Cádiz, a city steeped in history, is renowned for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. Founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC, it has served as a crucial trading post throughout the ages. The city's unique location on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the sea has contributed to its rich maritime history, which includes a period in the 18th century when its port enjoyed a virtual monopoly of trade with the Americas. Today, Cádiz retains its historic charm, with its ancient walls and narrow winding streets offering a glimpse into its storied past.