History Of Cadiz, Spain

Cadiz is a Spanish city that is steeped in history.

• It claims to be Europe's oldest city.
• Founded 3000 years ago by the seafaring Phoenician traders in 1100BC.
• The Phoenicians called it “Gadir”, which means “enclosure" or "walled compound".
• Legend has it that the city was founded by Hercules.
  
• Cadiz was raided by Sir Francis Drake in 1587 when he destroyed the shipping fleet of Cadiz.
• The city has been under the control by Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors.
• Columbus set sail from the port of Cadiz for America on his second and fourth voyage.
• Cadiz was at it's height of prosperity in the 15th century.
• The city faced repeated attacks from both the British and French.
  
• It became a fortified town and approximately 160 watch towers were constructed in the 18th century to guard against sea borne invaders.

Cadiz is a beautiful city with stunning buildings and landmarks that help to tell the story of it's rich and varied historical past. A city definately worth a visit.