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The Tavira Tower belongs to the House of the Marquis of Recaño (currently the Conservatory of Music of Cadiz), an 18th-century townhouse. It is located above this public street building, and a wider urban space is created opposite its façade, like a small square. This square enhances the nobility of this building.
It is a watchtower located at the highest point of the old city. It is 45 metres above sea level. Due to its height, it was designated as the official watchtower of the port of Cadiz in 1778. Its name comes precisely from its first watchman, Lieutenant Antonio Tavira.
Today this tower houses the Camera Obscura, one of the city's most emblematic tourist attractions. It also hosts two exhibition rooms and a viewing terrace. From the latter, you can see the entire historic centre of Cadiz.
This Camera Obscura was inaugurated in 1994. It comprises an optical system that reflects real-time images of street life on a white screen. The exhibition rooms display informative panels on how the capital of Cadiz has developed, its general history and specifically the Tower during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Among the objects on display are the original spyglass and the watchman's diary. There are also photographs from the 19th century and the present day, showing how the city of Cadiz has changed.
This Tavira Tower and House-Palace of the Marquises of Recaño is declared a Site of Cultural Interest, since 29 March 2005.
Built: 18th century
Author: Anónimo
Style: Baroque
Category: Civil
Type: Mansion-house
Discover Gibraltar, a charming British enclave in southern Europe.
Departing from Cádiz, enjoy scenic views of oak forests and picturesque white villages along the way.
Once in Gibraltar, you’ll visit the Rock’s Natural Reserve, the Pillars of Hercules viewpoint, St. Michael’s Cave, and get up close to the famous Gibraltar monkeys. You’ll also have free time for lunch and a stroll along lively Main Street before heading back.
A perfect day trip combining history, nature, and something truly different.
Step into Monumental Cádiz with this guided tour.
Explore in detail the city’s iconic Cathedral and its Museum, as well as Cádiz’s most famous watchtower: the Tavira Tower — home to the unique Camera Obscura.
Admission tickets are included. Don’t miss this opportunity!
If you're visiting Cádiz for a short time and want a quick yet complete overview, this is your best option: Panoramic Guided Tour of Cádiz.
With an Official Guide and Heritage Interpreter, you'll travel through 3,000 years of Cádiz's history.
You'll be amazed at how much you can discover in just 90 minutes.
Dive into ancient Gades—Roman Cádiz—with this guided tour. Discover the strategic importance it once held within the Roman Empire.
Explore archaeological remains that still coexist with the modern city: the Roman Theatre, the ancient salt-fish factories, and the area around San Antonio, where a necropolis was uncovered.
An ideal route to travel back in time and discover the Roman imprint that remains alive in Cádiz.
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Discover Gibraltar, a charming British enclave in southern Europe.
Departing from Cádiz, enjoy scenic views of oak forests and picturesque white villages along the way.
Once in Gibraltar, you’ll visit the Rock’s Natural Reserve, the Pillars of Hercules viewpoint, St. Michael’s Cave, and get up close to the famous Gibraltar monkeys. You’ll also have free time for lunch and a stroll along lively Main Street before heading back.
A perfect day trip combining history, nature, and something truly different.
Step into Monumental Cádiz with this guided tour.
Explore in detail the city’s iconic Cathedral and its Museum, as well as Cádiz’s most famous watchtower: the Tavira Tower — home to the unique Camera Obscura.
Admission tickets are included. Don’t miss this opportunity!
If you're visiting Cádiz for a short time and want a quick yet complete overview, this is your best option: Panoramic Guided Tour of Cádiz.
With an Official Guide and Heritage Interpreter, you'll travel through 3,000 years of Cádiz's history.
You'll be amazed at how much you can discover in just 90 minutes.
Dive into ancient Gades—Roman Cádiz—with this guided tour. Discover the strategic importance it once held within the Roman Empire.
Explore archaeological remains that still coexist with the modern city: the Roman Theatre, the ancient salt-fish factories, and the area around San Antonio, where a necropolis was uncovered.
An ideal route to travel back in time and discover the Roman imprint that remains alive in Cádiz.
