Torre de Levante o del Reloj • Catedral de Cádiz, Historic site in Cádiz, Spain
The Torre de Levante o del Reloj is a bell tower on the left side of Cádiz Cathedral, rising to about 130 feet (40 meters) above the city. A sloped ramp leads visitors to the top, where the view opens over rooftops, the harbor, and the Atlantic.
The tower was built in the 18th century as part of the construction of the New Cathedral of Cádiz, during a period when the city was growing wealthy from trade with the Americas. In the 19th century, a clock made by José Miguel de Zugasti was installed, giving the tower its current name.
The name "Torre del Reloj" comes from the clock added in the 19th century, whose restored mechanics visitors can see up close today. Its bells ring every 15 minutes and can be heard across the old city center.
Entry to the tower is included in the general cathedral ticket, which also covers the crypt, the church, and the Casa de Contaduría museum. It is worth arriving at least half an hour before closing, as the climb takes some time.
The clock mechanism fell out of use for decades before being carefully restored through a joint effort between the cathedral and the University of Cádiz, and it is considered one of the oldest of its kind in Spain. Visitors can see the original parts up close, which is rare for a tower of this type.
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