cadiz surprises and appeals to visitor at the first straight, narrow
streets, towering facades with fine wrought ironwork and gardens
of great botanical variety by the sea, which surounds and encompasses
the town making it almost an island.
Passing through the Tierra Gateway of the restored remains of the
city walls and crossing the long strip of land which joins Cádiz
to the continent, we come dace to face with this unique town. As
we walk around the tighly crammed town centre, visiting churches
and museums, we come upon squares, such as San Juan de Dios, Mina,
Constitución, España, Mentidero, each of which has
its own style and monuments and monuments, all so different and
so attractive as are the different quarters of the centre from El
Pópulo to la Viña.
Cádiz was for centuries Spain's main port for ships sailing
to and from america. Later, in 1812, it was the home of Spanish
constitutionalism. The neoclassical Oratory of San Felipe de Neri,
where the historical text was debated, is well worth a visit.
In February the Carnival has its temple, the Gran Teatro Falla,
recently restored and in a curious Neomudéjar style.
At the beginning of spring, the Easter processions through the narrow
streets are a fascinating sight. And for the summer there are small
coves such as La Caleta, and long beaches all around the city.
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