Cádiz for a weekend - the all inclusive travel guide

A bit of context

Founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BCE, Cádiz is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The Phoenician settlers, known for their maritime prowess, established Gadir (as it was originally named) as a strategic trading post, leveraging its position along the Atlantic trade routes. This early settlement laid the groundwork for Cádiz’s enduring role as a crucial port city throughout antiquity.

The city's strategic importance was further amplified under Roman rule, which began in 206 BCE following the defeat of Carthage in the Second Punic War. Cádiz, then known as Gades, became an important Roman port and commercial hub, with its well-preserved ruins attesting to its historical prominence. The Romans built substantial infrastructure, including temples, theaters, and an impressive aqueduct, many remnants of which still contribute to the city’s historical allure today.

During the Middle Ages, Cádiz's significance continued, particularly as a center of trade between Europe and the New World. By the late 15th century, the city's role as a major Spanish port became paramount with the establishment of the Casa de Contratación (House of Trade) in 1503, which regulated Spanish trade with the Americas. This period saw Cádiz emerge as a vital link in the transatlantic trade network, with its port bustling with activity from ships laden with goods from the New World.

The 18th century was a transformative era for Cádiz, marked by its pivotal role during the Peninsular War. As Napoleon's forces invaded Spain, Cádiz became a bastion of resistance and the site of significant political activity. The city hosted the Spanish Cortes (parliament) which, in 1812, produced the Cadiz Constitution, also known as La Pepa. This constitution was a landmark document, heralding a new era of liberal reforms and representing one of the first expressions of constitutional democracy in Europe.