Cádiz
Uniquely
positioned on the South coast of Andalucia as it juts
out into the Mediterranean this Phoenecian founded city
dates back as far as 1000 BC, when it served as an important
trading post. Thus heralded as the longest continuously
inhabited area in the whole of Europe, Cadiz has a long
and interesting history with many sights and attractions
still available today, plus a few more modern ones. Next
were the Carthinaginians until it became an important
Roman port. It remained a little more low key through
the tenure of the Visigoths and the Moors, but soon rose
to prominence under the Christians in the sixteenth century
as they sought to return the spoils from South America.
It was later attacked by Sir Francis Drake as the powerful
nations competed for the riches of the New World.
The architecture from these periods is still evident along
with an impressive 18th century section of wall known
as the Landward Gate. The links from the many cultures
that have influence the city are evident in the buildings
of the old city centre. The churches and Cathedrals such
as Santa Cuz and San Felipe Neri are well worth a visit,
along with La Santa Cueva housing several Goya frescoes,
and the embodiment of some of the riches from times gone
by in more stately buildings like Casa del Mirante and
Casa de las Cadenas. The compact and picturesque old city
centre with its narrow cobbled streets and elaborate plazas
fully of quaint bars shops and restaurants with something
for all tastes.
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