What to See in Cáceres: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours
Cáceres has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and is known for its remarkably well-preserved medieval old town. Inside its ancient walls, the Ciudad Monumental features a unique mix of Roman, Islamic, Gothic, and Italian Renaissance architecture, shaped by centuries of different cultures. Around 30 Moorish towers still rise above the city, and cobblestone streets lead past noble palaces, fortified homes, and grand churches that remain untouched by modern changes. This authentic setting even caught the attention of Game of Thrones producers, who used Cáceres as King's Landing in Season 7. The city is also famous for its food, including Torta del Casar cheese, migas extremeñas, and traditional shepherd dishes that reflect its rural history. Every November, the Medieval Market of the Three Cultures celebrates the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences that define Cáceres. Whether you’re exploring Renaissance palaces near Plaza de Santa María, visiting the Arab cisterns under the Cáceres Museum, or enjoying local cheese in a cozy tavern, Cáceres offers a genuine Spanish experience without large tourist crowds.
Must-see sights: Ciudad Monumental (Old Town), Plaza Mayor, Arco de la Estrella, Torre de Bujaco, Co-Cathedral of Santa María, Cáceres Museum, Palace of the Golfines de Abajo
Typical daily budget: €40–60 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: April–June or September–October
Famous for: UNESCO World Heritage medieval old town, blend of Roman/Moorish/Gothic architecture, Torta del Casar cheese, Game of Thrones filming location, 30 Moorish towers
Top tours: Fundamental Free Tour of Cáceres, Free Tour Caceres: Mysteries & Legends, Free Tour of Cáceres: The City of Three Cultures
Begin your exploration at Plaza Mayor, the historic market forum and gateway to the monumental core. This lively square, dominated by the town hall toward the south, serves as the perfect introduction to Cáceres' medieval character. Opposite the ayuntamiento stands Torre de Bujaco, an impressive Arab tower built on Roman foundations that once guarded the city's northwest flank. The 12th-century defensive tower represents one of approximately 30 Islamic-era towers still standing in Cáceres. Climb the tower for panoramic views across the old town's sea of terracotta roofs, palace facades, and church spires stretching toward distant Extremaduran plains. From Plaza Mayor, you can already glimpse Torre de la Yerba and other medieval structures emerging from the walled ensemble.
Practical Info: Plaza Mayor is free and accessible 24/7; Torre de Bujaco admission typically €2.50; hours vary seasonally; Allow 30-45 minutes.
Ascend the steps beside Torre de Bujaco and pass through Arco de la Estrella, the main gateway into the Ciudad Monumental. This 18th-century arch, built at an oblique angle to allow the passage of carriages, features a niche that shelters the statue of Nuestra Señora de la Estrella. Crossing this threshold transports you to medieval times—no modern signs disrupt the authentic atmosphere, which is why numerous films and TV series choose Cáceres as a filming location. A few steps beyond the arch brings you to Plaza de Santa María, the political and religious center of the old town since the 13th-century Reconquista. This architectural showcase features buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries surrounding the square. Before the medieval structures, this site hosted the Roman forum.
The plaza's crown jewel, the Co-Cathedral of Santa María la Mayor (Concatedral de Santa María), is a transitional Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece built between the 12th and 16th centuries. The church features three Gothic naves, remarkable Renaissance choir stalls, and an imposing altarpiece. Climb the bell tower for fantastic views spanning the monumental ensemble. Surrounding the cathedral stand exceptional noble residences: Palacio Provincial (Diputación de Cáceres) displaying a facade transplanted from the disappeared Seminary of Galarza, the 16th-century Palacio de los Mayoralgo, the 15th-century Gothic Casa de los Moraga, and the Renaissance Palacio Episcopal, where Felipe II lodged returning from Portugal. The Episcopal Palace features medallions in the doorway spandrels representing the Old and New Worlds.
Practical Info: Arco de la Estrella free access; Co-Cathedral entry typically €4, hours Mon-Sat 10am-2pm & 5pm-8pm (winter 4pm-7pm), Sun Mass times; Tower additional €1.50; Allow 1-2 hours for plaza exploration.
