Things to do in Cáceres
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Concatedral de Santa María
The Concatedral de Santa María, a 15th-century Gothic cathedral, creates an impressive opening scene. On its southwestern corner is a modern statue of San Pedro de Alcántara, a 16th-century extremeño ascetic (his toes worn shiny by the hands and lips of the faithful). Inside, there’s a magnificent carved 16th-century cedar altarpiece, several fine noble tombs and chapels, and a small ecclesiastical museum. Climb the bell tower for stunning views.
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El Corral de las Cigüeñas
The secluded courtyard with its lofty palm trees and ivy-covered walls just inside the Ciudad Monumental is the perfect spot for one of the best-value breakfasts around: there are six versions to choose from, including the basic madrileño (fresh orange juice, coffee and porras – doughnut type pastries) for just €2.20. It also has snacks at other times and sometimes live music in the evenings.
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Figón de Eustaquio
The walls are papered with photos of famous diners, including Spanish royalty, at this venerable, multi-roomed option. You'll be treated to such dishes as solomillo de cerdo a la Torta de Casar (pork sirloin with the creamy local cheese). There are a range of set menus, including the menú regional (€22), which takes you on a short journey through some of Extremadura's signature dishes.
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Museo de Cáceres
The excellent Museo de Cáceres in a 16th-century mansion, built over an evocative 12th-century aljibe (cistern), is the only surviving element of Cáceres’ Muslim castle. It has an impressive archaeological section and an excellent fine-arts display (open only in the mornings), with works by Picasso, Miró, Tàpies and other renowned Spanish painters and sculptors.
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Mesón El Asador
Enter the dining room and you get the picture right away: one wall is covered with hung hams. It's often packed to the rafters with locals, not least because you won't taste better roast pork (or lamb) in town. Its bar also serves bocadillos (bread rolls with filling) and a wide range of raciones, while the menú especial (€26) is terrific value.
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Restaurante Torre de Sande
Dine in the pretty courtyard on dishes like salmorejo de cerezas del jerte con queso de cabra (cherry-based cold soup with goat's cheese) at this elegant gourmet restaurant. More modestly, stop for a drink and a tapa (€4) at the interconnecting tapería (tapas bar). It's the pick of the places within the Ciudad Monumental.
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Asociación de Guías Turísticas
The Asociación de Guías Turísticas leads regular 1½- to two-hour tours (€5) in Spanish of the Ciudad Monumental at least twice daily from Tuesday to Saturday, with only morning tours on Sunday. Tours start from its office on Plaza Mayor, and tours in English can be arranged with advance notice.
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El Racó de Sanguino
Tables and wicker chairs spread beneath the sloping, timber ceiling within, while romantics can head for the candlelit tables outside. Carlos Sanguino has created a traditional extremeño menu with innovative twists like wild boar with mashed potato and thyme-scented olive oil.
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Ke Pasta
If you have grown a tad weary of piggy fare, then this Italian restaurant dishes up good pasta dishes, if not quite in the Neapolitan league. More unusual options include tortellini with rúcula and fiocchi (pasta) with cheese and pear.
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El Aljibe de Cáceres
This beautifully indulgent recreation of an Arab-style bath experience combines soothing architecture and range of treatments. The basic thermal bath with aromatherapy starts from €15; throw in a massage and you'll pay €22.
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Palacio Toledo-Moctezuma
The domed Palacio Toledo-Moctezuma was once the home of a daughter of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma, who was brought to Cáceres as a conquistador’s bride; the palace now houses the municipal archives.
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Torre de las Cigüeñas
Just to the east of the Plaza de San Mateo is the Torre de las Cigüeñas. This was the only Cáceres tower to retain its battlements when the rest were lopped off in the late 15th century.
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El Lancelot
For a touch of the Irish head to El Lancelot. Surrounded by stained wood and rustic panelling, this is a great spot for a tipple and live Celtic music on Sunday (9.30pm).
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Iglesia de San Francisco Javier
Iglesia de San Francisco Javier is an 18th-century Jesuit church. The views from the towers would be wonderful, were it not for the chicken wire.
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Palacio Episcopal
On the Plaza de Santa María are the Palacio Episcopal, the Palacio de Mayoralgo and the Palacio de Ovando, all in 16th-century Renaissance style.
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Casa de Los Becerra
The 15th-century Casa de los Becerra is a restored mansion, now functioning as a cultural centre with occasional free exhibitions.
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Palacio de Mayoralgo
On Plaza de Santa María is the Palacio Episcopal, the Palacio de Mayoralgo and the Palacio de Ovando, all in 16th-century Renaissance style.
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Arco de la Estrella
Enter the Ciudad Monumental from Plaza Mayor through the 18th-century Arco de la Estrella, built this wide for the passage of carriages.
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El Corral de las Cigüeñas
If you are after atmosphere, check out El Corral de las Cigüeñas, which occasionally stages live music.
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Centro Divulgación Semana Santa
The Centro Divulgación Semana Santa has exhibits on Easter celebrations in Cáceres atop 18th-century cisterns.
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Torre de Bujaco
You can climb to the top of the 12th-century Torre de Bujaco for a good stork’s-eye view of the Plaza Mayor.
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Casa Mudéjar
The Casa Mudéjar still reflects its Islamic influence in its brickwork and 1st-floor window arches.
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Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba
The Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba is where Franco was declared head of state in 1936.
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Palacio Carvajal
Within this late 15th-century mansion, rooms have been restored with period furnishings and artwork.
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El Gourmet de la Bellota
One of several places to stock up on gourmet goodies, like creamy Torta de Casar (cheese).
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