Museo de las Cortes de Cádiz

Museo de las Cortes de Cádiz is one of the most important history museums in Cádiz, dedicated to the 1812 Cádiz Constitution and Spain's war against Napoleon's occupying forces. It sits on Calle Santa Inés, right in the heart of the old town, next to the historic San Felipe Neri church-oratory, the building where Spain's first constitution was actually adopted.

How do you get there?

The museum stands inside Cádiz's compact historic center, so walking is by far the easiest way to reach it — the old town is small, and most of its landmarks are within a short stroll of one another. The San Felipe Neri church makes a useful landmark, since it's well signposted for visitors. Travelers coming from elsewhere in Andalusia usually arrive in Cádiz by train or bus and then continue on foot; driving into the narrow streets of the old quarter is best avoided.

What will you see?

The museum's star exhibit is a monumental scale model of the city of Cádiz, commissioned by King Charles III and built between 1777 and 1779 under military engineer Alfonso Ximénez. The model measures 12.52 by 6.92 meters and is made up of 333 separate pieces divided into four blocks. Its makers combined several materials: Flanders pine covered in carved cedar to represent the sea, acana wood and mahogany for the houses, ebony for windows and balconies, and ivory for the city's most prominent buildings. Originally built for military and strategic purposes, the model today lets visitors see just how little the street plan of 18th-century Cádiz has changed.

Beyond the model, the museum's collection covers the sessions of the Cortes of Cádiz, the assembly that passed Spain's first constitution in 1812, popularly known as "La Pepa." The displays include memorabilia, documents, and objects tied to the figures and events of the period, including the French siege of the city during the Peninsular War. The museum opened in 1912 to mark the centenary of the constitution, underlining its role as a site of national memory for Spaniards.

Seeing the full collection, including a proper look at the city model, typically takes visitors between one and one and a half hours.

When should you visit?

The museum is open Monday through Saturday. Monday hours run 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. Admission is free, making it an easy stop for anyone touring the old town. It's worth checking current opening hours before visiting, since these can change on public holidays.

Given the museum's modest size and the popularity of the city model, the calmest time to visit is in the morning, shortly after opening, before crowds build up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is admission to the museum free? Yes, entry to the Museo de las Cortes de Cádiz is free of charge.

What is the museum's main attraction? The main attraction is the large 18th-century scale model of the city of Cádiz, built from wood, ebony, and ivory for King Charles III.

How much time should you plan for a visit? A full visit, including a proper look at the city model, usually takes between one and one and a half hours.

Is the museum open on Sundays? No, the museum is closed on Sundays. It is open Monday through Saturday, with different hours depending on the day.