Cadiz - a city of surprises
Alan's 56th Birthday
29/06/19
Our day started at the Puerto Santa Maria ferry terminal for the short ferry ride across the Bay of Cadiz. The journey took about 25 minutes and it gave us the opportunity to see the river and bay of Puerto Sherry.
Alan has wanted to go to Cadiz for some time, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, with archaeological remains dating back to 3100 years. It was founded by the Phoenicians and was occupied by the Moors and Romans. It also witnessed the Battle of Trafalgar being one of the main ports on this part of the Spanish coast. The Bay of Cadiz was also a prominent naval port throughout Spain's history.
We started our walk around Cadiz in the old town area called Oro pro popila (Pray for the people), the streets are narrow and cool and a coffee was required. As you walk around the old town you come to the old gate dating back to the 1500's. It used to be the only entrance into the fortified city.
The walk led us to the sea front and the gardens of Parque Genoves and the Alameda Apodaca, a large avenue laid out with gardens with sections in the romantic style. The dragon tree planted in 1861 is spectacular and has to be propped up it is so old. It is also parakeet heaven with large colonies living in the trees that line the avenue and park.
You can read of Columbus's adventures on the numerous plaques dotted around the gardens, it is reported that this is where he set sail to discover the new world.
As you leave the gardens you come to the old fort and the San Sebastian Castle, the old fort is worth exploring and across the road you will see the newly discovered Roman theatre and walls.
After a quick lunch we walked along the sea front and passed the Paloma Blanca hotel dating back to 1901, this was the original Paloma Blanca from the song Ola Paloma Blanca. It was built to try and revive a struggling economy and drew the rich and famous to its doors as its views are outstanding.
From there we went to see the old Cathedral with the golden dome, parts of it date back to before Christ and unfortunately the whole inside of the cathedral has been covered in netting to stop masonry failing onto worshippers and tourists alike. They are very concerned that they are going to loose the battle in restoring this cathedral before it crumbles.
We then walked towards the market area of the city, very pretty narrow streets that opens up into a large square where a cider and ice cream were consumed.
We then made our way back to the ferry terminal via the long colonnade of water features.
A very good day out, not as exciting as Porto but well worth the visit
