Guide to Caceres – Extremadura, Spain

The province of Caceres is situated in the northern part of Extremadura and one of the most extensive in Spain.

It borders on the North with Salamanca and Avila in the region of Castilla y Leon and the South of the province borders Badajoz. The East borders the lands of Toledo and Ciudad Real in Castilla La Mancha. To the West Alentejo and Central Region of Portugal.

The capital city of the province, Caceres is a perfect example of evolution where 2 two very distinctive time periods can be witnessed: The Arabic era (with its Arabic fortress) and the Christian era (with its feudal city). The city still maintains its roots and history thanks to its people and carriers and protectors of its traditions who have been able to preserve one of the best examples of the medieval and renaissance eras of the world. Its palatial and ancestral homes, which were once inhabited by Lords and public institutions with their coats of arms, towers and machicolations, demonstrate the defensive character and past of the city.

Although the modern part of Caceres is noted for its cleanliness, organisation and lovely park, it is the old area with its historic sights that draws the visitors with its many palaces, churches and residential buildings perfectly preserved with numerous works of art exhibited in the museums, church buildings, exhibition rooms and archaeological sites.

The curtain walls of Caceres goes some way to preserving some of the most fantastic Roman architecture in history. Twelve of the thirty towers protecting the enclosure still stand; La Estrella Arch, the former Puerta Nueva or New Gate all still remain for visitors to wonder and appreciate.

Other buildings and monuments present within the flagstoned streets include: Los Espaderos Tower, El Socorro Arch, La Plata Tower, the Palace of the Golfines de Abajo, the home of the Sanchez Paredes family, the Pereros family and the House of the Monkey which houses the Provincial Museum of Paintings, Sculpture and Religious Art.

Things to see in Caceres

Coria

Visitors should note that June is the time to either vacation or avoid this wonderful town, depending on how brave you are. During the annual festival of San Juan, the towns gates are shut and wild bulls are released day and night to roam the streets. Crowds of spectators line the narrow streets scurrying for their lives into buildings or climbing up walls. This is a truly unique experience and visitors from all over Spain and other countries come to run with the bulls.

Plasencia

Contains a historic quarter that is a consequence of the city’s strategic location along the Silver Route, or Ruta de la Plata. This town was once occupied by the Romans and the Arabs.

Since the 15th century, the noblemen of the region began moving into Plasencia which served to define its current appearance. Palaces, ancestral homes and significant religious buildings make up the unique old quarter.

Guadalupe

A historic village with cobbled streets and traditional homes, filled with valuable monuments and buildings.

One Monastery particularly worth mentioning is the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe (Right). The Virgin was named after the nearby Guadalupe River. Columbus named one of the first Indians he discovered Guadalupe and he insisted that the first Indians converted to Christianity be baptized at the monastery. The Virgin was soon established as an inspirational figure for the entire Hispanic world. Apart from the shrine itself, there is a museum packed with priceless historical and artistic treasures.

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