Cádiz, Spain

Cadiz is thought by some to be the oldest city in Europe, founded in 1100 BC by the Phoenicians. The city subsequently became a naval base for the Romans before fading into obscurity until 1262 when it was taken from the Muslims.

The real boom period was with the discovery of America as Columbus sailed from this port on his second and fourth voyages. The city enjoyed a golden age during the 18th century when it enjoyed 75% of Spanish trade with America. From this time it grew into one of the wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities in Spain and most of the city's fine buildings date from this time.