Visit Palace of the Golfines de Abajo (Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo), a stunning noble residence used as lodging by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. Now home to Fundación Tatiana Pérez de Guzmán el Bueno, the palace showcases a mix of plateresque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles on its facade. Two towers—one central, another flanking the entrance—feature machicolations and large windows. Interior highlights include the Salón de Linajes (Hall of Lineages) and a beautiful courtyard. The Palace Museum reveals the building's heritage following restoration.
Continue to the nearby Palacio de Carvajal, a Renaissance palace featuring a distinctive round tower and lovely gardens. The peaceful courtyard and architecture provide respite from exploration while showcasing 16th-century Extremaduran noble life.
Practical Info: Golfines de Abajo entry €5, hours vary; Carvajal Palace often free entry, Mon-Fri 10am-2pm & 5pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-2pm; Allow 45 minutes hour combined.
Discover Cáceres Museum (Museo de Cáceres) occupying two historic buildings on Plaza de las Veletas: Palacio de las Veletas and Casa de los Caballos. This exceptional museum traces Extremadura's heritage from the Paleolithic period through the Contemporary Age via rich collections of archaeology, ethnography, and visual arts. The museum's most remarkable feature—a 12th-century Arab cistern (aljibe) preserved beneath the palace—represents one of Spain's finest examples of Moorish hydraulic engineering, with its horseshoe arches reflected in still waters. The cistern originally supplied water to the Moorish settlement.
Practical Info: Museum entry FREE; Hours Tue-Sat 9am-2:30pm & 5pm-8pm (winter 4pm-7pm), Sun 10am-2:30pm, closed Mon; Allow 1-1.5 hours; Arab cistern highlight not to miss.
Stroll through Judería Vieja (the Old Jewish Quarter), where simple whitewashed houses give you a sense of Cáceres’ Sephardic heritage from Spain’s golden age of Jewish culture. The narrow streets keep the feeling of medieval times, showing how Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities once lived together. You’ll come out at Plaza de San Jorge, a lovely square with the Baroque Iglesia de San Francisco Javier (also known as Iglesia de la Preciosa Sangre). This 18th-century church, with its twin white towers, is one of the most photographed spots in Cáceres.
Practical Info: Free to explore; Evening particularly atmospheric; Allow 45 minutes-1 hour; Iglesia de San Francisco Javier usually open for Mass.
Palacio de Moctezuma: This palace is named after Isabel de Moctezuma, daughter of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II, who married into the Cano family. It shows the wealth that people brought back to Cáceres from the Americas in the 16th century and highlights the city’s link to the New World.
Casa del Sol (House of the Sun): This fortress-like house features the Solís family's sun emblem on its facade, making it one of the most photographed details in the old town.Palacio del Mayoralgo — 16th-century palace showcasing typical Extremaduran Renaissance architecture.
Casa de las Veletas: Beyond housing the museum, this palace preserves Gothic windows and towers characteristic of fortified noble residences.
Church of Santiago de los Caballeros: Dating to the 12th century with 14th-century remains, this church underwent 16th-century Renaissance restoration by master Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón.
Church of San Mateo: Another significant religious building within the old town featuring Gothic architecture.
Palacio de Godoy: Renaissance palace housing impressive architectural details
Maltravieso Caves: Found on the edge of Cáceres, these caves have Paleolithic paintings from the late Stone Age, showing that people lived here thousands of years before the Romans arrived.
Los Barruecos Natural Monument: Located in nearby Malpartida de Cáceres, this geological wonderland of giant granite boulders, carved by time and dotted with stork nests, served as a filming location for the Season 7 Game of Thrones battle between the Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen armies. The dramatic landscape was designated a Natural Monument in 1996.
Extremaduran cuisine celebrates humble shepherds and pastoral traditions with intensely flavored dishes that showcase local ingredients. Torta del Casar represents the region's most famous product—a creamy sheep's milk cheese from nearby Casar de Cáceres with Protected Designation of Origin status. Made exclusively from Merino Entrefino sheep milk using vegetable rennet extracted from cardoon thistle (Cynara cardunculus), this cheese develops a semi-hard yellow rind enclosing pearly white, intensely aromatic interior so creamy it oozes through cracks in the rind. The unique production requires approximately 20 sheep per kilogram of milk. During aging before the rind fully forms, the cheese cannot support its own weight, becoming crushed and curved outward like a bread loaf (torta de pan), giving the cheese its name. Enjoy Torta del Casar spread on bread as an appetizer or dessert, always with good wine, savoring its characteristic slightly salty, slightly bitter flavor.
