Calceres

We stayed here on my cycle trip in 2006

Cáceres is a city in western Spain's Extremadura region. Founded by the ancient Romans, it retains widespread evidence of subsequent occupation by many different cultures. Its old town, Ciudad Monumental, has a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with cobbled medieval streets, fortified houses and palaces. Encircled by 12th-century Moorish walls, it also has around 30 towers, some occupied by nesting storks.

The city's history of battles between Moors and Christians is reflected in its architecture, which is a blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles. Of the 30 or so towers from the Muslim period, the Torre del Bujaco is the most famous.

Cáceres has four main areas to be explored: the historical quarter, the Jewish quarter, the modern centre, and the outskirts. The "Monumental City of Cáceres" was declared World Heritage by Unesco in 1986.

You can get a lot of good photos by just wandering around the streets of the old town. Going to the city walls at sunset to catch the light on the tops of the buildings. Also, leaving the old part of town and crossing the small stream outside of the walls gives you a great view of the entire old town plus its walls. It is a short walk and can easily be done on foot.

What to see

• The Palacio de Golfines de Abajo is a palatial home of one of the foremost families in the city of Cáceres and was built immediately after the reconquest of the city from the Moors. The family owned the building from the 16th Century until the 21st Century. It was where the Catholic monarchs of Spain stayed when they were in Cáceres. The palace was turned into a museum when the last surviving member of the family died without any heirs. Today it is a museum showing many of the artifacts, artwork, and furnishing which were owned by the family. All visits to the palace are guided tours. General admission is €2.5, with admission for seniors €1.50, and children under 8 free. The palace is closed Mondays.
• Museum de Cáceres Only functioning Islamic water system
• Prior to the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, Cáceres had a vibrant Jewish community. The homes occupied by Jewish residents were abandoned and taken over by Christians. Today the Jewish Quarter is preserved to commemorate the Jews who lived in Cáceres. There is a small museum in the old synagogue and if you look closely, you can see where the mezuzahs were located on many of the front doors of the houses.
• Church of Iglesia de San Francisco Javier While not the cathedral or the most significant church in Cáceres, the church of-of Iglesia de San Francisco Javier is probably the most notable as it overlooks the Plaza de San Jorge. You can enter the church and climb its towers for only €1.00.
• Cathedral of Santa María The signature feature of the Cáceres cathedral is the massive wooden altarpiece. The entire work extends up the back wall of the church and almost reaches the ceiling. There is also an exquisite carving of a Black Christ in a side chapel in the church. Entrance to the cathedral is €1.00 if you are not attending a church service.

Restaurants

Atrio is probably the best restaurant in Cáceres. It is a Michelin two-star restaurant and is associated with the five-star hotel (see below). The incredible part about Atrio is its wine cellar which is one of the best in the world. They have one of the world’s oldest bottles of wine in their cellar which is over 200 years old.

Madruelo bib gourmand

Hotels

The Atrio Hotel is a 5-star hotel and is associated with the Michelin Star Atrio Restaurant. It has modern decor and is centrally located in the old town. It is also the most upscale hotel in the city.

NH Collection Cáceres Palacio de Oquendo This is the most affordable of the hotel options in the old town of Cáceres.

Parador

Spain UNESCO World Heritage