"Malaga", Blog English, Country, Spain

Malaga Cathedral

Facing the Bishop’s Square in Malaga, stands the Holy Church Cathedral Basilica of the Incarnation, a temple considered as one of the most valuable Renaissance jewels of Andalusia, Spain. The history of the Cathedral is closely related to the Great Mosque on which it was built, located inside the Arab walled enclosure. Its origin dates back to 1487, the year in which the city of Malaga was re-conquered by the Castilian troops. It was then when the Aljama Mosque was converted into a Christian Cathedral. Continue reading “Malaga Cathedral”

"Alcala de Henares", Blog English, Country, Spain

The “San Bernardo Monastery” in “Alcalá de Henares”

The monumental facade of the Monastery of San Bernardo, was the first thing that caught our attention of this structure. Although it is very simple, of the “curtain” type, the contrast of the reddish tones of the brick, with the white stone that divides the three symbolic spaces of the temple, make it look very beautiful. Observing carefully this façade, we notice that the lower space is the most sober, which is the one used by the faithful; the middle body is dedicated to the archiepiscopal dignity, that is why there are the founder’s shields and a niche with the image of San Bernardo; and the upper one, topped by a triangular pediment, which corresponds to the heavenly area. Continue reading “The “San Bernardo Monastery” in “Alcalá de Henares””

Blog English, Country, France, Paris

Saint Chapelle, Paris

For a long time we had admired photographs of the stained glass windows of “Sainte-Chapelle” or the Holy Chapel of Paris. Not one photo can live up to the wonder encountered upon arriving there. It is a privilege to witness live and in full color so much beauty concentrated in a relatively small space. And, although it is not comparable to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic art, being considered one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture. Continue reading “Saint Chapelle, Paris”

"Seville", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Giralda of Seville

We would say that the Giralda is the most photographed bell tower in Seville. From different points of this beautiful Spanish city, both walking and from the viewpoint of the Setas, you can see the Giralda standing elegantly next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede. And although today, there are buildings that exceed its height, in its day, the Giralda was the tallest tower in the world standing at 97.5 meters high or 320 feet. In 1928 the cathedral, including the Giralda, was declared a National Monument and in 1987 it was added to the list of World Heritage Sites. Continue reading “The Giralda of Seville”

"Madrid", Blog English, Country, Spain

Madrid and the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great

Our interest in visiting the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great in Madrid arose a few years ago when we stumbled upon the Gardens of the dahlias of Saint Frances. It was the beautiful temple that stood out on the other side of the wall that caught our attention. Continue reading “Madrid and the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great”

Blog English, Country, France, Paris

The Luxembourg Palace and its Gardens

One of the must-see places to visit in Paris is the Luxembourg Palace. On a sunny day, and after a long walk, it is the perfect stop to rest in one of the many green metal chairs that are around. So, from reading a good book, eating a light meal or just relaxing while contemplating the many statues and sculptures found in the gardens, it’s worth a stop. Continue reading “The Luxembourg Palace and its Gardens”

"Cadiz", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Caleta Beach of Cadiz

It is the only beach located in the historic center of Cadiz and the smallest of the whole city. Located in the neighborhood of “La Viña”, the Caleta Beach is very popular among the people of Cadiz and among all those who visit it to enjoy the sun and cool off from the summer heat.

The Caleta Beach is a strip of fine golden sand about 450 meters long and at low tide can have a maximum width of 50 meters.

It was a natural harbor that served as a base for commercial operations in this area of the Iberian Peninsula. Each in its time, Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman ships docked next to the channel that separated the archipelago from the islands of Erytheia and Kotinoussa. These islands made up Cadiz at that time. Thus, the current beach became a natural harbor between the two islands, separated by only a few hundred meters. Over the centuries, this channel was closed, forming the current shape of Cadiz. But the Caleta Beach continued to be an anchorage for small and medium-sized ships. And today, small fishing and recreational boats continue to moor there.

After the Anglo-Dutch invasion of Cadiz in 1596, it was decided to fortify the city, surrounding it with walls and building several fortifications in 1676. The beach is still surrounded by these walls, preserving the “Puerta de La Caleta”, which is part of the bastion of “Orejón”, and to its right was the bastion of Saint Paul and later Saint Peter, of which there still remains a sentry box. In 1860 the castle’s defenses were improved and a seawall was built to link it permanently to the city from the gate of “La Caleta”, today’s “Paseo Fernando Quiñones”.

The Caleta Beach is framed by two fortifications, located on their respective jetties or breakwaters formed by large rocks: the castle of “San Sebastian” of 1706, with its powerful metal lighthouse, and the castle of “Santa Catalina”. The latter, built at the end of the 16th century, has a pentagonal floor plan, with star-shaped points jutting out into the sea.

It was at the beginning of the 19th century that the “Balneario del Real” was built, a wooden structure created for the enjoyment of the people of Cádiz. After a century of use, the “Diputación” ordered its demolition due to its poor condition. In 1926 a new masonry one was inaugurated under the name of “Balneario de Nuestra Señora de La Palma y del Real”. It was in 1990 that it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest by the “Junta de Andalucía” and was restored again, and is currently the Center for Underwater Archaeology. It is precisely here where bathers protect themselves from the intense summer sun.

The Caleta Beach of Cádiz, as long as the weather is good, is the ideal place both to contemplate the sunset, to sunbathe, take a walk or share among friends.

 

 


Resources:

  • https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playa_de_La_Caleta_(C%C3%A1diz)
  • https://www.tudestino.es/andalucia/provincia-de-cadiz/cadiz-capital/sugerencia/playas/playa-de-la-caleta/
  • https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/es/espana/cadiz/que-ver/playa-de-la-caleta/