History of Torre Tavira
Watchtower of the Atlantic, privileged viewpoint, and witness to more than three centuries of history in Cádiz.
Torre Tavira is located in the highest area of the old town, 45 meters above sea level and practically in the city center, giving a 360º view of Cádiz from its lookout. It is part of the Palace of the Marqueses de Recaño, on Calle Marqués del Real Tesoro, at the corner of Calle Sacramento, one of the longest streets in Cádiz’s old town.
The Palace of the Marqueses de Recaño was built in 1730 and has been classified as a Property of Cultural Interest by the Junta de Andalucía since 2005. It is rectangular and follows a structure similar to Cádiz’s palace-houses, with rooms arranged around a central courtyard with galleries.
The Marqués de Recaño, who obtained the title for participating in the Flota de Indias with his own cargo, commissioned the Schiaffino brothers, renowned architects of the time, to build the Palace of Recaño and the chapel of the Oratory of San Felipe Neri, where he and his family were buried. The family played a prominent role in Cádiz during the 18th century, actively participating in the city’s social and political life, as well as in various economic and cultural activities.
The building has had many uses over its more than 300 years. After serving as the Recaño family palace, in 1787 the Free School of Drawing, Arithmetic, and Geometry moved in. In 1812 it became the initial headquarters of the Supreme Court of Spain, later housing the School of Noble Arts of Cádiz until 1838. In 1857, the Normal School of Teaching was inaugurated in this palace. Later, the building was acquired by the Sisters of Charity to house the School of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, which moved outside the city walls in 1963. In 1987, it was used as a dressing room for groups participating in the Official Carnival Groups Contest, relocated to the Andalucía Theater during renovations at the Gran Teatro Falla. In 1989, the Manuel de Falla Conservatory of Music was installed there. Today, it houses the House of Carnival of Cádiz.
Torre Tavira stands out at the top of the palace. Built in 1730, it was used to monitor maritime traffic in the Bay of Cádiz and to warn the population of approaching ships, becoming one of the city’s most emblematic towers. It has a rectangular plan with two floors: the first has four balconies oriented to each cardinal point, and the second, smaller, reaches the lookout, adorned with the red ochre decoration that characterizes the tower.
Maritime traffic observation
Construction of the Palace of the Marqueses de Recaño and Torre Tavira, used to monitor maritime traffic in the Bay of Cádiz.
Free School of Drawing, Arithmetic, and Geometry
The school moved to the building after its period as the Recaño family palace.
Initial headquarters of the Supreme Court of Spain
School of Noble Arts of Cádiz
Normal School of Teaching
School of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Building acquired by the Sisters of Charity; later relocated outside the city walls.
Dressing room for carnival groups
Groups participating in the Official Carnival Groups Contest, during renovations of the Gran Teatro Falla.
The tower is named after its first watchman, retired Frigate Lieutenant Antonio Tavira, who played a crucial role in the city’s security and trade. The position was passed down through generations until 1994, with Giordano García being the last watchman of Torre Tavira.
Since 1994, Torre Tavira has become a top tourist and cultural attraction and an example of public-private collaboration. Visitors can learn about the city’s history and enjoy spectacular views through a pioneering system in Spain: the Camera Obscura. This attraction mimics a camera, with two lenses and a mirror, providing a 360º view of the city through real, moving images accompanied by a guide explaining Cádiz’s history, curiosities, and monuments. It also offers two exhibition rooms and a lookout with spectacular views of Cádiz and its bay.
All of Cádiz 360º!