
Cáceres
The town of a thousand and one shields
In Cáceres you will walk through one of the most beautiful historic centres in Spain, declared a World Heritage Site. Walking through its narrow cobbled streets you will discover facades, mansions, palaces and squares that seem to transport you to another era.
You will find traces of different peoples and cultures that have passed through this city. For example, within its Arab walls, you'll find the second largest water cistern in the world, a Jewish quarter, remnants of the first Roman settlements and a unique Renaissance architectural ensemble.
Caceres in pictures
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MUST-SEE
The Plaza Mayor square It houses the Town Hall building, the Hermitage of Peace and the Arch of the Star, the main gateway to the historic centre. As well as admiring iconic landmarks while enjoying a drink at any of its cafés, you can also take a memorable photo with the city's name displayed in large letters. The Tower of Bujaco Climb to the top of its 25 metres to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view. It has Arab origins, and from here, you can visit a section of the city wall and the Tower of Los Púlpitos. The Tower of La Hierba is another building from the Muslim era that you can see in the Plaza Mayor. The Plaza de Santa María and the historic centre It is another of the most important squares in the city. Here you will find the Cathedral of Cáceres, whose bell tower is a wonderful 360º viewing point. From here, you can start a journey through the historic centre, full of charming corners and grand palaces, such as the Palace of the Golfines de Abajo. The cistern of the Cáceres Museum The Cáceres Museum occupies two former palaces: Casa de las Veletas and Casa de los Caballos. Under the cloister of the first, as a legacy of the old citadel, is located the best preserved Hispano-Muslim cistern in Spain. It is one of the largest of its time and, today, it continues to collect the rainwater that falls through the patio that covers it. Helga de Alvear Museum of Contemporary Art It displays a selection of works from one of the most important private collections of contemporary art in Europe, with pieces by artists such as Picasso, Paul Klee, Louise Bourgeois and Ai Weiwei, among other international figures. The Old Jewish Quarter This area offers a pleasant walk with its narrow, steep streets, low whitewashed houses and the colourful flowers adorning their homes. Medieval Market of the Three Cultures For a weekend in November, the streets of the historic centre transport you back to the medieval era, commemorating the coexistence of Christian, Jewish and Arab cultures of that time with this festival. In addition to the craft market and food stalls, various shows and activities are organised for all audiences.
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WHERE CAN I EAT?
The gastronomy of Cáceres has recipes handed down by Romans, Arabs and Jews that blended with traditional Spanish cuisine. In the city's restaurants, terraces and tapas bars you will find everything from the most traditional dishes to the most innovative offerings, such as those at the Atrio restaurant, which has been awarded three Michelin stars. Some suggestions to try include Torta del Casar, a rich, creamy cheese; zorongollo, a delicious salad made with peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil; a hearty lamb ; and , a sweet pastry perfect for dessert.
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WHAT IF I WANT TO GO SHOPPING?
In the city centre area, in the streets around Plaza Mayor and Plaza de San Juan, you will find shops selling everything from jewellery to shoes and accessories, as well as shops with artisan crafts and typical local cuisine products. You can also find a wide variety of handicrafts around the Plaza de San Jorge area and at the Provincial Handicraft Centre, located in the Moraga palace-house. You’ll find fashion brands from major national and international labels around the Paseo de Cánovas, as well as on Avenida de España and San Pedro de Alcántara. You can also visit the Ruta de la Plata Shopping Centre, with all kinds of shops, cafes and leisure areas.
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WHERE IS THE CITY LOCATED?
Cáceres is located about two and a half hours by car from Madrid on the A-5 motorway. It also has a direct train connection with Madrid and with the other Extremadura city that has been declared a World Heritage Site: Mérida.