If you like art and sculpture and you want to discover some of the masterpieces housed in the museums, we are going to suggest the main places you should not miss when visiting Cadiz. Many consider that true culture is free to enjoy, and here you will find numerous museums with no entrance fees, so that you can immerse yourself in the culture of Cadiz.
The traveller who goes to the ancient city of Cádiz can see first class paintings and sculpture. Among the former, there are three paintings by Francisco de Goya with religious theme, which is not frequent in this painter: the Miracle of the Fish and the Loaves, the Invitation of the Head of the Family and the Last Supper (Oratorio de la Santa Cueva, El Rosario parish). However, the main attraction are the Francisco de Zurbarán paintings (1638-39), painted for the high altar of the Carthusian monastery in Jeres. There is still a series of paintings on canvas and on wood from the original order, of exceptional quality, considered among the best of his production (Cádiz Museum).
Lastly, also in the Cádiz Museum, there is the Holy Family by Rubens (17th c.) a small painting on copper of surprising value. Under sculpture, we have the outstanding carvings by Luisa Roldán: her Ecce Homo (1684) is a work of intense baroque dramatism in the Cathedral museum. The Antropoid Sarcophagi (470 - 400 BC) are unique in the Mediterranean (Archaeological Museum). The masculin sarcophagus appeared in 1887 and a century later, the femenine one of similar characteristics was discovered. Archaeologists relate them to a funerary tradition from Egypt and to the trade of Gades with cities of the eastern Mediterranean.
There are two remarkable altarpieces in the province of Cadiz: the high altar of the church of San Pedro at Arcos de la Frontera, by Hernando de Esturmio (1539) whose long list of works clearly shows the influence of Flemish mannersits of Andalusian art in the mid-16th century. The other is the high altar of the church of San Miguel in Jerez de la Frontera, by Martínez Montañés (1617-1643) corresponding to his best period.
If you want to visit any of the following museums or art galleries, please consider checking the opening time in the link provided as it could change over time.
Gadir, today's Cádiz, is one of the oldest Phoenician settlements not only in Andalusia, but in the whole western world. The site we suggest you visit is made up of different levels corresponding to different periods of occupation. You can see the layout of the ancient streets, where some tools have been found from the daily life of these ancient inhabitants of Cadiz during the 9th century BC. The ancient dwellings, of which up to eight have been preserved, were built mainly of mud and clay.
At this site you will find representations of Cadiz in Phoenician times. It is interesting to know a lot of information that has been found about the private life of some local Phoenicians, such as that of Mattan, who died in a great fire during the 6th century BC.
Remains of Roman constructions have also been found, such as a fish processing factory.
Throughout its history, the Museum of Cádiz has been located in different places, the current one dating back to 1935. The building where it is located is of neoclassical style and dates back to 1838.
Inside the museum there are 3 different sections: archaeology, fine arts and ethnography.
This museum is a place to lose yourself in if you are interested in history and art and we recommend you visit it. We will find fascinating pieces such as Phoenician sarcophagi, Roman remains found not only in Cadiz but throughout the province. The fine arts rooms will treat us to baroque works by artists such as Zurbarán, Rubens and Murillo among others.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 21:00; Sundays and public holidays from 09:00 to 15:00.
Closed on Mondays, except on Mondays on the eve of public holidays, when it is open on public holidays. Open on all public holidays, including local holidays. Closed: 1 and 6 January, 1 May, 24, 25 and 31 December.
Free admission for European citizens, others pay a symbolic €1.50 entrance fee.
Groups must book at least 72 hours in advance by telephone: 856105023 or by email difusion.museocadiz.ccul@juntadeandalucia.es.
Web: https://www.museosdeandalucia.es/web/museodecadiz/inicio
This museum is located in the heart of the symbol of the city of Cádiz, a privileged environment that will give us impressive snapshots for our memories. Inside you will find the Puppet Museum, which exhibits a multitude of puppets from different corners of the world throughout its more than 1,500 metres of surface area.
Inside the museum there is a permanent exhibition called ""Puppets of the World"" with a collection of more than 500 puppets, both national and international.
Museum with the local history of Cadiz which was inaugurated in 1912. With a neoclassical façade and gigantic Ionic columns inside, numerous objects from the 18th and 19th centuries await us. Of particular note is the collection related to the siege of the city by Napoleon's troops between 1810 and 1812, with weapons, medals and flags among many others.
One of the most outstanding pieces is the model of the city of Cadiz made in ivory in 1777, with which we can compare it with the current city of Cadiz and see the few changes it has undergone over the centuries.
An interesting visit to learn a little more about the history of Cadiz.
This museum is based on the old German lithography of Cadiz, which was installed in the middle of the 19th century. Inside there are more than a thousand high quality lithographs that are very well preserved.
We recommend a visit to the 1850 hand press that was made in Paris.
This construction from 1672 served to protect the entrance to the port of Cádiz. Over the centuries it has undergone several repairs, and has served as a barracks, an engineers' barracks and a pigeon loft for the use of carrier pigeons.
Today it serves a cultural purpose and hosts exhibitions, as well as a large palm tree-lined courtyard where concerts, plays and carnival performances are held.
A small painting workshop that offers representative art from Cádiz with works that you can also buy.
This museum of around 1,600 square metres is a perfect example of every bourgeoisie of the early 18th century.
Art gallery where you can find contemporary and traditional works of art. There are events and exhibitions, and the works of art are also for sale if you are interested in acquiring them.
Credit cards accepted