Migas extremeñas is Extremadura’s signature dish. It started as a shepherd’s breakfast made from stale bread, but now you’ll find it in restaurants all over Spain. The dish is made by frying breadcrumbs with pork fat, garlic, and paprika, and it’s often served with chorizo, bacon, peppers, and a fried egg for a hearty, crispy meal. Cochifrito extremeño is made from marinated pork, mixed with garlic, paprika, rosemary, oregano, olive oil, and salt, left to soak overnight, and then fried until crunchy. Caldereta de cabrito (goat stew) is another shepherd’s favorite, with goat meat slow-cooked with sweet peppers, onion, garlic, paprika, and white wine for at least an hour in an iron pot. Chanfaina uses organ meats for a rich, traditional dish. Pestorejo, which is grilled pig’s ears, snout, and jaw marinated in garlic and parsley, is a classic tapa in Mérida, even though it’s quite fatty.
Some of Extremadura’s traditional sweets are floretas (made with flour, almonds, eggs, lard, sugar, and anise), perrunillas (cinnamon-lemon cookies), técula mécula (chocolate-covered fig hearts), and bollos de chicharrones (pastries with pork cracklings).
Traditional restaurants and taverns cluster around Plaza Mayor and throughout the old town. Expect €10-18 per main course; full meal with wine €25-35.
Fundamental Free Tour of Cáceres: Duration: 1h 45min | Starting at Plaza Mayor de Cáceres next to the big "CÁCERES" letters. Explore the three internal enclosures of the medieval city, visiting Palacio de Carvajal, Palace of the Golfines de Abajo, Palacio de Moctezuma, Cathedral of Santa María, Palacio de las Veletas (Cáceres Museum), Palacio de Mayoralgo, Iglesia de San Francisco Javier, Arco de la Estrella, Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba, and Iglesia de San Mateo. Discover traces of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures that coexisted in Cáceres. Stroll through cobblestone streets surrounded by palaces and noble houses. Listen to legends living among the stones. See scenes from Game of Thrones and other productions. Guides waiting with RED UMBRELLAS. Spanish language. Suitable for reduced mobility, families with children, and pet-friendly. No minimum attendees, no additional cost. Tip-based from €0.
Free Tour Caceres: Mysteries & Legends:Duration: 1h 30min | Starting at Arco de La Estrella next to the tourist office, foot of stairs. Evening tour (7:00 PM) through the narrow streets of the historic center, discovering Cáceres through the mysteries of this medieval town. Learn the legend of the Monkey, the "Malsaborá," legend of Calle de la Amargura, Cristo Negro, with amazing anecdotes and curiosities from former tenants. Fun and mysterious exploration of the old town. Look for PINK UMBRELLA. Spanish language. Suitable for reduced mobility, families with children, and pet-friendly. No minimum attendees, no additional cost. Tip-based from €0.
Explore more free tours in Cáceres.
Getting There: Cáceres is 300 km west of Madrid. You can take a train from Madrid-Chamartín (4-5 hours) or catch a bus from Madrid, Seville, or Lisbon. There’s no commercial airport in Cáceres; the closest ones are in Badajoz (90 km away) and Madrid (300 km away).
