Cadiz is a city with an incredible history, where ancient ruins stand side by side with Baroque cathedrals, and the narrow streets of the old city center open directly to the Atlantic Ocean. Cadiz is located in southwestern Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. The city stands on a narrow peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides, and is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus and several bridges. Cadiz claims to be one of the oldest cities in Western Europe: it was founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC and named Gadir. The city later passed to the Romans (then called Gades), then was captured by the Vandals, Visigoths, and Moors. In the 13th century, Cadiz was recaptured by Christians. During the Age of Discovery, the city became Spain's main port for expeditions to the Americas.