I had a few days over in Extremadura recently. It’s one of the least-known areas in Spain, but it’s famous for its ham and its natural landscapes. This is Cáceres, one of the biggest cities in the region.
Cáceres has, supposedly, the largest monumental complex in Europe. The whole center is a lot of very old buildings with a great atmosphere. On a rainy day it’s quite spooky and mysterious, and in the sun it’s beautiful.
Please pardon the graininess of these photos, they’re a bit old.
Here’s Saint George slaying the dragon. This small statue can be found under a church in the center of Cáceres. George is the patron saint of Cáceres, and of many other places.
Knights would indicate their status by putting a helmet and a coat of arms on the front of their houses. You see this sort of thing in many parts of Spain, including Cantabria.
A very old defensive tower right off Plaza Mayor.
Cáceres and Extremadura in general was a great experience. The food was wonderful. There are a couple of good places around Plaza San Juan, I especially liked Mesón Iberico. Across Plaza San Juan, you have the NH hotel in a building that’s several centuries old, which has a great little bar where you can have some really good beer called Legado de Yuste. Spanish people really can make good beer!
P.S. Okay, years later, I’ve been back to Extremadura for a bike tour. Cáceres still has a great historic center. And also I’ve got an article about Saint George AKA Sant Jordi.
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