Caceres Medieval Heritage - Old Town, Cathedral & Carvajal Palace

Set off at the Main Square, the economic and cultural hub of the ancient city. The square is home to a series of arcades where merchants, artisans, shoppers, and tourists gather in a lively market. The spacious site is also a gorgeous showcase of period architecture with many emblematic monuments such as the Town Hall, La Paz Hermitage, the Defensive City Walls, and the Tower of Bujaco, the highlight of all.

Stop in front of the 12th-century Tower of Bujaco, the most famous Moorish tower in the city. The impressive military structure witnessed many fierce history-making battles among the reigns fighting over the city. It also houses the Interpretation Centre of Three Cultures, symbolizing the city’s diverse culture.

Enter through the 15th-century Star Arch, a main entrance to the Old Town. The gate features a beautiful statue of the Virgen de la Estrella on the inner face and bears the coat of arms of Cáceres on the outside to welcome visitors to the jewel of the Old Town.

Explore the maze of steep stairways and winding cobbled paths in the Old Town to discover a wealth of monuments built by the Romans, Moorish, Jewish, and Christians. The atmospheric town declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 is an outstanding testament of medieval architecture, so stunning and authentic that it was a familiar setting of the period series Games of Thrones.

Next, stop by the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the most majestic landmark, so much so that it was declared an Artistic Heritage Monument in 1931. Its exterior is captivating, featuring two intricate Gothic doorways and a statue of San Pedro de Alcántara on the outside corner, famous for bringing people luck if they touch his toes.

Pass by the Golfines de Abajo Palace, boasting two different styles: a 15th-century fortress with two towers and a residential palace with a lavishly decorated façade. Noteworthy that the Catholic Monarchs stayed in the palace during their visits to Cacere.

Take a few steps to the San Francisco Javier Church, which dominates the San Jorge Square. Its main attractions are an imposing pair of staircases leading up to a Baroque façade flanked by two outstanding white-painted towers.

Walk to the Carvajal Palace and admire its desirable collection of treasures from the time of the Moors to the Renaissance. To learn more about the city’s history, you can access the Interpretation Centre for the Province of Cáceres located in the romantic garden of the palace. You can also take in the stunning panoramic view from its 12th-century defensive tower, a perfect end to the trip.