Oratorio de la Santa Cueva

Stumbled on this because Bellas Artes museum was closed for repairs - 21 May 2025. Fascinating story behind its origin; even for a non-historian. Very beautiful and well presented multilingual signs/descriptions.

Came to visit here but initially visited Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario, almost next door, by mistake. (The latter is, nevertheless, well worth visiting.) The Oratorio is something else. A small chapel in a cave, a first floor museum, and a stunning chapel on the second floor. The latter houses beautiful pieces by Goya and Velazquez, plus the stunning altar itself. Despite its small space, this is more special than the cathedral. Well worth the €5 entrance fee.

Wow. We almost missed this place because it’s so discreet compared to bombast of the cathedrals. It would have been such a shame because when you get to see the sheer splendour and humility of this great church you can see exactly why this should move to your number 1 place to visit. Artwork by Goya is just one of the many reasons to spend the €5 entry fee.

Santa cueva or Holy Cabe is a small space dedicated for mediation and it has a small museum. Built in the 18th century it has a small chapel with beautiful marble works. Nice architecture and nice design and good paintings. It has 3 levels. Lower level chapel, middle level museum and upper level chapel.

The Goya art is worth a look. The chapel is pretty. The English audio guide is dreadful.

When you walk around town, we came across this place. From the street is not visible, you have to go inside. Wow wonderful place. Don't missed it when you in Cadiz. Big thanks from B+B at Sunbury Cove Winery CA

Such a mysterious place and an insight into Women’s History which is often lost and a place people used to survive the Civil War. 3 euros with a short video introduction and notes in English, French and Spanish to understand more. Women lived and self organised their lives here and more recently it was a place of training for vulnerable women but there are only clues … it’s enigmatic.

Amazing place, nearly hidden, interesting underground church, but upstairs it’s just beautiful, it’s a church but it also feels like if had stepped in a royal palace.

The Oratorio de la Santa Cueva is an underground church in Cádiz. It was restored by the Veracruz-born priest, Don José Sáenz de Santa María, who also commissioned Haydn's The Seven Last Words of Christ for performance in the cave. A must visit to see the Goya paintings.