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14th century palace complex (4*)
This gem of a Parador dates back in part to the 14th century and was built on even older Moorish foundations. The Parador de Cáceres was created in 1989 by the amalgamation of the palaces of the Marquises of Torreorgaz (a superb Gothic construction with a neoclassic entrance) and Ovando Mogollón, Perero y Paredes House (likewise Gothic buildings that were later extended). Of particular note is the double-arched Gothic window and the oldest part of the Parador is the stone and granite tower. You cannot help but notice how the various palaces have been merged into one building today, with halls and corridors constantly leading to more rooms and rooms. You won’t get lost though, signage guides you to the facilities and rooms with ease.
The buildings that house Cáceres’ Parador were built principally of granite, stone, clay and wood, and these materials are still very evident throughout. Carved wood ceilings and furniture, leaded glass windows, iron railings, and the signatures of prior inhabitants – in the form of the coats of arms displayed outside – all help to maintain an atmosphere of timelessness and which are carefully contrasted by the addition of modern comforts and facilities, giving it much architectural appeal. Modern style often features heavily in the bedrooms here, but this does not detract from the historical attraction of the building overall, and you will enjoy many of the decorations and nooks and crannies to be found in the main halls and passageways.
Cáceres’ Parador is right in the heart of the historical and artistic quarter of Cáceres, an ancient walled town so rich in old buildings that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Such is the unspoilt nature of the old town, or Ciudad Monumental (also famous for its many storks’ nests), that many historical dramas have been filmed here. The exterior of the Parador de Cáceres is in a simple stone-built Gothic style, concealing many stunning interior spaces, marked by arches and pillars and a great sense of wealth and luxury – apparent, for example, in the magnificent original mantelpiece in the living room.
The restaurant of the Parador de Cáceres looks out onto a delightful patio and the columns and original walls of the palaces with ceiling-high glass windows, giving it great atmosphere, and in hot weather it is possible to eat outside in the shady inner courtyard.
The origins of Cáceres and local civilisation stretch back to 20,000 BC, according to evidence of early humans of the Upper Paleolostic age in the Malatravieso cave, and although this region is particularly famous for its archaeological sites, most of the sites that can be viewed today are from the Roman area and thereafter. Prior to the Roman era, the lands had passed through the hands of different tribes and cultures, and this territory was commonly referred to as Lusitania. The Romans built the Silver Route (Vía de la Plata), between Astorga (near León) and Mérida to the south, a major trade route that aided the transportation of gold, silver and copper from north to south, as mining took off at the beginning of the first century. The Moors later introduced innovative techniques in farming, notably cork production, fig and almond trees and very effective irrigation systems, which enhanced the productivity of these hot and fertile lands. Almohads and Christians fought hard over the region and Cáceres’ importance as a staging post for transport and communication grew and grew. Alfonso IX of Leon conquered the town in 1299, bringing it under the jurisdiction of Castile, although it later came to form part of Extremadura.
Today Cáceres is a charming town whose main square, the Plaza Mayor, is a hub of restaurants, cafes, cultural events and shopping. The square marks the point where the Old Quarter meets the new town and the castellated walls mark the entrance to its historic area. Cáceres is known as the 'town of 1001 escutcheons' thanks to the seemingly endless number of medieval palaces and ancestral homes and, as you head through the arches into the old quarter, it is very easy to see why. Each corner of Cáceres Old Town offers the opportunity to stumble across another medieval treasure such as the 'Casa del Sol House', the Church of San Francisco Javier, the Palacio de Oquendo and the Episcopal Palace to name but a few. Not to be missed is the Museum of Cáceres which is located in a Renaissance palace and his home to the town's archaeological, ethnographic and fine arts collections. In the museum's foundations you will find Spain's best preserved Hispano-Muslim 'aljibe' (cistern). Thanks to its medieval nature and historical links, Cáceres hosts a number of cultural events including the annual Medieval Market of Three Cultures and the Classical Theatre Festival.
In 2015 Cáceres was designated the Gastronomic Capital of Spain and there are a number of fantastic tapas bars and well-regarding restaurants throughout the town.
Many of Spain’s famous discoverers of the New World came from Extremadura including Francisco Pizarro, the conqueror of Peru and the founder of Lima, as well as poets, architects and mystics. Nowadays, travellers to the region are often attracted to the national park of Monfragüe, a significant haven for birds and wildlife – specifically black storks, lynxes and wild cats, golden eagles, freshwater turtle and otters – and this park, as well as the Cornalvo Natural Park, is particularly popular with international ornithologists. The valley of Jerte is famous for the flowering of its white cherry blossom in spring and often sees many Spanish descend onto its hillside to enjoy this tremendous display of colour – over a million trees in blossom - and the Infiernos Gorge is another major attraction. The principal locations of archaeological interest are Cáceres and Mérida, whilst the monastery of Guadalupe (with its revered ‘Black Madonna’), the cathedral of Plasencia and Moorish castle above Trujillo are popular places to visit.
Breakfast is served from 8.00 to 11.00
Lunch is served from 13.30 to 16.00
and dinner from 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
The historic old quarter of Cáceres adds to the virtues of the Parador, which has the only vehicle access in this lovely monumental setting. Located on Ancha Street, take Santa Clara as your point of reference. If you come by car, you will find bollards in the square which restrict access to the Parador. To continue, you must contact the local police using the intercom at the traffic light. Indicate that you have reservations at the Parador and the bollards will be lowered. If there is another vehicle in front of you which has also requested access, never follow directly behind it. Wait for the bollards to rise and use the intercom to request access for your vehicle.
There are a small amount of parking spaces near the entrance to the Parador, but as it's in the historic quarter parking is heavily restricted. The Parador has its own garage a short distance away in the new town for a daily charge. We recommend guests to approach the Parador first, and should spaces not be available there, to ask Parador staff to guide them to the nearby garage.
The western region of Extremadura is a home to jamón, medieval cities, Roman ruins and excellent bird-watching opportunities. The historic Paradors here are beautifully preserved and well placed to explore this region at a leisurely pace.
