If you stay in the old city of Cadiz it’s easy to get around on foot. We spent three days here, wandering, looking, eating, and then wandering some more.

Situated on the Atlantic coast of southern Spain, Cadiz is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe.

It might now teem with tourists even in the off-season (it’s November and there were three large cruise ships in the port on our very first day) but once Phoenicians trod here.

Handy parking!

The museum has some fascinating Phoenician artifacts.

Terracotta figurines dating from the Phoenicians

There are Roman ruins too, including an amphitheatre, near the cathedral, which was closed when we visited, and plenty of castles and fortifications to entrance New World visitors such as ourselves.

Castillo de Santa Calatina

Chapel inside the Castillo de Santa Catalina

Castillo de Santa Catalina hosted a vibrant art exhibition, as well as a historical exhibit outlining the effects of a massive military accident at the port in 1947. The cause of the explosion is still a mystery; apparently the results of the inquiry into the disaster haven’t  been made public. The effects, however were devastating to the community, with more than 140 killed and thousands injured, and many buildings destroyed.

In the centre of the old city the cathedral bell tower is worth a visit, the views are spectacular.

Evening view over Cadiz from the cathedral bell tower

I thought it might be deafening up here if they rang the bells.  They did. It was!

Next minute: Clang!

It’s easy to see the influence of the Moors in the architecture around here.

The cathedral in the evening light.

Although it’s almost winter a few people were swimming.

The beach between Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de San Sebastian

But despite the sun it’s way too cold for me and most people were content to find  a spot sheltered from the cool breeze.

The city is famous for its sea food. Trade was brisk at the fish market. I’ve never seen so many varieties of prawns.

Yum!

The food here is delicious. I tried different tapas every day … I really think a food post is in order, before we leave Spain.

In the late afternoons and evenings, after most of the cruise ships have left, the people come out to shop, to eat, or just to promenade through the streets.  As a people the Spanish do seem very sociable. Giles Tremlett, author of The Ghosts of Spain,  which I’m reading at the moment, says they like to do things together, in groups, and out and about on the streets and in the local plazas. It does seem like that to me.

Street near the cathedral

Lunch can be as late as three. Dinner is never before eight. Most of the restaurants and cafes close their kitchens between four and eight, and many don’t open until nine. Our body clocks have adjusted, mostly, although I still find it a struggle to last that long into the evening before eating.

Monday Walk with Jo