Plaza de España, Cádiz

Plaza de España is one of the most notable squares in Cádiz, the Andalusian port city nicknamed "tacita de plata" (little silver cup). This rectangular, garden-lined square sits in the historic center and works well as a resting point on a walk through the old town.

Where did this square come from?

At the start of the 20th century, the ground where the square now stands was still covered by the sea. An open urban space only appeared here after a section of the city wall was torn down between 1906 and 1910. Before that, a much smaller square known as Plaza del Carbón occupied part of the site. In 1912, to mark the centenary of Spain's 1812 constitution, the area was enlarged into its present form.

What does the central monument commemorate?

The square's centerpiece is the large Monument to the Constitution of 1812, popularly known as "La Pepa." Drafted by the Cortes assembled in Cádiz during the war against Napoleon, it was Spain's first liberal constitution and one of the earliest in Europe. The monument was designed by architect Modesto López Otero and sculptor Aniceto Marinas, and construction wrapped up in 1912, exactly a hundred years after the document was passed.

What figures decorate the monument?

The structure is covered in allegorical sculptures and reliefs. Among the figures are personifications of Spain, War, Peace, Industry and Agriculture, along with Hercules, the mythological patron of Cádiz. The central column stands for the constitution itself, topped with the year it was enacted, while surrounding statues raise a book aloft as a reminder that the document was written by and for the Spanish people. Behind the column, a semicircular colonnade curves outward, giving the space an amphitheater-like feel.

What buildings surround the square?

Besides the monument, the square is framed by architecturally significant buildings. One is the former 18th-century Palacio de Aduanas (Customs Palace), which today houses the provincial council (Diputación Provincial). Nearby stands the equally 18th-century Casa de las Cinco Torres, the House of Five Towers, known for its distinctive facade.

How do you get to Plaza de España?

The square sits inside the old town, so walking is the easiest option — it's typically a short stroll of a few minutes from the train station or the port. It also makes a natural starting or ending point for a longer walking route through historic Cádiz, linking up with the old town's other squares and streets.

When is the best time to visit?

The square is pleasant year-round, but mornings and early evenings — especially outside the peak summer months — help you avoid the heat and enjoy the calm of the place. The surrounding greenery and benches invite a longer pause, and visitors often describe it as an unusually quiet corner of the city.

Frequently asked questions

What is Plaza de España in Cádiz? It's a large public square in Cádiz's historic center, dominated by a monument commemorating the 1812 constitution.

Who designed the monument in the square? The monument was designed by architect Modesto López Otero and sculptor Aniceto Marinas, completed in 1912.

What did the 1812 constitution represent? It was Spain's first liberal constitutional document, drafted by the Cortes meeting in Cádiz during the war against Napoleon.

Are there other landmarks near the square? Yes — the former Customs Palace and the Casa de las Cinco Torres, both 18th-century buildings, stand right next to it.