Cáceres City Guide

• Places of Interest
• Maps
• Getting to
• Getting around the city

Cáceres is a UNESCO world heritage city situated in the province of the same name, of which it is the capital. Extremadura's biggest city after Badajoz, Cáceres has plenty to offer. The city is most famous for its beautifully preserved medieval old town, enclosed by the city's original medieval walls. A mixture of architectural styles are displayed all over the town, including thirty original towers from the Muslim period, the most famous of these being the Torre del Bujaco. The city is also home to the Universidad de Extremadura, and so there is an abundance of nightlife and a great student atmosphere everywhere you go.

There is evidence of settlements existing near Cáceres since prehistoric times, which can be seen in the caves of Maltravieso and El Conejar. However, the city itself was founded by the Romans in 25 BC. After the Romans, Cáceres fell into the hands of the Visigoths, and then the Arabs, who had control of the city for many centuries. It is under the Arabs that Cáceres really flourished and when many of its landmark buildings were constructed. After the Reconquest, a great amount of wealth was brought into the city by nobles migrating from places such as León and from loot from the Americas, and it is during this period that many of the mansions and small palaces that still exist in Cáceres today were built.

Cáceres boasts an intriguing history and beautiful architecture, not to mention a fantastic restaurant and nightlife scene. Cáceres is a perfect place to be a student, so come and make the most of everything this fascinating city has to offer.

Places of Interest

Iglesia de Santa María

This church dates back to the 13th century, and has an interesting gothic style and square tower.

Iglesia de San Francisco

This church, and the nearby Convento de la Compañía de Jesús were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is one of the few examples of Baroque architecture left in the city.

Palacio de Carvajal

One of many palaces to be found in this regal city, this Renaissance mansion boasts a still intact Arabic tower. The tower dates back to the 12th century and the rest of the building is from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Jewish Quarter

Found in the Old Town, this area is identifiable by its winding streets and more humble looking houses. It is called the barrio de San Antonio, named after the old synagogue San Antonio that used to be in the area.

Roman Walls

One of the most famous sites in Cáceres is the original Roman walls which enclose the Old Town. There are many doors in the walls, the most famous being the Arco de la Estrella, which connects the Old Town with the Plaza Mayor.

Maps

Getting to Cáceres

By Air
The closest airports to Cáceres are in Madrid, Lisbon or Seville. From there, there are trains and buses that run to Cáceres.

By Train
Cáceres is on the RENFE line which runs between Madrid and Badajoz.

By Bus
Buses run from Cádiz, Seville, Salamanca, A Coruña, Madrid, as well as other places around Spain.

Getting around the city

There is a bus system operating in Cáceres, although many people choose to enjoy Cáceres by bicycle!