For those who want to go beyond being just tourists and truly immerse themselves in the city, here are some lesser-known and less crowded spots in Cádiz that are just as fascinating. Some of these hidden gems are right in the heart of the city, yet you’ll be surprised to find they’re not as packed as other nearby attractions.
Oh, and did you know that you can see works by Goya, El Greco, and Murillo in Cádiz? Keep reading to find out where! 😉
1 – Oratory of ‘La Santa Cueva’
Right in the heart of Cádiz’s shopping district, at Calle Rosario nº10, you’ll find this stunning 18th-century oratory, once belonging to the Congregation of Spiritual Retreat. This group included some of the most influential figures in Cádiz society at the time, one of whom was the Marquis of Valde-Íñigo. He used a large part of his family fortune—earned through trade with Mexico—to build this remarkable oratory.
From the outside, the oratory may seem simple, but step inside, and you’ll discover one of Cádiz’s hidden treasures.
The interior is divided into two chapels. The lower chapel, built underground in 1783 and designed by Torcuato Cayón (one of the architects of Cádiz Cathedral), has a solemn and austere atmosphere. Every Good Friday, it hosts the Sermon of the Seven Last Words, accompanied by a quartet performing Joseph Haydn’s composition, The Seven Last Words of Our Savior on the Cross, which was specially commissioned by the Marquis of Valde-Íñigo.
The upper chapel, on the other hand, is more luminous and richly decorated. Its most striking features are the round paintings, three of which are original works by Francisco de Goya. These masterpieces depict The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, The Parable of the Wedding Guest, and The Last Supper, considered some of Goya’s greatest religious-themed works.
This oratory is one of the finest examples of neoclassical religious architecture in Andalusia and was declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 1982.
If you’re an art or history lover, this is definitely a must-visit spot in Cádiz! 🎨
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Ticket Prices:
- General Admission: €5
- Seniors, people with disabilities (<60%), and young visitors (<25 years): €4
- Groups (15+ people): €3
- Children (<12 years) & people with disabilities (>60%): Free
*** Special Offer with the “Cádiz Sacra” Pass
For just €9, you get access to the Oratory of La Santa Cueva, Oratory of San Felipe Neri, and either the Women’s Hospital (Monday–Friday) or the Chapel of El Pópulo (Saturday).
[Get your pass here!]
2 – Women’s Hospital (Hospital de Mujeres)
Just a short walk from the bustling Central Market and the lively La Viña neighborhood, you’ll find this historic hospital at Calle Hospital de Mujeres nº26. Officially named the Hospital of Our Lady of Carmen, it’s best known simply as the Women’s Hospital, as it was originally built to provide proper care for sick women who previously had no dedicated medical facility.
Beyond its original purpose, this hospital played a crucial role during some of the toughest moments in history. It provided aid during epidemics in the late 19th century, treated wounded soldiers from the Spanish-American War of 1898 (Cuba & the Philippines), and also served as a refuge during the Spanish Civil War.
The hospital ceased operations in 1963, and today, it houses the Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta.
There’s even more to discover inside this fascinating historic building!
Built in 1736, the Women’s Hospital is one of the finest examples of Andalusian Baroque architecture.
The building is designed around two interconnected courtyards. The main courtyard is divided into two sections—one featuring elegant semi-circular arches and the other with pilasters. But the real showstopper here is the imperial staircase.
This grand staircase is truly one of a kind in Spain. It serves as the heart of the building, a central gathering point, and the main access to the different floors. If you’re a fan of architecture, this is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss!
The second courtyard is smaller and simpler in design, but both courtyards are beautifully decorated with a mix of Dutch tiles, brick, and marble. One of the most striking features is the Via Crucis, made with Sevillian tiles, depicting Italian and Flemish engravings from the 18th century.
Inside the building, you’ll also find the Chapel of Our Lady of Carmen, a hall-style church with three naves separated by Doric marble columns. Among the many works of art that adorn this chapel, the most remarkable is “The Vision of Saint Francis with a Companion Seen from Behind”, a masterpiece by El Greco, painted around 1601.
A true hidden gem for history and art lovers!
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
- Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
Ticket Prices:
- General Admission: €5
- Seniors, people with disabilities (<60%), and young visitors (<25 years): €4
- Groups (15+ people): €3
- Children (<12 years) & people with disabilities (>60%): Free
*** Special Offer with the “Cádiz Sacra” Pass
For just €9, you get access to the Oratory of La Santa Cueva, Oratory of San Felipe Neri, and either the Women’s Hospital (Monday–Friday) or the Chapel of El Pópulo (Saturday).
[Get your pass here!]
