A medieval gem in western Spain with cobbled streets and Gothic architecture. Explore the Plaza Mayor, visit the 12th-century cathedral, and admire iron-grilled buildings.
Cáceres, a city in western Spain's Extremadura region, is known for its medieval old town. As you walk through narrow cobblestone streets, you'll see the Bujaco Tower, the Co-cathedral of Santa María, and the Casa de las Veletas. The Plaza Mayor is the city's central gathering spot, while the Jewish Quarter reflects the city's diverse history. Don't miss trying the local Torta del Casar cheese, a creamy delicacy made from sheep's milk.
Exploring the Old Town
The Old Town of Cáceres became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. It contains medieval and Renaissance buildings within ancient walls that stretch for 1,174 meters. Enter through the Arco de la Estrella, an 18th-century arch wide enough for horse-drawn carriages. Inside, you'll find mansions, palaces, and churches that reflect the city's history from Roman times through the Christian reconquest.
Plaza Mayor and Its Surroundings
Plaza Mayor is at the center of Cáceres and a good place to start your visit. This square with arcades once held bullfights and jousting matches. Now, you'll find cafes and restaurants here. Look for the 16th-century porticoed arcade and important buildings around the square. The Bujaco Tower is 25 meters tall and one of the city's most recognizable structures. You can climb to the top for views of Cáceres' rooftops and the surrounding area. The square also contains the 19th-century City Hall and the Torre de Yerba, a tower from when the Moors ruled the city.
Palaces and Noble Houses
Cáceres has many well-preserved palaces and noble houses. As you walk through the old town, you'll see grand buildings like the Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo, where Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Fernando I once stayed. Visit the Casa de las Veletas, now the Museum of Cáceres, to see the second-largest cistern well in the world and works by Picasso and Miró. The Casa de Toledo-Moctezuma, once home to the daughter of Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II, is another interesting stop.
Religious Buildings
Cáceres has several important religious buildings. The Co-cathedral of Santa María, built in the 15th century, has a tall bell tower you can climb for wide views. The Church of San Francisco Javier, from the 18th century, has a detailed façade and interior. For a unique experience, buy homemade sweets and pastries from the city's convents – those from the Convent of San Pablo are popular.
Local Food
Cáceres' food represents the flavors of Extremadura. Try local dishes like migas (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo and bacon) and torta del Casar, a creamy sheep's milk cheese. Other regional foods include morcilla patatera (potato sausage) and zorongollo (a salad of roasted red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil). Drink wine from the Ribera del Guadiana Designation of Origin or try local craft beers. For a high-end meal, you can book a table at Atrio, the city's Michelin-starred restaurant.
Cultural Events
Cáceres hosts several cultural events throughout the year. In May, the WOMAD Festival brings international music to the historic streets. In November, the Three Cultures Medieval Market transforms the old town to look like it did centuries ago. In July, you can watch performances at the Classical Theatre Festival. If you visit during Easter (March or April), you'll see traditional processions and can learn more about this celebration at the Easter visitors' center.
Planning Your Trip
You can get to Cáceres by train. The railway station handles about 100,000 passengers each year. The bus terminal, across from the train station, connects to other cities. Spring and fall have mild temperatures that make exploring more comfortable. Summer can be hot, with average highs of 34°C (93°F). Remember that many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon, and restaurants usually start serving dinner at 8:00 PM or later.