Getting Around: Compact old town entirely walkable; Limited vehicle access within walls; Parking outside Ciudad Monumental (Plaza Mayor area); City buses for outer neighborhoods
Accommodation: Stay within or near the old town for atmosphere; Range from budget hostales to luxury paradores; Book ahead of time for Medieval Market and major festivals
Language: Spanish spoken; Limited English outside tourist sites; Basic Spanish helpful
Meal Times: Lunch 2-4pm, dinner 9-11pm, typical; Many restaurants closed Sunday evenings and Mondays
Safety: Very safe city; Normal precautions in crowded areas during festivals
Visit Duration: 1-2 days covers old town thoroughly; 3 days allows nearby excursions (Trujillo, Mérida, Los Barruecos)
Medieval Market: Annual Medieval Market of the Three Cultures held mid-November (4 days) with over 80 activities, crafts, food, music, cetrería, medieval combat, workshops
Cáceres has a continental Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, typical for inland Extremadura. Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit, with temperatures rising from 10-17°C (50-63°F) in March to 20-25°C (68-77°F) in May. Flowers bloom in the old town and countryside, and the weather is pleasant for sightseeing before the summer heat arrives. April and May are especially nice, with warm days and many local festivals. Summer (June to August) is very hot, with average highs of 30-34°C (86-93°F), peaking at about 34.5°C (94°F) in mid-July. Nights rarely drop below 19°C (67°F). There’s little rain in summer, so sightseeing is reliable, but it’s best to explore early in the morning or in the evening during July and August. Autumn (September to October) stays comfortable, with temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F) and some rain, making it good for outdoor activities and the Medieval Market in mid-November. September still feels like summer, while October is cooler and pleasant. Winter (December to February) is mild for Europe, with temperatures averaging 5-15°C (41-59°F) and some rain. It’s a quieter time to visit if you want to avoid crowds. January is the coldest month, with temperatures around 5-12°C (41-54°F).
Best visiting periods: April-June and September-October for optimal weather and manageable crowds. Mid-November attracts visitors for the Medieval Market festival.
Evidence from Maltravieso and El Conejar caves reveals human settlement near Cáceres since Paleolithic times. The Romans founded the city in 25 BC under the name Norbensis Caesarina, establishing it as a junction on a trade route. The original Roman forum occupied the site of the present-day Plaza de Santa María.
Following the Roman collapse, Cáceres became the subject of constant conflict between the Moors and Christians throughout the medieval period. Muslim forces constructed the defensive walls and approximately 30 towers still visible today during their occupation. Under Islamic rule, Cáceres flourished as a fortified settlement with sophisticated infrastructure, including the remarkable cistern beneath the modern museum. Christian forces briefly captured the city in 1147, but Moorish control resumed until King Alfonso IX of León definitively conquered Cáceres in 1229.
The Christian Reconquista transformed Cáceres into a political center for local nobles, who built the grand palaces and fortified houses that dominated the old town. The Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella stayed at Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo during their campaigns. Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities coexisted within the walls, each contributing architectural and cultural elements that created the unique blend recognized by UNESCO.
The 16th century, following Columbus's discovery of the Americas brought tremendous wealth to Cáceres. Many residents departed seeking fortune in the New World, returning with riches that funded construction of Renaissance and plateresque palaces throughout the old town. The connection to conquest appears in buildings like Palacio de Moctezuma, named for the Aztec emperor's daughter who married into local nobility.
The city remained relatively quiet and uneventful for the subsequent centuries, yet this isolation paradoxically preserved its medieval character. Unlike cities that modernized and destroyed historic quarters, Cáceres maintained its walls and ancient streets intact. UNESCO designated the Old Town of Cáceres a World Heritage Site in 1986 for its exceptional blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance architecture—one of Europe's most complete medieval ensembles. Today, Cáceres attracts filmmakers seeking authentic medieval settings, most famously Game of Thrones, which used the old town as King's Landing in Season 7.
What can you see in Cáceres in one day?
Explore Plaza Mayor and Torre de Bujaco; pass through the Arco de la Estrella; visit Plaza de Santa María with the Co-Cathedral; tour Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo; see the Arab cistern at the Cáceres Museum; wander the Jewish Quarter; and visit Plaza de San Jorge.
What are the best things to do in Cáceres?
Walk the UNESCO World Heritage old town, climb the Torre de Bujaco for views, visit the Co-Cathedral of Santa María and its bell tower, explore the Arab cistern at the museum, tour Renaissance palaces, wander the Jewish Quarter, try Torta del Casar cheese, take free walking tours, and visit during the Medieval Market in November.
When is the best time to visit Cáceres?
April-June offers ideal 15-25°C (59-77°F) temperatures with spring blooms and festivals; September-October provides comfortable weather with fewer crowds; avoid intense July-August heat exceeding 34°C (93°F); November Medieval Market attracts visitors despite cooler weather.
What should you eat in Cáceres?
