MIRACULOUS AQUEDUCT, MERIDA, SPAIN

Extremadura, Spain

“There is no night life in Spain. They stay up late but they get up late. That is not night life. That is delaying the day.” – Ernest Hemingway

Food to eat when in Spain

Extremadura is home to three of Spain's greatest gastronomic products such as Jamon Ibérico, said to be the finest ham in the world; the rich creamy cheeses (Torta del Casar from Cáceres and La Serena from Badajoz); and smoked paprika (pimentón de la vera)

The historic town of Trujillo is considered one of Extremadura's finest gems, one of the area's most historic and cultural towns. In 1970, the Spanish state declared Trujillo as a "National Monument of Historic & Artistic Buildings".

Cities & Towns

Extremadura is located in southwestern Spain, bordered to the north and east by Castile and Leon, by Andalucia to the south, and Portugal to the west. The region is also on the main route between Madrid and Lisbon. Extremadura is the least populated area of Spain, but it is home to some of the most beautiful and best-preserved Roman ruins in Iberia. The region is the birthplace of the conquistadors such as Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, Francisco Pizzaro, Diego de Almgaro, Hernando de Soto, Francisco de Orellana and Pedro de Valdivia. The great painter Francisco de Zurbaran was also born here.

Cáceres

The historic town of Cáceres has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. The Old Town is still surrounded by its ancient walls. It retains its medieval town setting which is why many television shows and films have been shot here.

Trujillo

Mérida

Mérida, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, is the capital city of the Extremadura Region of western Spain. Most historic sites are located within the walled area of the Roman colony, but some are found outside its walls.

Zafra

The historic town of Zafra was declared as a Site of Historic and Artistic Interest in 1965. Very little is known about the town's origin, but there is evidence that it pre-dates the Romans.

Jerez de los Caballeros

The town of Jerez de los Caballeros is said to have been founded by Alfonso IX of Leon in 1229. Then in 1232, it was expanded by his son Ferdinand III, the Saint, who gave it to the Knights Templar. Hence the name Jerez de los Caballeros - Jerez of the Knights.

Cathedrals & Churches

Extremadura is home to many cathedrals and monasteries linked to the colonization of America. Many families from the region produced explorers who participated in voyages to America where they made their fortunes. The many palaces, churches and convents are partly the legacy of that spectacular boom.

Iglesia de Santiago, Cáceres

Iglesia de Santiago (the Church of Santiago de los Caballeros) was first built in the 12th century and was re-built in the 14th century.

Concatedral de Santa Maria de Cáceres

Concatedral de Santa Maria de Cáceres is located in the square of the same name. Built in the 13th century, it is the main religious and most important building in Cáceres.

Church of San Francisco Javier, Cáceres

The Church of San Francisco Javier, also known as Church of the Precious Blood, is located in the Plaza de San George. It was built in the Baroque style in the 18th century by the Jesuits.

Parroquia de San Mateo, Cáceres

Parroquia de San Mateo (Church of San Mateo) is located in the square of the same name. It stands on the site of an old mosque. It was re-built and completed in the 16th to 18th centuries.

Iglesia de San Martín, Trujillo

Iglesia de San Martín was completed during the second half of the 16th century, incorporating part of a 14th century building which was damaged during the war of succession to the Castillian throne.

Iglesia de San Bartolomé, Jerez de los Caballeros

The Iglesia de San Bartolomé (Church of San Bartolomé) dates back to the 13th century, built in honor of the city's patron saint.

Iglesia de la Candelaria de Zafra