Cádiz is situated on the narrow stretch of coastline, turned to the north and known as Costa de la Luz or the Coast of Light. Phoenicians, ancient Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and Moors all have tried to gain control over this strategic, surrounded by sea, place during the centuries. Even today it evokes a feeling of as you are at the end of the world, strengthened by the constant wind from the Atlantic Ocean.

The Phoenicians founded the first city on the site of contemporary Cádiz, around three thousand and a hundred years ago, making it one of the most ancient cities in Europe. Its golden age started in 18th century when the port of Seville on the River Guadalquivir silted up and Cadiz became the major Spanish trading port for the ships from the New World. In 1812 with the acceptance of the Democratic constitution the city was for a while the capital of Spain.

Inwards from the peripheral modernity you will discover the harmonious old part of Cádiz in its central area, characterized by Baroque churches with gilt alter pieces and elegant houses, painted mainly in gentle pastel colours and featuring graceful balconies decorative elements made of wrought iron.

Cádiz is not rich in great sights, but it is a pleasant place for a relaxing stay, thanks to its very well preserved traditions. The craftsmen here create gracefully carved wooden furniture and gilt Baroque frames, the cafes have lines of olive oil bottles to sprinkle over your breakfast sandwich and the narrow streets in the old quarter create the atmosphere of the Arabic town-planning. Even the silhouettes of the huge transatlantic liners anchored in the harbour are part of the romance. In the summer moths the wind is not so strong and you can fully enjoy the beaches of fine white sand on the western coast of the peninsula.

You should definitely see the Museo de Cádiz, which offers an impressive collection of archaeological and artistic valuables. In the hall number 2 there are two marble Phoenician sarcophagi from the 5th century BC. These splendid stone tombs representing some influence from Egypt were discovered during archaeological excavations a century ago. The other exponents in the hall include fine ceramic busts of gods and goddesses, amphorae and Etruscan artefacts. In the next hall, brightly illuminated by sun light, you will see exquisite Roman sculpture, including the imposing statue of Emperor Trajan, who ruled in Rome from 98 to 112 AD. In hall number 7 look for the strange bronze torso in a military uniform. The collection of paintings in the upper storeys also feature some valuable art works. Above all these are the series of portraits by Francisco Zurbarán depicting monks, each one with its own character. Some of the most world famous artists, such as Bartolomé Murillo, Rubens and Joan Miró, are presented in the other halls of this grandiose building from 19th century.