Cadiz

About the city

Cadiz is the one of the cities in the province of Andalusia. It is situated in the region that retains much of its historical treasures. Furthermore, it is an architectural wonder and immutable witness of past civilizations. If you love history, it is time for you to start choosing one of the hotels in Cadiz. You will enjoy the tours of medieval treasures and fortresses.

Legend

Cadiz is named after the son of Neptune (Cadiz) and it was built between Hercules’s pillars – the times past and legends are well connected and this could be witnessed more in Cadiz than any other part of Spain. The first tracks are many thousands of years old. Cadiz is the most aged city in Western civilization. Cadiz holds a special place in the folklores and legends of Greece. Some folklores tell about the fateful confrontation between king Geriona and Hercules. That fight took place in Cadiz (also known as Gadeira) and Erytheiai. Hercules took the life of the giant with wings and three-bodies by firing arrows in the area that connected it with other parts of its body. This city of Spain presents the ‘Twelve victims belonging to Hercules’, which actually separates Africa from Europe.

Founding the city

Cadiz is located on a peninsula that goes deep into the gulf and it is almost completely surrounded by water. Cadiz has a long and tumultuous history full of serious and famous moments. The city was founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC. The Phoenicians constructed a temple and a port, where according to legend, they kept Hercules’ ashes. Today Hercules is presented on the emblem of the city, where he is standing flanked by the pillars which mark that the world shall end.

History

The town was originally called Gadir, meaning the fortress. Trade flourished under the Romans, who exported silver, copper, wine, wool and salted fish to Italy. However, in the sixth century the Visigoths suppressed the Romans and in 711, Visigoths withdrew before the Moors. One hundred years later, the Normans attacked it and almost completely destroyed it. In 1260, Castilian Alfonso X (known as the ‘wise’) regained Christian rule over the city. Cadiz began its full development in the 14th century. In the 18th century it experienced the golden age because of its great location. It was a center of commercial activity as it opened towards the sea. The essence of trading was so great that Cadiz held trade monopoly throughout Spain. Today, its rich heritage can be observed in the architectural remains of the city. Cadiz is like a typical colonial city with elongated narrow lanes, sunlit open places and beautiful gardens.

The old town of Cadiz is known for its picturesque charm and many of the buildings are the reflection of overseas activities.

Before the end of the 19th century, Spain lost the last overseas colonies and Cadiz lost its significance within the state. In 1930’s the construction of a free trade port prompted its recovery.