Try Torta del Casar (creamy sheep cheese), migas extremeñas (fried breadcrumbs with pork), cochifrito extremeño (marinated fried pork), caldereta de cabrito (goat stew), chanfaina (organ meat stew), pestorejo (grilled pig parts), local sweets like floretas and técula mécula.
Why is Cáceres a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
UNESCO named Cáceres a World Heritage Site in 1986 because of its outstanding mix of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance architecture, all preserved within its medieval walls. It is one of the most complete historic ensembles in Europe.
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Cáceres?
Yes. Season 7, Episode 3 was filmed in Cáceres’ historic center, with the old town standing in for King’s Landing during Euron Greyjoy’s triumphal march. Nearby Los Barruecos was used for the battle scene between the Lannisters and Daenerys.
How many towers are in Cáceres?
Approximately 30 towers from the Islamic period still stand in Cáceres, with Torre de Bujaco the most famous.
Which tours are available in Cáceres?
Freetour.com offers a Fundamental Free Tour (1h 45min covering main monuments) and a Mysteries & Legends evening tour (1h 30min exploring medieval stories), both tip-based, starting at €0 in Spanish.
Quick Takeaway
Must-see sights: Ciudad Monumental (Old Town), Plaza Mayor, Arco de la Estrella, Torre de Bujaco, Co-Cathedral of Santa María, Cáceres Museum, Palace of the Golfines de Abajo
Typical daily budget: €40–60 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: April–June or September–October
Famous for: UNESCO World Heritage medieval old town, blend of Roman/Moorish/Gothic architecture, Torta del Casar cheese, Game of Thrones filming location, 30 Moorish towers
Top tours: Fundamental Free Tour of Cáceres, Free Tour Caceres: Mysteries & Legends, Free Tour of Cáceres: The City of Three Cultures
Plaza Mayor & Torre de Bujaco
Begin your exploration at Plaza Mayor, the historic market forum and gateway to the monumental core. This lively square, dominated by the town hall toward the south, serves as the perfect introduction to Cáceres' medieval character. Opposite the ayuntamiento stands Torre de Bujaco, an impressive Arab tower built on Roman foundations that once guarded the city's northwest flank. The 12th-century defensive tower represents one of approximately 30 Islamic-era towers still standing in Cáceres. Climb the tower for panoramic views across the old town's sea of terracotta roofs, palace facades, and church spires stretching toward distant Extremaduran plains. From Plaza Mayor, you can already glimpse Torre de la Yerba and other medieval structures emerging from the walled ensemble.
Practical Info: Plaza Mayor is free and accessible 24/7; Torre de Bujaco admission typically €2.50; hours vary seasonally; Allow 30-45 minutes.
Arco de la Estrella & Plaza de Santa María
Ascend the steps beside Torre de Bujaco and pass through Arco de la Estrella, the main gateway into the Ciudad Monumental. This 18th-century arch, built at an oblique angle to allow the passage of carriages, features a niche that shelters the statue of Nuestra Señora de la Estrella. Crossing this threshold transports you to medieval times—no modern signs disrupt the authentic atmosphere, which is why numerous films and TV series choose Cáceres as a filming location. A few steps beyond the arch brings you to Plaza de Santa María, the political and religious center of the old town since the 13th-century Reconquista. This architectural showcase features buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries surrounding the square. Before the medieval structures, this site hosted the Roman forum.
The plaza's crown jewel, the Co-Cathedral of Santa María la Mayor (Concatedral de Santa María), is a transitional Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece built between the 12th and 16th centuries. The church features three Gothic naves, remarkable Renaissance choir stalls, and an imposing altarpiece. Climb the bell tower for fantastic views spanning the monumental ensemble. Surrounding the cathedral stand exceptional noble residences: Palacio Provincial (Diputación de Cáceres) displaying a facade transplanted from the disappeared Seminary of Galarza, the 16th-century Palacio de los Mayoralgo, the 15th-century Gothic Casa de los Moraga, and the Renaissance Palacio Episcopal, where Felipe II lodged returning from Portugal. The Episcopal Palace features medallions in the doorway spandrels representing the Old and New Worlds.
