Casa del Almirante (House of the Admiral), Cadiz

The historic center of the city comes up with another gem, the House of the Admiral, a late 17th-century Baroque palace built by Admiral Diego de Barrios. Constructed atop a former mansion, the house reflects a fusion of traditional Andalusian design and Italian influence. Its monumental façade, framed in alternating red and white marble, crafted in Genoa by the Andreoli workshop and assembled by García Narváez, is a defining element.

The structure’s charm continues with its twin lookout towers, some of the oldest still standing in Cádiz. Inside, the main staircase leads up beneath a rounded dome, while the arches and columns around the courtyard blend local tradition with classic design. In the main hall, a painted ceiling displays the family’s coat of arms, underscoring the building’s aristocratic roots.

Each floor of the residence once served a distinct purpose: the lower level for storage, a mezzanine for offices, the main noble floor for family life, and the upper floor for service quarters. The layout reflects the social hierarchy of the era and the architectural precision typical of Cádiz’s noble homes. The house remained an emblem of local prestige for centuries and was officially declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2005.

In recent years, the House of the Admiral underwent extensive restoration and has been transformed into Cádiz’s first five-star hotel. The renovation preserves the building’s historic identity while offering modern comfort.