5 curiosities of Cádiz

Nestled on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia, Cadiz is a city that oozes history from every corner and has witnessed thousands of years of cultural and architectural evolution. This corner of Spain, bathed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and bathed by the Andalusian sun, is much more than beaches and picturesque landscapes; it is a place full of curiosities and secrets waiting to be discovered.

From Visitanddo.com we tell you several curiosities about Cádiz that you may not have known about. If you don't know Cádiz yet, the best way to discover them is to take a trip to Cádiz.

Discover 5 curiosities of Cádiz

1. Cadiz: The Oldest City in the West

Known for its rich history and coastal charm. One of the most fascinating aspects of the city's Cadiz is known as the oldest city in the West.. Founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC, Cadiz has more than 3,000 years of history. Its strategic location on a small island off the Atlantic coast of Andalusia makes it a reference point for those interested in archaeology and ancient history.

Some interesting facts about the city of Cádiz:

• Millennia of history: Cadiz has a history dating back to the Bronze Age, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its origins are associated with ancient Gades, a Phoenician colony founded in the 12th century BC.
• Phoenician influence: The city was an important Phoenician and later Carthaginian enclave in antiquity, making it a centre of trade in the western Mediterranean region.
• Roman rule: Cadiz was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, and their influence is visible in the Roman Theatre and other archaeological remains.
• Golden Age and exploration: During the period of Spain's Golden Age and the Age of Exploration, Cadiz was a crucial port from which expeditions sailed to America and elsewhere. It is known as the "Tacita de Plata".
• Architecture and culture: The city has a diverse architecture that reflects its historical influences, from ancient buildings to the old town of narrow streets and picturesque squares. Cadiz is famous for its carnival, one of the largest and most popular in Spain.
• Beaches and sea: Cadiz is surrounded by the sea and has beautiful beaches, making it a popular tourist destination, especially in summer.
• Gastronomy: Cádiz cuisine is varied and delicious, with a strong influence of seafood. Seafood and fresh fish are a fundamental part of the local gastronomy.
• Flamenco culture: Cadiz is considered the birthplace of flamenco and has had a significant influence on the development of this musical and artistic genre.

Cadiz is a city with a rich history and culture, and its heritage is reflected in its architecture, its people and its traditions. It is a place that combines past and present in a unique way, making it a fascinating destination to explore and discover its ancient history.

2. The Roman Theatre in the Pópulo neighbourhood

The Roman Theatre of Cadiz is an important archaeological site located in the Barrio del Pópulo, in the city of Cadiz, Spain. This theatre, of Roman origin, is one of the most remarkable historical remains of the city and constitutes a fundamental part of its archaeological heritage.

The Roman Theatre of Cádiz dates back to the 1st century BC and was built during the period of Roman domination of the Iberian Peninsula. Originally, it had a capacity to hold some 20,000 people and served as a venue for entertainment and shows, such as theatrical performances and cultural events.

Over the centuries, the theatre was buried and forgotten. It was not until the second half of the 20th century that archaeological excavations began to reveal its existence. Today, the Roman Theatre of Cádiz is an important tourist and cultural site that allows visitors to explore the Roman history of the city. In addition to the stands and the structure of the theatre itself, other archaeological elements related to the daily life of ancient Roman Gades can be admired.

This archaeological site is a window into Cadiz's past and offers a fascinating insight into the Roman influence in the region. Visitors can walk through the ancient stands, imagine the shows that took place there and appreciate the historical importance of this cultural legacy in the city of Cádiz.

• You may also be interested in the history of the Roman Theatre of Malaga

3. The houses are protected with War Cannons.

Walking through the narrow streets of the old quarter of Cádiz is a unique experience, and one of the most striking curiosities is the presence of old war cannons on the façades of some of the houses. These cannons are a reminder of the strategic importance of Cadiz during times of conflict.especially during the period of the War of Independence. The city's inhabitants used these cannons to defend their homes and the city against possible invasions. Today, these cannons are an integral part of the historical architecture and a testament to the bravery of the local population.

• Don't miss 10 must-sees and things to do in Cádiz in one day

4. James Bond in Cadiz: La Caleta Beach as the setting for James Bond, Agent 007

Do you want to know the enigmatic locations where one of the James Bond films was filmed? Cadizwith its rich history and emblematic landscapes, became the backdrop for the to recreate the magical atmosphere of Havana in one of the most iconic deliveries of the secret agent James Bond, "Die Another Day".the twentieth instalment of the franchise.

This film, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and directed by Lee Tamahori in 2002, saw Pierce Brosnan once again playing James Bond. In this instalment, Bond finds himself in pursuit of the villainous Zao, who plans to unify armies to carry out a daring attack on Japan and defy the United States.

The plot is set in various locations around the world, including the two Koreas, Hong Kong, London, Iceland and, surprisingly, the charming town of Cádiz, in Spain, which represents Havana.

The striking aesthetic resemblance between Cádiz and Havana was the main reason why the producers chose to film in the capital of Cádiz, after the Cuban government did not grant the necessary permits to shoot on the Caribbean island. The Andalusian city was transformed into a very convincing version of the Cuban capital, and many of its iconic locations played a crucial role in the film.

From the port of Malecón to the walls of Campo del Sur, from the fortified promontory of El Morro to the castle of Santa Catalina, numerous structures and monuments that characterise the historic centre of Cádiz were surprisingly adapted to give life to different Cuban locations, settings for the exciting adventures of the secret agent.

The beach of La Caleta, with its special charm, became an idyllic resting place next to the seaside resort of La Palma, which appears in the film as the Hotel Gran Palacio. This is the setting where the seductive Bond girl, played by Halle Berry, is first introduced.

La Caleta and the seaside resort, with its beautiful galleries stretching out to sea, flanked by the castles of San Sebastian and Santa Catalina, played an important role in the film. The castle of San Sebastian was transformed into the Alvarez clinic, where various genetic experiments are carried out on the villain. Its distinctive silhouette over the sea has attracted the attention of several film directors over the years.

In addition, there are some shots of the Campo del Sur, which gracefully replaced the Cuban Malecón, given its striking similarity. The majestic Cathedral of Cádiz looms in the background of one scene, and the Sagrario Tower becomes a fortress in the film's plot.

Whether you're interested in the magic of cinema or looking to enjoy a holiday in this unique destination, it's clear to see that Cadizwith its people and beautiful beaches, is a very special place. The wonderful light reflecting off its endless ocean only adds to its appeal. It is a destination that will certainly make you dream..

5. The Cathedral of Cádiz that Wanted to be Higher than the Giralda

The Cathedral of Cádiz, also known as the Santa Cruz sobre el Mar, is one of the architectural jewels of the city. What makes this cathedral especially interesting is its ambition to be taller than the Giralda in Seville. In the 18th century, the people of Cádiz decided to build a cathedral to rival the famous Giralda in Seville in height. Although it failed to surpass the Giralda, the Cathedral of Cádiz is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture and offers a breathtaking view from its tower.

As you can see, Cadiz is a city full of history and curiosities that make it a unique destination in Spain. Its antiquity, the Roman Theatre, the houses with war cannons, the Caleta Beach and the ambitious Cathedral are just some of the reasons why you should visit Cadiz. Cadiz is a place full of charm and mystery that is well worth exploring. If you are looking for a combination of history, culture and natural beauty, Cádiz is the perfect place to visit.