Practical Info: Arco de la Estrella free access; Co-Cathedral entry typically €4, hours Mon-Sat 10am-2pm & 5pm-8pm (winter 4pm-7pm), Sun Mass times; Tower additional €1.50; Allow 1-2 hours for plaza exploration.
Palace of the Golfines de Abajo & Carvajal Palace
Visit Palace of the Golfines de Abajo (Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo), a stunning noble residence used as lodging by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. Now home to Fundación Tatiana Pérez de Guzmán el Bueno, the palace showcases a mix of plateresque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles on its facade. Two towers—one central, another flanking the entrance—feature machicolations and large windows. Interior highlights include the Salón de Linajes (Hall of Lineages) and a beautiful courtyard. The Palace Museum reveals the building's heritage following restoration.
Continue to the nearby Palacio de Carvajal, a Renaissance palace featuring a distinctive round tower and lovely gardens. The peaceful courtyard and architecture provide respite from exploration while showcasing 16th-century Extremaduran noble life.
Practical Info: Golfines de Abajo entry €5, hours vary; Carvajal Palace often free entry, Mon-Fri 10am-2pm & 5pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-2pm; Allow 45 minutes hour combined.
Cáceres Museum & Plaza de las Veletas
Discover Cáceres Museum (Museo de Cáceres) occupying two historic buildings on Plaza de las Veletas: Palacio de las Veletas and Casa de los Caballos. This exceptional museum traces Extremadura's heritage from the Paleolithic period through the Contemporary Age via rich collections of archaeology, ethnography, and visual arts. The museum's most remarkable feature—a 12th-century Arab cistern (aljibe) preserved beneath the palace—represents one of Spain's finest examples of Moorish hydraulic engineering, with its horseshoe arches reflected in still waters. The cistern originally supplied water to the Moorish settlement.
Practical Info: Museum entry FREE; Hours Tue-Sat 9am-2:30pm & 5pm-8pm (winter 4pm-7pm), Sun 10am-2:30pm, closed Mon; Allow 1-1.5 hours; Arab cistern highlight not to miss.
Jewish Quarter & Plaza de San Jorge
Stroll through Judería Vieja (the Old Jewish Quarter), where simple whitewashed houses give you a sense of Cáceres’ Sephardic heritage from Spain’s golden age of Jewish culture. The narrow streets keep the feeling of medieval times, showing how Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities once lived together. You’ll come out at Plaza de San Jorge, a lovely square with the Baroque Iglesia de San Francisco Javier (also known as Iglesia de la Preciosa Sangre). This 18th-century church, with its twin white towers, is one of the most photographed spots in Cáceres.
Practical Info: Free to explore; Evening particularly atmospheric; Allow 45 minutes-1 hour; Iglesia de San Francisco Javier usually open for Mass.
Major Landmarks & Museums
Palacio de Moctezuma: This palace is named after Isabel de Moctezuma, daughter of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II, who married into the Cano family. It shows the wealth that people brought back to Cáceres from the Americas in the 16th century and highlights the city’s link to the New World.
Casa del Sol (House of the Sun): This fortress-like house features the Solís family's sun emblem on its facade, making it one of the most photographed details in the old town.Palacio del Mayoralgo — 16th-century palace showcasing typical Extremaduran Renaissance architecture.
Casa de las Veletas: Beyond housing the museum, this palace preserves Gothic windows and towers characteristic of fortified noble residences.
Church of Santiago de los Caballeros: Dating to the 12th century with 14th-century remains, this church underwent 16th-century Renaissance restoration by master Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón.
Church of San Mateo: Another significant religious building within the old town featuring Gothic architecture.
Palacio de Godoy: Renaissance palace housing impressive architectural details
Maltravieso Caves: Found on the edge of Cáceres, these caves have Paleolithic paintings from the late Stone Age, showing that people lived here thousands of years before the Romans arrived.
Los Barruecos Natural Monument: Located in nearby Malpartida de Cáceres, this geological wonderland of giant granite boulders, carved by time and dotted with stork nests, served as a filming location for the Season 7 Game of Thrones battle between the Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen armies. The dramatic landscape was designated a Natural Monument in 1996.
