Caceres

Short history of Caceres

Caceres is the capital city of the province of the same name in Spain. This is one of the most beautiful regions in Spain with many historical sites, rural towns and beautiful nature. City of Caceres came under the protection of UNESCO in 1986.

This is the place where many famous historic battles took place and people who lived there left a lot of their heritage. All around the city the Roman, Islamic and Gothic remains are still visible. The first evidence of human settlement in this region is from the Paleolithic era.

When the Romans occupied the city in 25 BC, Caceres became an important strategic city in the Roman Empire. Before the Arabs conquered the city in the 7th century, Barbarians and Visigoths demolished it.

In the 13th century, Caceres became a Christian city again, and at that time it had a significant population of Jews. After the Discovery of America, many families from Caceres gained fortune in the New World. The city, famous for its wealth, became the capital of the Extremadura province.

What to visit

Caceres has many historical quarters where visitors can see old buildings, palaces, churches and towers. At the entrance of the city is a magnificent gate – Arco de la Estrella. The gate was built in the 18th century in order to replace the previous one from the medieval period.

Passing the entrance, people can see the Plaza de Santa Maria – a medieval square surrounded with beautiful palaces. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Carvajal palace is one of the most magnificent in the city.

It has a lovely courtyard with a thousand-year-old tree. The biggest palace in the city is the Mayoralgo Palace. Built in the 16th century, it has a big courtyard and the Episcopal Palace. A Gothic cathedral – Santa Maria Pro is situated nearby.

This three naves building has many things to show: beautiful main altar, many sculptures and tombstones. Here is a famous image of “Black Christ”. The story says that all those who looked at the picture died. If you “survive” the Black Christ image, visit the San Mateo church from the 15th century, Church of Santiago, city walls and other numerous palaces.

Cuisine

Caceres is famous for its domestic sweets and pastries. Also, tasty red wine and ham are well known products of this region. They still make cheese by traditional methods. Do not miss trying pork or lamb in Caceres or some of the liquors such as cherry, chestnut or blackberry liquor. Many of these products are officially recognized by the Spanish government and are exported abroad.