CÁDIZ
THE DESTINATION
Cádiz, Spain — Considered the oldest city in Europe, Cádiz was founded in 1100 BC by the Phoenicians. It has been a Spanish city since the 13th century, but Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors ruled Cádiz previously. Columbus sailed from Cádiz on two of his voyages to the Americas. During the 18th century, the city prospered as Spain's primary port for trade with the Americas, and many of the lyrics of flamenco music from Cádiz reflect people's experiences traveling to and from the New World. A few of Cádiz's many cultural highlights include: the Oratorio de la Santa Cueva, which houses some works by Goya; the Museo de Cádiz, which exhibits works by Rubens and Francisco de Zurbarán, as well as archaeological collections of ancient Phoenician, Greek and Roman ruins; and the ornate Baroque Catedral Nueva, which was built during the 18th century. Cádiz, with a population of 160,000, has plenty to offer students. The entire casco antiguo, the old section of the city, is an enchanting area to explore on foot. Unique barrios abound, each with its own character, plaza, tapas bars, and outdoor cafes, from which students can appreciate the pleasant summer weather. Pretty beaches are never more than a ten-minute walk away. The charming and friendly nature of the gaditanos, as the locals are called, is one of the most welcoming aspects of Cádiz and one that make Cádiz an ideal location in Spain for learning Spanish.