Travelling from Cáceres to Cádiz
Pedro and I had an early start today, leaving the Alfonso IX hotel at around 6 am, as we had to catch a train to our next destination, Cadiz on the Atlantic coast.
The train would initially takes us to Sevilla, in the Andalucian region of Spain. Pam and I have visited some years ago, and which has had a significant importance in Spanish history, as it here that king Fernando III was able the Muslims rulers of the time to retake Sevilla for the Spanish Christians kingdom. For many years afterwards the Spanish kings made this city as their residence. Sevilla had a significant importance following the take over the Americas by the Spaniards in the late 15th century. It became the center of commerce and control – read taxation- regarding trade with the new territories.
A number of significant buildings can be found in this great city. Amongst the most impressive are: the Real Alcázar – a sumptuous palace, which originally started its life as a fort around the 900s. Many additions followed over the centuries. Each new king or ruler adding a personal touch.
Sevilla’s cathedral and Giralda is not Nelly the largest gothic cathedral in the world but also one of the most ornate. It was built in the 15th and 16th centuries, over a large mosque that used to be on the site. Like most cathedrals of this time, this place used to be a fort. It is said that horses used to go up to the top via the large stairs to the roof, during battle.
The Giralda is where the bell tower is situated, it is in this building where the tomb of Christopher Columbus can be found.
Before arriving in Sevilla, we also pass and briefly make a stop in the city of Mérida. This city is well known in the Iberian peninsula for its Roman history and old ruins to be found here from this era.
We arrive in Cadiz at around 2,40 pm. Cadiz is the oldest known inhabited city in Europe. The Phoenician founded this place in around 1100 BC. It was then known as Gadis. Since that time, and a result of it being situated in a natural port, it has been associated with maritime history. During the time of the journeys to the new territories of the Americas it acted as the base for the taxation point. It is the main base for the Spanish navy.
After registering in our hotel, hostal Bahia, which is very centrally located, we start exploring this beautiful Andalucian city.
Cadiz has many old buildings- many dating from the 15th, 16th and 17th Centuries. Over the last 30 years the city has consciously started a program to support the rehabilitation of many of these old buildings- transforming theme once again in residential constructions. These buildings have contributed greatly to enhance the experience that people like us, see and feel as tourists. At times it is easy to imagine that we are living in the 16th or 17th centuries, traversing its heart, by crisscrossing its many alleys and lanes.
We visit the cathedral, and I take the opportunity to cling the tower. The views from the top are fabulous. The whole peninsula with all its beauty and splendour can be seen from this height. The inside of this baroque as well as neoclassical architecture is impressive. I should also mention its cript, with an amazing acoustic, as well as a significant display of religious paintings and statues.
We also visited the Castle and fort of Santa Catalina. This castle dates from the 1500s and was initially built to defend this town from foreign forces. It is well kept and today it is mainly used as a space for artists and for exhibitions, apart as a vehicle to show the military history of this city.
We also visited the playa de la Caleta – Caleta beach, situated in a beautiful cove protected by of one side the castle of Santa Catalina and the Castle of San Sebastián on the other. I took an opportunity to experience the Atlantic sea water, by dipping my legs into this sea this afternoon. The water was unusually warm.
After strolling a bit more through Cadiz many city narrow alleys, it was time for dinner. As we had not had a big lunch today, we thought that have a menu del dia, – daily menu- was the order of the day. It is interesting to note that the menu of the day – where you pay a set price for a 3 course meal including coffee – according to Pedro was something that the national government required all restaurants to provide on a daily basis, many years ago, so that the workers could get a decent meal once a day at a reasonable price. Well over the years the restaurants were able to dilute this requirement so that at dinner time this does not generally apply. So tonight no set menu for us. Dinner was not great tonight and neither was its cost. Meaning we paid too much for something we didn’t really enjoy. Nevertheless, all was not lost, whilst the food was not great, there was another more important event going on during our dinner time. The world fútbol cup is going on at present Russia. Tonight one of its more important matches was in progress. Spain was playing against Portugal. Great teams and historically rivals for many centuries in the fútbol field. The match was a great much, with a lot of emotion as well as angst for the locals. It is enough to say that Ronaldo plays for the other team, Portugal.
I thought that the Uruguayan fútbol commentators were one eyed, well not compared to the Spanish ones. Great night nevertheless, in spite of the meal.
Looking forward to continuing to explore this fascinating city, tomorrow.
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