San Fernando Heritage
Town Hall
Dating from 1774 the town hall boasts an impressive façade, and
is the work of the architect Torcuato Cayón. Inside it houses the
Almirante Lobo Research Library, containing more than 6000 books covering
military topics, medicine, the law and novels, as well as other historical
documents from the 18th century.
San Romualdo Castle
This castle dates from the 16th century and together with the Castles
of Rota and El Puerto de Santa María, it forms part of the line
of medieval fortifications along the Atlantic coastline of Cadiz. It was
declared a Historic Monument in 1931 and is currently under restoration.
Illustrious Mariner’s Pantheon
Pº Capitán Conforto s/n
Begun in 1786 it is located in the military district of San Carlos and
was originally conceived as the Parish church for this new area of the
town. Inaugurated in 1870 it was initially left open to the sky, but in
1948 it was roofed over. Of particular interest, situated in the interior,
lateral aisles of the pantheon, are the tombs of famous mariners, including
Gravina, Alava, Valdes, etc.
San Fernando Royal Naval Institute and Observatory
Cecilio Pujazón s/n
Founded in 1753 by Jorge Juan it is the centre for official Spanish Timekeeping
and one of the most important scientific centres in the world. Among its
different research areas the Timekeeping Section is of particular interest,
containing as it does a battery of timekeeping in accordance with the
Coordinated Universal Time Scale. The Geophysics department which has
functioned continuously since 1879 is also worthy of mention . In addition
the Institute is a seismological station and the most important geomagnetic
observatory in Spain. The Observatory Library comprises more than 25000
books, including three incunabula dating from the 15th century.
Las Cortes Royal Theatre
C/ Las Cortes s/n
This is a building of more historical than architectural interest. It
was inaugurated in 1804 and from September 1810 to February 1811, it was
the seat of the General and Extraordinary Parliament, whose celebrated
members drafted the first Spanish Constitution. It was declared a Historical
Monument in 1935.
Sancti Petri Castle
The island of Sancti Petri lies just a few metres off the coast between
San Fernando and Chiclana. According to legend, it was the site of the
Temple of Hercules Melkart. Occupying the site of an ancient, Phoenician
construction, Sancti Petri Castle was built in the 18th century. Although
now in ruins and accessible only by boat, its impressive location and
outstanding views of the coastal landscape make a visit well worth the
effort.
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