On my trip from Sagres to Sevilla I stopped in Cadiz. The temperature had climbed up to 40°C when I arrived in the afternoon. It was warm but from time to time you could feel a light breeze from the ocean. Cadiz is considered to be one of the oldest cities in
Europe, which was founded in 1100 BC by the Phoenicians as trading post. It
became a naval base for the Romans until it was conquered by the Muslims. Later
on Columbus sailed from Cadiz on his second and fourth voyages. During the 18th century it flourished when 75% of the Spanish trade with America was transacted
in the local port. Nowadays, the region around Cadiz is one of the poorest places in
Spain with the highest unemployment.
The Catholic cathedral was built in the 18th century with money from trade between Spain and America. Therefore, the church
is also known as ‘The Cathedral of The Americas’. The baroque-style cathedral
was built over a period of 116 years, and hence contains rococo and neoclassical
elements.
The townhall from 1799 is one of the most important
buildings in Cadiz. It is located at the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, overlooking
the square. In the 19th century the Plaza San Antonio was considered
to be Cadiz’s main square. Besides a number of neoclassical mansions is the
Iglesia de San Antonio the main sight. Despite spacious squares are most streets
very narrow.
The Bronze statue of two women making cigars, illustrates
that the tobacco factory in Cadiz was once an important business. After closure, the structure
of the old factory was used to construct the new conference centre.
One of the finest attractions in Cadiz are the beaches
of golden sand and calm waters. The perfect spot for dreamy sunsets. One of the
notable sights is the Balneario de Nuestra Señora de la Palma y del Real, a 1920s spa on the shore.
The Caleta beach was considered to be particularly
important for the defence of Cadiz. At the ends of the beach are two military fortress
built on the rocks. The Castillo de Santa Catalina, which was built in 1598, is
a small star-shaped fort that served as prison. One of the buildings arranged
around the parade ground is the Chapel of Santa Catalina, built in 1693.
A little further along the coastline is the largest
park of Cadiz, the Parque Genoves. It offers an exotic garden oasis, a boulevard
with benches, fountains, and shaded grottos. Many of the plants here were originally
brought to Spain as discoveries from the New World.
The monument on the Plaza de España commemorates that in
1812 the Spanish Constitution was established by the Cadiz Cortes, Spain’s
first national assembly. However, this constitution never entered fully into
effect, it was rather a draft as Spain was still ruled by the French or interim
governments resisting the Bonapartes. The plaza was built on land reclaimed
from the sea, right next to the port of Cadiz.
The 1496 Treaty of Tordesillas between Spain and
Portugal divided the New World into two parts. Spain got territories to the west
of an imaginary line and Portugal to the east. Gold, silver and agricultural
products, including cocoa, had to be exported to Spain through the port of Cadiz.
Moreover, the traders had to be Spanish. From Spain chocolate spread to the rest
of Europe. It first spread to Catholic regions, especially among religious
networks. The Jesuits played an important role. They were known as avid chocolate
drinkers and therefore became important cocoa traders. However, the Spanish
monopoly on cocoa trade only lasted until Dutch and English pirates realised
the value of the cocoa bean.
On the next day I already had to leave to Sevilla. I quickly climbed up to the roof terrace and enjoyed for a few minutes the rising sun and comparatively fresh temperatures.
