Archivo Histórico Provincial de Cádiz

The Provincial Historical Archive of Cádiz is housed in the House of Chains, a baroque palace built in 1693 with architectural features designed by the Andreoli brothers workshop. The building holds thousands of documents in its rooms, including notarial protocols and administrative records from various government bodies.

The palace was erected in 1693 and earned its distinctive name through an event involving a religious procession that sought shelter within its walls. This incident gave the building special historical standing in the city.

The building earned its name 'House of Chains' from its connection to a Corpus Christi procession that sought shelter there during rain. Today visitors can see how this past event shaped the building's status within the local community.

The archive is open Monday through Friday and offers free access to its documents for research and consultation. Early morning visits work best when fewer visitors are present and staff can give more attention.

The building holds a vast collection of documents distributed across long shelving rows, revealing the impressive scope of history stored within. This extensive collection makes it a significant repository for regional records spanning centuries.