A medieval Spanish town with preserved 13th-century walls, a castle, and Renaissance palaces. Birthplace of conquistador Francisco Pizarro and known for local sheep cheese.
Trujillo sits in Spain's Extremadura region, where Renaissance palaces line the Plaza Mayor and a 9th-century castle rises above the town. You'll find conquistadors' mansions along the streets, including the home of Francisco Pizarro who conquered Peru. Visit in May to experience Spain's largest cheese festival, or take a short trip to Monfragüe National Park to spot black vultures and Spanish imperial eagles.
Exploring Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is the main square of Trujillo, surrounded by 16th-century buildings. A bronze statue of Francisco Pizarro on horseback marks the center, while stone balconies extend from the surrounding palaces. Two notable buildings here are the Palace of the Dukes of San Carlos and the Palace of the Conquest. In the evening, locals gather at the square's cafes.
Walking Through the Medieval Quarter
From Plaza Mayor, streets wind uphill to the old town. The 9th-century Moorish castle, which appeared in Game of Thrones, sits at the top with its granite walls and towers. Climb the castle towers to see across the Extremaduran plains. Among the quarter's churches, Santa María la Mayor shows architectural elements from the 13th to 16th centuries.
Local Food Specialties
Sheep's cheese and Iberian pork are central to Trujillo's food. Try the local Torta de Trujillo cheese, a World Cheese Awards winner known for its creamy texture that spreads easily on bread. Local restaurants serve caldereta (lamb stew) and migas (fried bread crumbs with garlic and chorizo). You'll find many restaurants serving these dishes around Plaza Mayor.
National Cheese Festival
The first weekend of May brings Spain's largest cheese fair to Plaza Mayor. Over 100,000 people come to sample cheeses from across Spain. Meet local producers selling sheep's and goat's milk cheeses, and taste regional wines. You can join workshops to learn about cheese-making methods and watch cheese-making competitions.
Monfragüe National Park
North of Trujillo, Monfragüe National Park contains oak woods and rocky cliffs where one of Europe's largest colonies of black vultures nests. Spanish imperial eagles also make their home here. Walking paths cross the park's terrain, passing rivers and reservoirs. Stop at the bird watching platforms to observe these large birds in their natural habitat.
