cAceres - extremadura

Where is Caceres?

The province is it one of the most extensive provinces in Spain, It borders on the north with the lands of Salamanca and Avila in the region of Castilla-Leon; the whole south of the province of Caceres borders Badajoz, the east borders the lands of Toledo and Ciudad Real in La Mancha, and the west the Alentejo and Central Region of Portugal.

Things to see in Caceres

The city of Caceres is a perfect example of evolution. Caceres shows very clearly two distinct time periods: The Arabic era (with its Arabic fortress) and the Christian era (with its feudal city). The city of Caceres still maintains its roots and history thanks to its people, the 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 palaces and ancestral homes, once inhabited by lords' families and public institutions, with their coats of arms, their towers and machicolations, demonstrating the defensive character of the city.

The modern part of Caceres is noted for it being clean, well planned out and having a lovely park, however it is the old area with its historic sights that will draw the visitor's attention. There are many palaces, churches and residential buildings which are perfectly preserved and there are numerous works of art exhibited in its museums, church buildings, exhibition rooms, archaeological sites, etc

The curtain walls of Caceres preserve some of the most fantastic Roman sections of 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 appreciate. Other buildings and monuments that mark the flagstone streets and are not to be overlooked are: Los Espaderos Tower, El Socorro Arch, La Plata Tower, the Palace of the Golfines de Abajo, the home of the Sanchez Paredes family and that of the Pereros family, House of the Monkey, which houses the Provincial Museum of Paintings, Sculpture and Religious Art with interesting memorabilia of the city.

Places of interest

Coria - Visitors should note that June is the time to either vacation or avoid this wonderful town, depending on how brave they 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 and climbing up walls. This is a truly unique experience and visitors from all over Spain and other countries come to run with the bull.

Plasencia - Has 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 occupied by Romans and Arabs Since the 15th century, the noblemen of the region began to move to Plasencia, defining its current appearance. Palaces, ancestral homes and significant religious buildings make up a unique old quarter.

Guadalupe - Is 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. The Virgin was named after the nearby Guadaloupe River; Columbus named one of the first Indians he discovered Guadalupe and he insisted that the first Indians to be 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 full of priceless historical and artistic treasures.

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