Uncover the awe-inspiring marvels of Cáceres, Spain’s medieval town center!
The area of Cáceres has been settled since the Stone Age. Founded in 25 BCE by the Romans, Caceres has over two thousand years of history within its walls, which are still standing. Like most of Spain‘s other cities, the Romans, Visigoths, the Moors and then the Christians left their mark on Cáceres. The city’s medieval Old Town is what brought me to Cáceres. I was not disappointed.
The Old Town of Cáceres is a combination of Moorish and Christian medieval buildings. Work vans are the only real sign of modernity on its cobblestone streets. It’s quite surprising how much of old Cáceres still survives.
Cáceres made my list of places to visit once I saw a panorama of the Plaza Mayor on Google Maps. I found the city completely by accident. It happens to be on a major bus route from Salamanca to Seville and I was looking for a stopover. Such a happy accident.
Early morning at the fabulous Plaza Mayor. Actually, it wasn’t that early. The sun doesn’t rise until after 8 am in the winter.
One tower.
Two more towers.
The Torre de Bujaco. It’s from the Islamic period of the city, along with many of the towers in town.
I just realized that this restaurant/brewery is called “The Duck” and there is a duck waiter statue. How did I miss that? I just thought the building looked cute.
The Old Town of Cáceres is just up those stairs.
Already in love with Cáceres.
I think I see the cathedral ahead.
Now that is a fancy door.
The Plaza of Santa Maria and the Cathedral of Cáceres. There is a bit of rising sun glow going on in the back right corner.
Facing the cathedral is the Episcopal Palace of Cáceres. I love that door.
Heading around to the front of the cathedral to this lovely area.
A closer look at that gorgeous early morning glow.
Old medieval street.
San Francisco Javier on the top of the hill.
The Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo in the sun.
The Convento de San Pablo.
The Torre de las Cigueñas. There are so many towers in this town.
The church of San Mateo. This exterior has been modified a bit.
The old city walls are right behind and probably in the buildings on the left.
So cute.
The Reverendas Madres Clarisas, a cute little convent. The palm trees are even decorated for the holidays.
An archway and building built in the old city walls.
There’s a building entrance inside of the arch. So cool.
Only insane people drive down these streets.
The tops of the city walls finally making an appearance.
I spy with my eye a Plaza Mayor.
There is something awesome around every corner in this town.
Back to the cathedral now that it’s open. It was built in the 15th century.
Small but adorable. That retablo (altar) is from the 16th century!
Soooo many tombs in the floor!
The little side chapels also had more tombs.
While the retablo is from the 16th century, the choir seats were carved in the mid-20th century. I would never have guessed that those seats were so new. (Proof I actually sometimes pay attention to the audio guide.)
Tombs or tripping hazards? Who can tell?
Finally, a tower I can climb!
Just an awesome building I found on the edge of Old Town.
My last stop in Cáceres other than a pastry shop was the city museum. It’s a fun little museum with a Hispanic-Arabic cistern in the basement. It was very dark down there.
If you are looking for a blast from medieval past, the old town of Cáceres is the place to go.
Check out my next update where I find Roman ruins, ancient bridges and Portugal?
or
Start at the beginning of my travels around Spain!
