Iglesia de Santa Cruz (Church of the Holy Cross), Cadiz

The Church of Santa Cruz, also known as the Old Cathedral of Cádiz, stands as one of the city’s most historically significant religious buildings. First constructed in 1262, shortly after Cádiz was reclaimed by Alfonso X, the church originally served as the cathedral of the Diocese of Cádiz y Ceuta until 1838, when the current cathedral was completed. After the original structure was destroyed during the Anglo-Dutch raid of 1596, it was rebuilt by 1602 in a blend of Mannerist and Baroque styles, marking an architectural turning point.

The church’s bell tower, dating to the 15th century, stands apart from the main building and connects to the former Casa de la Contaduría, now housing the cathedral museum. Its exterior vaults and spire are covered in colorful tiles, adding a coastal character typical of Cádiz. Inside, a series of rounded Moorish arches support the nave, while simple white ceilings enhance the calm, open feel of the space.

Still functioning as a parish, the church remains an active part of the city’s religious and community life.

Visitors are often struck by the church’s rich iconography and the subdued beauty of its interior design. As the first cathedral of Cádiz, Santa Cruz offers a quieter, more intimate counterpoint to the grandeur of the new cathedral nearby.