Cadiz – A Spanish seafaring saga

Long before sun-seekers discovered Cadiz, the Phoenicians had already done so founding Gadir over 3,000 years ago. These savvy seafarers chose well: perched on a finger of land, Cadiz (later Roman ‘Gades’) became a strategic and splendid port. The Romans left behind amphorae, mosaics and a Roman theatre large enough to entertain half the city. Today, you can wander through its stone tiers and imagine toga-clad locals grumbling about ticket prices!

Centuries later, Gades became the launchpad for Spanish ships brimming with gold and silver from the Americas. Unsurprisingly, it caught the eye of Sir Francis Drake, who in 1587 “singed the beard of the King of Spain” by raiding the port and destroying 30 ships. As beards go, it was quite the trim.

Modern Cadiz remains a treasure trove: less polished than other Andalucian cities, but no less charming with its baroque palaces and towers used by merchants to watch their ships arrive.

The golden-domed cathedral became a beacon for sailors returning from the New World, while the Museum of Cadiz offers Phoenician sarcophagi and Roman relics galore.

With Atlantic breezes, labyrinthine streets and the sizzling smell of frying fish, Cadiz is a city that’s endured pirates, plunder and plagues yet still manages to throw the best carnival in Spain. It’s history with a cheeky wink and a generous splash of sherry!

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Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.