Caceres (the city located south-west from the Madrid) is a quite modern city with the wide boulevards, highways and modern blocks but in the heart of the city, in the surrounding of the medieval walls, lays old center of the Caceres which in Spain can contest with Toledo.
The well preserved historical center of the Caceres differentiates by the variety of the architectural styles of the 8-17 centuries and pertains to the most beautiful cities of the Europe.
Caceres originates from the 34 BC. In the Middle Age the city played important role in the wars between Moors and Christians. In the 12 century the Moors fortified the city and built strong walls around it with a lot of the loopholes and strong stonework. In the 1229 the city was conquered by the king Alphonse Ninth and became the part of the Castilian kingdom.
Historical center of the Caceres located at the hill in surrounding of the walls with the 12 towers and 5 gates. The main part of this defensive system has been built by the Moors but in the some places you can notice the vestiges of the Roman work. The oldest buildings located in the east part of the walls. It’s the Tower of the Cross (originates from the first century) and the Tower of the Council (originates from the second century).
Usually sightseers start their walk on Caceres from the local Placa Mayer in the east part of which there are ancient towers and walls. At the square there is a staircase which can lead you to the gates of the Arco de Estiliya.
From this gate you can pass to the square of Santa Maria which is the heart of the medieval town. The main monument of this place – is the city’s cathedral which shares the name with the name of the square. This cathedral has been built in the Gothic style but of course in its guise there are elements of the others styles.
In opposite of the cathedral you can find a few palaces. For example, the Casa of Carvackal which was built in the 15 century or the Bishop's Palace which originates from the 1567.
The second square of the Caceres which is very popular among the tourists it’s the square of the Santa Chorche. This place looks differently from the square of the Santa Maria. The dominant color here – the bright white. The square surrounded by the mansions of the Renaissance style. Also don’t miss the old abbey of the San-Francisco which originates from the 17 century. In the north part of the square there is mansion Golfinos de Abacho (15 century) in which lived royal pair of Ferdinand and Isabella when they visited the city.
Another noticeable part of the city – is the Velates square. Initially here was the located the city’s citadel (in the Spain it’s called Alcasar) but today you will find the palace of the Velates in place of it. This palace hosts the city’s museum. If you don’t hurry up, please, visit this museum since it has a lot of interesting artifacts.