Torta del Casar & Local Food
Extremaduran cuisine celebrates humble shepherds and pastoral traditions with intensely flavored dishes that showcase local ingredients. Torta del Casar represents the region's most famous product—a creamy sheep's milk cheese from nearby Casar de Cáceres with Protected Designation of Origin status. Made exclusively from Merino Entrefino sheep milk using vegetable rennet extracted from cardoon thistle (Cynara cardunculus), this cheese develops a semi-hard yellow rind enclosing pearly white, intensely aromatic interior so creamy it oozes through cracks in the rind. The unique production requires approximately 20 sheep per kilogram of milk. During aging before the rind fully forms, the cheese cannot support its own weight, becoming crushed and curved outward like a bread loaf (torta de pan), giving the cheese its name. Enjoy Torta del Casar spread on bread as an appetizer or dessert, always with good wine, savoring its characteristic slightly salty, slightly bitter flavor.
Migas extremeñas is Extremadura’s signature dish. It started as a shepherd’s breakfast made from stale bread, but now you’ll find it in restaurants all over Spain. The dish is made by frying breadcrumbs with pork fat, garlic, and paprika, and it’s often served with chorizo, bacon, peppers, and a fried egg for a hearty, crispy meal. Cochifrito extremeño is made from marinated pork, mixed with garlic, paprika, rosemary, oregano, olive oil, and salt, left to soak overnight, and then fried until crunchy. Caldereta de cabrito (goat stew) is another shepherd’s favorite, with goat meat slow-cooked with sweet peppers, onion, garlic, paprika, and white wine for at least an hour in an iron pot. Chanfaina uses organ meats for a rich, traditional dish. Pestorejo, which is grilled pig’s ears, snout, and jaw marinated in garlic and parsley, is a classic tapa in Mérida, even though it’s quite fatty.
Some of Extremadura’s traditional sweets are floretas (made with flour, almonds, eggs, lard, sugar, and anise), perrunillas (cinnamon-lemon cookies), técula mécula (chocolate-covered fig hearts), and bollos de chicharrones (pastries with pork cracklings).
Traditional restaurants and taverns cluster around Plaza Mayor and throughout the old town. Expect €10-18 per main course; full meal with wine €25-35.
Walking Tours
Fundamental Free Tour of Cáceres: Duration: 1h 45min | Starting at Plaza Mayor de Cáceres next to the big "CÁCERES" letters. Explore the three internal enclosures of the medieval city, visiting Palacio de Carvajal, Palace of the Golfines de Abajo, Palacio de Moctezuma, Cathedral of Santa María, Palacio de las Veletas (Cáceres Museum), Palacio de Mayoralgo, Iglesia de San Francisco Javier, Arco de la Estrella, Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba, and Iglesia de San Mateo. Discover traces of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures that coexisted in Cáceres. Stroll through cobblestone streets surrounded by palaces and noble houses. Listen to legends living among the stones. See scenes from Game of Thrones and other productions. Guides waiting with RED UMBRELLAS. Spanish language. Suitable for reduced mobility, families with children, and pet-friendly. No minimum attendees, no additional cost. Tip-based from €0.
Free Tour Caceres: Mysteries & Legends:Duration: 1h 30min | Starting at Arco de La Estrella next to the tourist office, foot of stairs. Evening tour (7:00 PM) through the narrow streets of the historic center, discovering Cáceres through the mysteries of this medieval town. Learn the legend of the Monkey, the "Malsaborá," legend of Calle de la Amargura, Cristo Negro, with amazing anecdotes and curiosities from former tenants. Fun and mysterious exploration of the old town. Look for PINK UMBRELLA. Spanish language. Suitable for reduced mobility, families with children, and pet-friendly. No minimum attendees, no additional cost. Tip-based from €0.
Explore more free tours in Cáceres.
Practical Tips
Getting There: Cáceres is 300 km west of Madrid. You can take a train from Madrid-Chamartín (4-5 hours) or catch a bus from Madrid, Seville, or Lisbon. There’s no commercial airport in Cáceres; the closest ones are in Badajoz (90 km away) and Madrid (300 km away).