3 – Oratory of San Felipe Neri
And because good things come in threes—and I promised you’d find works by Goya, El Greco, and Murillo in Cádiz—here’s where you can admire Murillo’s stunning painting of the Immaculate Conception.
The Oratory of San Felipe Neri is a well-known historical landmark, often featured in city tours due to its immense historical significance. However, despite its famous façade, not as many visitors step inside—making it a true hidden gem for those eager to explore Cádiz in depth.
This oratory is forever linked to the Spanish Constitution of 1812, as its interior served as a makeshift parliamentary chamber during the Napoleonic invasion of Spain. It was here that representatives from Spain, the Americas, and the Philippines gathered daily to debate and lay the foundation for Spain’s first constitution.
From the outside, the building stands out with its commemorative plaques, honoring this historic event and paying tribute to liberal politicians who defended the constitution. These plaques were placed during the centennial celebrations of “La Pepa”, as the 1812 Constitution is affectionately known.
And trust me, what’s inside is just as fascinating!
San Felipe Neri Oratory main façade
What many people don’t know is that, despite its deep connection to Spanish politics, this building was never meant to be a political space. In fact, it was originally built as a religious oratory—a function it still serves today.
The Oratory of San Felipe Neri is a Baroque-style structure with an elliptical floor plan, designed by Blas Díaz and built between 1685 and 1719.
Like much of Cádiz, this oratory bore the impact of the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, which devastated parts of the building. The dome, in particular, suffered severe damage and had to be completely rebuilt in 1764.
Inside, the elliptical layout houses seven beautifully decorated chapels. Among them, the Chapel of the Tabernacle stands out—a masterpiece by Genoese brothers Bernardo and Francesco Maria Schiaffino. This chapel is considered one of the finest examples of the Cádiz-Genoese art school, a unique fusion of Spanish and Italian artistic influences.
A true blend of history, politics, and religious artistry, this oratory is definitely worth a visit!
Another highlight of the Oratory of San Felipe Neri is its Rococo-style main altarpiece, which houses a painting of the Immaculate Conception by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. This masterpiece is considered one of the artist’s finest works.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Latin Mass at 12:00 PM
- Public Holidays: Closed
Ticket Prices:
- General Admission: €5
- Seniors, people with disabilities (<60%), and young visitors (<25 years): €4
- Groups (15+ people): €3
- Children (<12 years) & people with disabilities (>60%): Free
*** Special Offer with the “Cádiz Sacra” Pass
For just €9, you get access to the Oratory of La Santa Cueva, Women’s Hospital, and either the Oratory of San Felipe Neri or the Chapel of El Pópulo (Saturday).
[Get your pass here!]
4- Defensive walls of Cádiz – Puerta de Tierra walls –
This impressive structure, despite its massive size, remains one of Cádiz’s lesser-known landmarks. After being closed for several years, it has finally reopened to the public.
The Puerta de Tierra is a remnant of the old city walls, originally built to fortify and protect the entrance to Cádiz. It was constructed in the 18th century by Torcuato Cayón, one of the city’s most important architects. Its marble façade is a work of art in itself and has been designated a Cultural Heritage Site.
Today, these fortifications—often referred to simply as “Las Murallas de Puerta Tierra”—serve as the official dividing line between the historic old town (known locally as Cádiz-Cádiz) and the newer districts outside the walls.
A perfect spot for history lovers and those looking for a unique panoramic view of the city!
Now that we can finally visit and stroll through its interior, we can enjoy the stunning views from the tower and the highest points of the walls. Inside, you’ll also find images from the Municipal Archive of Cádiz, showcasing how the monument has evolved over its three centuries of history. At the end of the tour, there’s an immersive experience on the upper floor of the tower and the ground floor, which is accessible to people with reduced mobility. It’s a 10-minute audiovisual presentation that takes you through the city’s history and its defensive system.
Cannonball storage inside the city walls.
Opening Hours:
- From January 5 to May 31 and from October 1 to December 22
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Price: Free Entry
5 – Puppet Museum
If you’re already at the Puerta de Tierra walls, I highly recommend checking out this unique and fascinating museum, located right next to the walls.
This Puppet Museum in Cádiz is a special and one-of-a-kind space dedicated to showcasing, documenting, and preserving the history of puppetry. It highlights the work of puppeteers, artisans, and creators from Spain and around the world. It’s definitely a quirky gem worth exploring!
Inside, you’ll find the permanent exhibition titled “Puppets of the World”, featuring a collection of over 500 pieces. It’s a fascinating journey through the history and diversity of puppetry from all around the globe!
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:
Free Entry
*** Accessible entry through the Santa Elena Vaults
I hope this post helps you get to know a bit more about the rich history of Cádiz! If you’ve already visited any of these places, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Which one is your favorite?