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The Spanish city with not one, but two overseas twins
From Cuba to Italy, Cádiz has architectural and cultural doppelgängers across the globe
It’s often said that Cádiz, with its winding old town and golden beaches, bears a striking resemblance to Havana. The Cuban capital shares Cádiz’s colonial charm, colourful facades, baroque churches and coastal setting, with both cities shaped by centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange. But now, there’s another contender for Cádiz’s long-lost twin... and this time, it’s a little closer to home. According to Cádiz-born photographer and content creator Daniello Pradotti, the southern Italian town of Gallipoli is “a carbon copy.”Though separated by different seas and languages, the physical likeness between the two coastal towns is, he says, “more than evident.” Like Cádiz, Gallipoli is split in two; there’s a newer district and a historic old quarter, which stands proudly on its own island connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge. “The one in Gallipoli is supposedly the most authentic,” explains Pradotti, “because it’s the one that’s been around for more generations.” And the building material is oddly familiar too: “The historic centre is rich in porous stone, which is the same as our oyster stone.”
Cádiz and Gallipoli also share more than just their looks. Both are proud port cities with a laid-back atmosphere, where life spills out onto the pavements and hospitality is second nature. “They’re cheerful, humble and hospitable,” says Pradotti of the locals in Gallipoli, “just like the people from Cádiz.” Even the beaches mirror each other. Gallipoli’s San Giovanni beach is, he claims, “their version of our La Victoria.”
Of course, Cádiz’s Cuban connection is a well-known tale. The resemblance between the cities’ historic centres, their narrow colonial-style streets and baroque cathedrals - especially the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Cádiz and Havana Cathedral - has often led travellers to do a double take. Their seaside settings, lively promenades and shared histories of defensive fortresses built to fend off naval invasions add even more to their common DNA.
But Gallipoli brings its own flavour to the mix. Known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” it blends clear turquoise waters and lively nightlife with centuries of history. The old town, wrapped in Roman and Byzantine walls, is a treasure trove of churches, including the richly decorated Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the Church of Santa Maria della Purità. Along the coastline, visitors can dip into everything from the laid-back Lido Conchiglie to the vibrant Baia Verde, a beach that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean.
Perhaps Cádiz was never just a twin, but one of three - with Havana and Gallipoli completing the set, scattered across the map like sun-drenched siblings.Image: Googlemaps
