In the city of Cádiz, on a peninsula in the Bay of Cádiz northwest of Gibraltar, southwestern Spain

 "I love the dancing and the music from Latin cultures. I went to a Flamenco show in Spain once, and it completely took my breath away!" -- Torrey DeVitto

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(in southwestern Spain) From the majestic peaks of the Pyrenees to the sun-splashed plazas of Andalusia and the modernist masterpieces of Catalonia, Spain’s rich cultural heritage encompasses its distinct regions -- each preserving its own traditions, flavors, and history.

+ Featured here is the city of Cádiz (the main seaport of Cádiz province in Andalusia) on a peninsula in the Bay of Cádiz northwest of Gibraltar. Founded as Gadir by Phoenicians from Tyre around 100 BCE, it was later ruled by Carthage, Rome (as Gades), and the Visigoths. It was held by the Moors beginning in 711 CE. In 1262 Cádiz was captured by Alfonso X of Castile-León. (The city now has naval and mercantile shipbuilding yards.)

+ Situated on a long, narrow peninsula extending into the Gulf of Cádiz (an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean), Cádiz is hemmed in by the sea, from which it is protected by walls; the city has only one land exit. Notable landmarks include the 13th-century cathedral (originally built by Alfonso X of Castile and rebuilt after 1596) and the Baroque cathedral (begun in 1722 and completed in 1838), where the composer Manuel de Falla is buried -- and which holds a magnificent collection of art treasures. Other landmarks include San Sebastián and Santa Catalina castles, numerous museums, and the famous Torre de Vigía (100 feet [~30 meters]), a signal tower in the center of the city. Cádiz’s lively annual carnival, held the week leading up to Shrove Tuesday, includes processions, costumes, music, dancing, and contests. The celebration is modeled after the renowned carnivals of Venice, which had an active trade with Cádiz in the 16th century.

+ One could write several weighty tomes about Cádiz and still fall short of nailing its essence. Cádiz is generally considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. Now well into its fourth millennium, the ancient center, surrounded almost entirely by water, is a romantic jumble of sinuous streets where Atlantic waves crash against eroded sea walls, cheerful taverns fry up fresh fish, and salty beaches teem with sun-worshippers.

+ Spain's first liberal constitution (La Pepa) was signed here in 1812, while the city's distinctive urban model provided an identikit for fortified Spanish colonial cities in the Americas. Enamoured return visitors talk fondly of Cádiz' seafood, sands, and its intriguing monuments and museums. More importantly, they gush happily about the gaditanos, an upfront, sociable bunch whose crazy Carnaval is an exercise in ironic humor -- and whose upbeat alegrías (flamenco songs) warm their hearts.

+ In the fascinating city of Cadiz one can enjoy fantastically fresh seafood in tavernas next to the ancient seawalls, marvel at the many monuments, or enjoy flamboyant flamenco long into the night.