Caceres, Extremadura

Caceres, Extremadura - Overview:

Caceres is located southwest of the Barrio Antiguo which is enclosed by massive ramparts. The heart of the old city lies between Plaza Santa Maria and Plaza San Meteo. Here you can see homes once inhabited by the nobility. Stroll casually along the narrow, cobblestone streets and you'll see the walls that enclose the old upper town - a blend of well preserved Roman and Arabic buildings. It does not take long to explore this delightfully historic town, but you will take many lasting impressions of Spanish history and culture home with you.

Caceres, Extremadura - History:

Caceres was founded in the 1st century by the Romans as Norba Caesarina. It is one of just six cities in Spain designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Once the Romans left, many cultures settled here. There is evidence of all these cultures to be found within the historic Caceres.

Caceres, Extremadura - Sightseeing:

Approximately thirty of the city's wall towers remain, but all are heavily restored. The towers were, at one point, much taller. They were ordered to be reduced in size by Queen Isabella. The largest of the towers is at Plaza del General Mola. There is a Gothic cathedral by the name of Santa Maria, constructed some time during the 1500's. Here also lie the remains of many of the Conquistadors.

For historians and souvenir hunters, Caceres offers a good selection of artefacts to take home. Sights here are plentiful and exploring is easy on foot. There are several museums in Caceres including the Archaeological Museum, Cathedral Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art.

Caceres, Extremadura - Where to stay:

We offer a splendid range of Parador hotels - both within Caceres and in the surrounding area - making an historical sightseeing holiday an ansolute joy. Accommodation is usually easy to find in Caceres except during Easter week and in April when the locals celebrate their Christian and Moors festivals.

Caceres, Extremadura - Gastronomy:

The best foods to try on your visit are the cured hams and sausages, all produced locally. In the winter months, the local thick soup is the meal of the day.

Caceres, Extremadura - Our holiday accommodation and service:

Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy delightful, privileged holiday destinations in Extremadura (including Caceres, Merida, Trujillo and Zafra) at the historic heart of Central Spain. From privately owned houses, charming cottages, villas and apartments to villas with pools, luxury spa hotels and a full range of fabulous Paradores; all hand picked in beautiful locations for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Extremadura and Central Spain.

So, if you're looking for an activity or nature holiday, walking, cycling, trekking or bird watching; a spot of rural tourism soaking up the traditional Spanish culture and heritage with historic sightseeing in Castille or Extremadura; exploring fairytale castles, beautiful countryside and fascinating villages, rural towns and historic cities such as Plasencia and Merida; following the historic pilgrims routes or silver route; sampling hearty rural Spanish fayre or simply enjoying a shopping trip or city break in Madrid, Spain's capital city; call our holiday team today.

Many of our clients enjoy touring holidays through central Spain, to experience the unique areas of Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura and Madrid in one holiday. We are therefore very happy to arrange itineraries for you staying in a selection of different Parador hotels along your chosen route. We can also assist you with flights to Madrid and other areas of central Spain, ferry travel, holiday car hire and travel insurance.