The settlement was founded around 1100 BC by the Phoenicians, making it one of the oldest cities in Western Europe.
Archaeologists discovered the remains of a single, well-preserved Phoenician-era skeleton, dubbed 'Mattan', which is a highlight of the exhibition.
The site features clear stratification, allowing visitors to see Phoenician, Punic, and Roman urban layers in a single vertical view.
The preservation was made possible because the site was protected by the foundation of the modern puppet theatre above it.
The city was strategically established on a small island, Erytheia, which has since been integrated into the modern Cádiz peninsula.
Yacimiento Arqueológico Gadir preserves the remains of the oldest Phoenician settlement in the Western Mediterranean, dating back to the 9th century BC. Visitors walk on glass walkways suspended over the excavated ruins of an ancient city grid. The site reveals two distinct levels: the original Phoenician settlement and a superimposed Roman factory dedicated to fish salting. Excavations unearthed remains of urban structures, including residential dwellings and streets. The museum utilizes an immersive audiovisual presentation to explain the layers of civilization found at the site. It is located in the basement of the Puppet Theatre Museum building in Cádiz. The ruins provide evidence of the city's continuous habitation across three millennia.
The elevated walkway providing a full panoramic view of the excavated city grid.
Book your entry online in advance, as the small site has strictly limited capacity and fills up quickly.
The temperature inside the archaeological site is cooler than the outdoor summer heat, so bring a light layer.
Photography is permitted, but using a flash is prohibited to protect the delicate excavation site.
Do not attempt to walk into the site without a reservation, as walk-ins are rarely accepted due to small group sizes.
Closed on Mondays; requires advance booking for all visitors.
Maintain a quiet volume as the site's layout creates an echo effect.
