Old Town of Caceres

The Old Town of Caceres in Spain is an embodiment of centuries of conflict, with its winding streets, palaces, and blend of architectural styles providing an insight into the lives of those who fought for its conquest.

History of Old Town of Caceres

Founded by the Romans under the name Norbensis Caesarina in the 1st century BC, medieval Caceres was the subject of a constant tug of war between the Moors and the Christians, eventually and finally conquered by Alfonso IX of León in 1229.

It was a beautiful if uneventful town until the century after Columbus’ discovery of the New World, when many people left to find their fortune, found it in the Americas, and returned as wealthy men. There are also remains of the golden age of Jewish culture in Spain.

Old Town of Caceres Today

Whilst some remains of the Roman walls can be found by those who seek them out, most of the imposing towers and walls can be dated back to the 12th century under the Almohads. The most famous of the thirty or so towers is the Bujaco Tower, which is found at the epicentre of the Old Town of Caceres, its main plaza.

There are historic houses and sites at every turn in the Old Town of Caceres – indeed, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage City since 1986 – with highlights including the Gothic Palace of Los Golfines de Abajo, and the Pro-cathedral of Santa María.

For useful local information, head to Plaza de Santa María, where the Carvajal Palace – which has its origins in the 15th and 16th centuries – plays host to the tourist board.

Getting to Old Town of Caceres

From the centre of Madrid, the Old Town is a 3 hour drive via the Autovía del Suroeste/A-5 road. A train from Chamartin which stops at Caceres will take you around 3 hours 45 minutes.