Old Town of Cáceres

The Old Town of Cáceres boasts one of the most impressive medieval monumental town centres of all Europe. However, the historic centre’s charm is further enhanced by the gorgeous Renaissance-styled buildings lining the cobblestoned streets and squares.

We aren’t the only ones to have fallen under the spell of the Old Town of Cáceres. In fact, UNESCO declared the Old Town of Cáceres a World Heritage Site in 1986; a testament of this medieval enclave’s undeniable charm and invaluable cultural and architectural heritage.

If that isn’t enough to convince you about this town’s irrefutable authenticity, just watch the seventh season of Game of Thrones. The producers of the series choose Cáceres to portray King’s Landing, the fictional capital of the Seven Kingdoms, and Old Town, the fictional seat of House Hightower.

The only way to access the Old Town is via the 15^th-century Arco de la Estrella, built into the monumental city wall and situated on the northern fringe of the emblematic Plaza Mayor.

As you head towards the main gateway, the imposing Torre de Bujaco rises high into the sky on the left. The 25-m high tower was built in the 12^th century over large stones that date back to Roman times. The monolith structure is an avant-goût of what sits within the ancient centre: the distinctive, impenetrable masonry of medieval architecture.

The first archetype includes the magnificent Concatedral de Santa María This stunning late Gothic structure was built between the 15^th and 16^th centuries over the site of an ancient, 13^th-century temple. Some of the most noteworthy, Romanesque architectural elements were used in the construction of this great cathedral, including the main portal. Once inside, you’ll be dazzled by the stunning golden, interior murals.

Located nearby stands the lavish, 15^th-century Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo, one of the most stunning constructions in the Old Town.  The palace is now a museum and provides a privileged glimpse at how aristocrats lived as far back as the Renaissance. The sumptuous 16^th-century Plateresque façade is one of the most stunning in Extremadura.

The other noteworthy palace, also located within the Old Town, is the 14^th-century Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba. This is a true medieval construction as it resembles more a fortress than a palace. This is also where General Franco was declared head of state during the Spanish Civil War.

There are many other palaces within the Old Town, including Las Veletas. Today, this ancient landmark and the Casa de los Caballos house the Museo de Cáceres. The museum is worth a visit for its fascinating exhibition on archaeological remains from Prehistory and Roman times.