Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cáceres
The Ciudad Monumental (old town) of Cáceres is truly extraordinary. The narrow
cobbled streets twist and climb among ancient stone walls lined with palaces and
mansions, while the skyline is decorated with turrets, spires, gargoyles and enorm-
ous storks' nests. Protected by defensive walls, it has survived almost intact from its
16th-century heyday. Established by the Romans, adapted by the Moors and en-
riched by migrating nobles from León in the wake of the Reconquista, the old town
retains tangible evidence of all three cultures. At dusk or after dark when the
crowds have gone, you'll feel like you've stepped back into the Middle Ages.
Stretching at its feet, the lively and arcaded Plaza Mayor is one of Spain's finest
public squares.
Trujillo
Wander into Plaza Major here and you could be forgiven for thinking that you had
stumbled onto the film set of a medieval blockbuster. The square is surrounded by
baroque and Renaissance stone buildings topped with a skyline of towers, turrets,
cupolas and nesting storks. Stretching beyond the square, the illusion continues
with a labyrinth of mansions, leafy courtyards, fruit gardens, churches and con-
vents; Trujillo truly is one of the most captivating small towns in Spain.
The town came into its own only with the conquest of the Americas. Then, Fran-
cisco Pizarro and his co-conquistadors enriched the city with a grand new square
and imposing Renaissance mansions that look down confidently upon the town
today.
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