Plaza de Fray Félix, Square in the historic center of Cádiz, Spain
Plaza de Fray Félix is a small, two-level square in the historic center of Cádiz, with an irregular layout that follows the natural contours of the ground. A wide staircase with Tuscan pilasters and a decorated parapet connects the lower level to the upper one, where a small cylindrical chapel topped with a half-dome stands dedicated to Santa Cruz.
The staircase and balustrade of the Plaza de Fray Félix were designed in the second half of the 17th century by the architect Felipe Gálvez. The adjoining Contaduría Eclesiástica building dates to before 1596 and once served as the church's administrative center before becoming a diocesan museum.
The Plaza de Fray Félix sits directly in front of the old cathedral of Cádiz, known as the Catedral Vieja, which now serves as the church of Santa Cruz. The stones paving the square came from the Americas, carried as ballast on trading ships across the Atlantic.
The square is freely accessible at any time and sits close to the center of Cádiz, making it easy to reach on foot during a walk through the old town. The staircase between the two levels can be challenging for visitors with reduced mobility, as there is no direct accessible route on the square itself.
Below the former bishop's palace on the plaza lies an archaeological site called the Casa del Obispo, where ancient walls and remains from earlier settlements can be seen. The building above has been converted into a center called Tierra de Todos, now used by young people and newcomers to the city.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
