On the Saint George Plaza in Cáceres rises the façade of the Church of San Francisco Javier, standing in a wide-open space and distinguished by its two striking white towers, which contrast sharply with the surrounding medieval architecture. From almost any point in the square, one can admire the imposing towers of this magnificent church, also known as the Church of the Precious Blood. The notable slope of the square enhances the sense of monumentality of the entire ensemble. Moreover, the building, which also includes a convent later converted into a school, forms part of the Monumental City of Cáceres, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed as a Cultural Heritage Site (Bien de Interés Cultural) since 2004. Continue reading “Church of San Francisco Javier, Cáceres, Spain”
Author: La Viajera y El Mochilero
The National Museum of Roman Art in Mérida, Spain
The National Museum of Roman Art in Mérida allows us to gain insight into the most varied aspects of the daily life of the early inhabitants of Mérida. Inside, we can admire one of the finest collections of Roman sculpture and mosaics on the Iberian Peninsula. Continue reading “The National Museum of Roman Art in Mérida, Spain”
The Gardens of the “Galera” of Badajoz, Spain
The “Jardines (Gardens) de la Galera” in Badajoz, a city in Extremadura, Spain, are located right next to the walls of the Arab Alcazaba, near the “Torre de Espantaperros” and the “Semibaluarte de San Antonio”, which is part of the bastioned wall built in the 17th century. This area serves as a connecting point between the two walled sections of the city. Continue reading “The Gardens of the “Galera” of Badajoz, Spain”
The Town Square of Cáceres, Spain
A town of Extremadura, where it is easy to imagine yourself in medieval times given it houses one of the best-preserved medieval urban complexes in the world—is Cáceres. Thanks to its extraordinarily well-preserved streets, squares, palaces, and walls, we can get a clear sense of its ancient past. Continue reading “The Town Square of Cáceres, Spain”
The Roman Theater of Mérida, Spain
One of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world is the Roman Theater of ancient Emerita Augusta, now Mérida in Extremadura, Spain. It is part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and is a symbol of Rome’s cultural and urban influence in Hispania. Visiting it is a must after touring the Roman Amphitheater, as the two monuments are closely connected, making it hard to overlook the Theater. Continue reading “The Roman Theater of Mérida, Spain”
The Bridge of Palms of Badajoz, Spain
Co-Cathedral of Santa María, Cáceres, Spain
Cáceres is a city that invites visitors to discover not only its medieval history but also its traditions. During our stay, we had the opportunity to witness one of the city’s deeply rooted religious traditions: the visit of the Virgin of the Mountain to the Co-Cathedral of Santa María, the most important Christian temple in Cáceres. Continue reading “Co-Cathedral of Santa María, Cáceres, Spain”
The Roman Amphitheater of Mérida, Spain
The construction of the Roman Amphitheater was planned together with that of the Roman Theater in what was then known as the colony of Augusta Emerita, a Roman city founded in 25 B.C. by order of Emperor Augustus and what we now know as Mérida, Spain. Although they were built at different times, both the Amphitheater and the Theater were designed to complement Roman entertainment. The main difference between the two lies in their shape: the amphitheater is oval, while the theater is a semicircle. Both structures allow us to better understand the lifestyle and public spectacles enjoyed by Roman society in ancient times. Continue reading “The Roman Amphitheater of Mérida, Spain”
The High Square (Plaza Alta) of Badajoz, Spain
We always say that every city has its own charm, and Badajoz has its own unique appeal. Located in the Extremadura region of Spain, Badajoz boasts a rich cultural and artistic heritage and is known for its many historical buildings and sites. One of the most impressive structures in this Extremaduran city—and one of its main tourist attractions—is the Plaza Alta, which dates from the 15th to 17th centuries. Continue reading “The High Square (Plaza Alta) of Badajoz, Spain”
The Andalusí Cistern of the “Casa de las Veletas” in Cáceres, Spain
In the Extremaduran city of Cáceres lies one of the most important and best-preserved cisterns in Spain and the Iberian Peninsula. Beneath the Casa or Palace of the Veletas stands this Andalusí cistern, an underground Arab water reservoir of great historical and architectural significance. Continue reading “The Andalusí Cistern of the “Casa de las Veletas” in Cáceres, Spain”
