CADIZ CATHEDRAL

In our opinion, the Cathedral of Cadiz is most impressive when viewed along the seaside. Walking along the Paseo del Campo del Sur is one of out favorite things to do in Cadiz. Here you can take in the ocean views while the waves crash against the breakwater and watch how the sun’s rays dance on the cathedral’s golden dome.

The Plaza de la Catedral is also another great place to admire the exterior of the cathedral with its neoclassical facade. And what better way to do it than relaxing and having a drink at one of the terraces of the many bars and restaurants in the square.

Inside the cathedral, the standout piece is the neoclassical high altar dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. The choir with its ornate wooden choir stalls is another highlight. It’s accompanied by two imposing organs. One of them dates back to the 16^th century and is from the old cathedral.

However, the crypt is probably the most emblematic space of the cathedral of Cadiz. Designed by Vicente Acero and completed in 1732, it is the oldest part of the cathedral. The crypt is located under the main altar and is characterized by its almost flat vault.

The echo that the vault produces is incredible. Buried in the crypt are bishops and famous people from Cadiz such as the composer Manuel de Falla and the writer José María Pemán.

The visit of the Cathedral of Cadiz also includes the Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower), which is one of the twin towers of the cathedral. Standing 74 meters high, the tower offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. It’s named after the clock that was added in the mid-19^th century. The clock has been recently restored and is one of the oldest clocks in Spain.

LA CATEDRAL VIEJA (THE OLD CATHEDRAL)

Cadiz actually has two cathedrals that are located just a few minutes walk from one another. The Catedral Vieja (old cathedral), whose official name is Parroquia de Santa Cruz, was built by King Alfonso X in 1262. It is believed that is was erected directly on top of a mosque from the time when the Moors ruled the Spanish peninsula.

Since Cadiz was an important sea port, it was under constant attack by pirates and other marauders. In 1596, the city was invaded by British and Dutch troops who burned the cathedral to the ground.

The church that we see today was rebuilt after the fire and consecrated as a cathedral in 1602. The famous military engineer Cristóbal de Rojas was responsible for rebuilding the church and the fortifications of Cadiz.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE CATEDRAL NUEVA (NEW CATHEDRAL)

With the transfer in 1717 of the Casa de la Contratación from Seville to Cadiz, the 18^th century would become the Golden Age of Cadiz. The Casa de la Contratación gave Cadiz total control of commercial activity with the New World. Cadiz became the only port that was allowed to trade with the Indies, which generated an enormous economic impact on the city.

At this time, the Catedral Vieja was in a poor state and the city wanted to build a new cathedral that showed off its new found glory as an economic super hub. The new cathedral was meant to be a focal point for the ships arriving from the Americas and in turn was also to be financed by them.

A cuartillo – one quarter of one percent – of all the goods that arrived to Cadiz was set aside for the new project. Because of the way it was financed, the cathedral has even been nicknamed the “cathedral of the Americas.”

Work on the Catedral de Cádiz began in 1722 under the command of architect Vicente Acero, who had previously worked on the Catedral de Granada. At this point, the cathedral’s style combined Spanish architectural tradition with Italian Baroque.

After Acero's resignation in 1739, he was replaced by Gaspar Cayón, his nephew Torcuato Cayón, Miguel Olivares and Manuel Machuca. With the passing of the years and the different construction managers, the cathedral changed styles – from baroque to rococo and then to neoclassical.

At the end of the 18^th century, Cadiz was affected by the decrease in trade with the Americas. This, together with the revolutionary atmosphere of the time, caused the works of the cathedral to be paralyzed in 1796.

The works of the Catedral de la Santa Cruz were resumed in 1832, directed by the architect Juan Daura. Finally in 1838, after 116 years of construction, the works were completed and the Cathedral of Cadiz was consecrated. However, despite the consecration of the church, much remained unfinished due to a lack of finances.