Cádiz is full of quirky historical details, each one adding to the charm of this ancient city. One feature I’ve come to appreciate while giving tours in Cádiz is the variety of lamp posts scattered throughout the old city. Now, I know what you’re thinking—lamp posts? How dull! But hear me out. If you’re someone who enjoys uncovering random historical gems, you might find these as fascinating as I do!

Depending on where you are in the city, you’ll encounter different styles of lamp posts, each with its own unique story. So far, I’ve discovered five distinct styles that not only light up the city but also tell tales of Cádiz’s rich past.

1. La Farola Fernandina: A Light of Royalty and Irony

The “farola fernandina” is a type of street lamp found in many Spanish cities, named after King Fernando VII, who ruled Spain in the early 19th century. These lamps were first installed in Madrid and later became popular throughout Spain. During the reign of Isabel II, they were also referred to as “isabelinas” after the queen.

What makes these lamp posts in Cádiz particularly interesting is their location around Plaza España, where the Monument to the Constitution of 1812 stands. The irony here is striking: King Fernando VII, after whom the lamps are named, reinstated the absolutist monarchy in 1813 and rejected the liberal Constitution of 1812, just a year after it was signed. Their presence around a monument celebrating Spain’s first constitution likely wouldn’t sit well with those who fought for that historic legislation.

2. The Republican Lamp Post: A Symbol of Spain’s Republican Era

Among the most commonly found decorated lamp posts in Cádiz’s old city are those with a vegetation design at the bottom and a small crown at the top. These lamps are an interesting reminder of the Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939), a democratic government established after the abdication of King Alfonso XIII.

If you look closely, you’ll notice that some of these lamps have a crown shaped like the castle from the Republic’s coat of arms, a symbol of their short-lived democratic government. The Republican lamp posts are a reflection of a turbulent time in Spain’s history, marked by social, political, and economic reforms that ultimately ended with the Spanish Civil War and the rise of Franco’s dictatorship.

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3. Hercules Lamp Posts: Mythical Connections to the City’s Origins

One of my favorite lamp posts to highlight when showing visitors around the city are those featuring the city’s emblem—Hercules flanked by two lions and two pillars. If you’re unfamiliar with the emblem, you might be delighted to learn that it depicts Hercules, the mythical figure who was tasked with completing 12 labors for the gods.

According to legend, during his 10th labor, Hercules was instructed to come to Cádiz to steal the herd of red cattle owned by Geryon, a fearsome creature with three heads and three sets of legs. The cattle were kept on the island of Erythia, which is believed to be one of the islands in Cádiz.

4. ‘Lisboetas’ Lamp Posts: A Touch of Lisbon in Cádiz

Thhe lamp posts lining Calle Ancha in Cádiz are affectionately known as “Lisboetas”, as they replicate the ones found in Lisbon, Portugal. These lamps feature the symbol of Lisbon—a ship with two crows perched on either end.

The reason these Lisboetas lamp posts appear in Cádiz remains somewhat uncertain, but it’s widely believed that a local mayor, inspired by a visit to Lisbon, decided to install identical lamps along the street. The symbol is unique to the capital city of Portugal and represents St. Vincent the Martyr, the patron saint of Lisbon.

5. The Town Hall Lamp Posts: Whimsical Nymphs and 20th Century Charm

The final lamp posts I’m going to mention are located in front of the Cádiz Town Hall. Dating from the mid-20th century, these lamp posts feature whimsical nymph-like characters that decorate the illumination, adding to the Elizabethan style of the town hall’s design. While they may not carry the same historical weight as the others, these lamps add a fun, contemporary touch to the town’s architectural landscape.

Want to learn more quirky stories about Cádiz and explore the city like a local? Join us for an unforgettable walking tour through Cádiz’s hidden gems! Book your tour today and discover more fascinating details that you won’t find in any guidebook! Book your tour today!