Cádiz - Day Two

Cádiz is comprised of four main Barrios or Quarters with distinctive antecedents.  The Barrio del Pópulo, the home of the Cathedral  and the more prosperpus medieval area, the Barrio de Santa Maria, which is the old Roma quarter and the fount of local flamenco,  the Barrio de la Viña, a former vinyard that is now famous for its seafood restaurants and where I went last night, and the Barrio del Mentidero close to the Cádiz Bay. I started at the Plaza San Juan de Dios where the neoclassical Ayuntamiento or Town Hall is located. It was built at the start of the 19th century. Next door is the Church of San Juan de Dios, a lovely 17th century baroque basilica. From here I walked through the Arco del Populo, an 11th century Islamic Gate that was originally a sea gate to this medieval quarter. Back on the Promenade near the Cathedral  I came across the well preserved ruins of a Roman Amphitheater dating back to 70 BC to the time of Julius Caesar. Nearby was the Main Post Office or Correos, which has a beautiful rectangular stained glass ceiling bearing the Royal Crest. Adjacent to it was the 19th century Mercado Central or Central Market with its wonderful neoclassical porticoed square. I then passed the stately Casa de Ibericoamérica, a cultural centre for artistic exhibitions from Latin America and which was formerly a 19th century prison. My last stop was the Torre Tavira, an 18th century tower standing 45 metres above sea level and which was formerly the official watchtower for the port. From its summit one gets incredible panoramic views of the city. Tomorrow I take the train to Seville.