Tavira tower

Información

Cádiz is known worldwide for its watchtowers. They are witness to the trade and prosperity which the city experienced in the 18th century. At this time, the Tavira Tower the official watchtower of Cádiz due to the fact that it is situated in the centre of town, and was also the highest point in the town at 45 meters above the sea level.

Don Antonio Tavira was the first watchman of the tower and used his telescope to see the ships full with goods coming from America. Today the Camera Obscura enables us to observe Cádiz and its development in the 21th century.

The Camera Obscura projects an image on a white concave horizontal screen, like on a table, which is situated in the centre of completely darkened, black painted room.

The projected images are coloured and luminescent and they reflect everything that happens at this very moment outside the tower (moving images in real time).

Thanks to the large focal distance of the lenses the result is a magnificent optical effect which means that even objects which are far away seem to be near.

To focus the different distances the screen moves up and down, which allows the screen to focus, just like in a camera. The images in the Camera Obscura can be moved forwards and backwards to visualize the different parts of the landscape. Above one can see the horizon at a certain distance, and below, examine details.

The principal lenses of the optical instrument have a plane astronomic object which is produced with a degree/level/grade from 4” (10,16 cm) to 12” (30,48 cm) of diameter and with focal radiuses which are designed for each building in particular.

There are guided shows of the Cámara Obscura, with a capacity of 18 people per show to guarantee a good view on the screen.

A guide explains the history of the city and its monuments, using the optical instrument which offers a 360° panoramic-view of Cadiz. This truly is a unique tour of the city.

The duration of the show is about 15-20 min. The shows are offered in several languages, every half hour, all day long.

The terrace is the highest point of the tower and from here you can see the whole city and the bay.

Here you can find the optical instrument which works just like a periscope, allowing us to see a projection of the panoramic views of the city.

The first lieutenant, Don Antonio Tavira, ascended these very stairs several times a day. In total there are three different floors where you can have a little rest, before you visit the Camara Obscura and the mirador from which you can enjoy a unique view of Cadiz.

The steps are easy to climb and all of them are decorated with pictures from different artists who were inspired by the “gaditano” watchtowers of the city. As such, the photos and paintings document the urban evolution of Cadiz.

Meeting/ pick-up point: C/ Marques Real Tesoro, Cadiz.
Start/opening time: October - April: 10am – 6pm. May - September: 10am – 8pm.