Getting Around: Compact old town entirely walkable; Limited vehicle access within walls; Parking outside Ciudad Monumental (Plaza Mayor area); City buses for outer neighborhoods
Accommodation: Stay within or near the old town for atmosphere; Range from budget hostales to luxury paradores; Book ahead of time for Medieval Market and major festivals
Language: Spanish spoken; Limited English outside tourist sites; Basic Spanish helpful
Meal Times: Lunch 2-4pm, dinner 9-11pm, typical; Many restaurants closed Sunday evenings and Mondays
Safety: Very safe city; Normal precautions in crowded areas during festivals
Visit Duration: 1-2 days covers old town thoroughly; 3 days allows nearby excursions (Trujillo, Mérida, Los Barruecos)
Medieval Market: Annual Medieval Market of the Three Cultures held mid-November (4 days) with over 80 activities, crafts, food, music, cetrería, medieval combat, workshops
Weather in Cáceres
Cáceres has a continental Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, typical for inland Extremadura. Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit, with temperatures rising from 10-17°C (50-63°F) in March to 20-25°C (68-77°F) in May. Flowers bloom in the old town and countryside, and the weather is pleasant for sightseeing before the summer heat arrives. April and May are especially nice, with warm days and many local festivals. Summer (June to August) is very hot, with average highs of 30-34°C (86-93°F), peaking at about 34.5°C (94°F) in mid-July. Nights rarely drop below 19°C (67°F). There’s little rain in summer, so sightseeing is reliable, but it’s best to explore early in the morning or in the evening during July and August. Autumn (September to October) stays comfortable, with temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F) and some rain, making it good for outdoor activities and the Medieval Market in mid-November. September still feels like summer, while October is cooler and pleasant. Winter (December to February) is mild for Europe, with temperatures averaging 5-15°C (41-59°F) and some rain. It’s a quieter time to visit if you want to avoid crowds. January is the coldest month, with temperatures around 5-12°C (41-54°F).
Best visiting periods: April-June and September-October for optimal weather and manageable crowds. Mid-November attracts visitors for the Medieval Market festival.
Short History of Cáceres
Evidence from Maltravieso and El Conejar caves reveals human settlement near Cáceres since Paleolithic times. The Romans founded the city in 25 BC under the name Norbensis Caesarina, establishing it as a junction on a trade route. The original Roman forum occupied the site of the present-day Plaza de Santa María.
Following the Roman collapse, Cáceres became the subject of constant conflict between the Moors and Christians throughout the medieval period. Muslim forces constructed the defensive walls and approximately 30 towers still visible today during their occupation. Under Islamic rule, Cáceres flourished as a fortified settlement with sophisticated infrastructure, including the remarkable cistern beneath the modern museum. Christian forces briefly captured the city in 1147, but Moorish control resumed until King Alfonso IX of León definitively conquered Cáceres in 1229.
The Christian Reconquista transformed Cáceres into a political center for local nobles, who built the grand palaces and fortified houses that dominated the old town. The Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella stayed at Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo during their campaigns. Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities coexisted within the walls, each contributing architectural and cultural elements that created the unique blend recognized by UNESCO.
The 16th century, following Columbus's discovery of the Americas brought tremendous wealth to Cáceres. Many residents departed seeking fortune in the New World, returning with riches that funded construction of Renaissance and plateresque palaces throughout the old town. The connection to conquest appears in buildings like Palacio de Moctezuma, named for the Aztec emperor's daughter who married into local nobility.
The city remained relatively quiet and uneventful for the subsequent centuries, yet this isolation paradoxically preserved its medieval character. Unlike cities that modernized and destroyed historic quarters, Cáceres maintained its walls and ancient streets intact. UNESCO designated the Old Town of Cáceres a World Heritage Site in 1986 for its exceptional blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance architecture—one of Europe's most complete medieval ensembles. Today, Cáceres attracts filmmakers seeking authentic medieval settings, most famously Game of Thrones, which used the old town as King's Landing in Season 7.
FAQ about Cáceres
What can you see in Cáceres in one day?
Explore Plaza Mayor and Torre de Bujaco; pass through the Arco de la Estrella; visit Plaza de Santa María with the Co-Cathedral; tour Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo; see the Arab cistern at the Cáceres Museum; wander the Jewish Quarter; and visit Plaza de San Jorge.
What are the best things to do in Cáceres?
Walk the UNESCO World Heritage old town, climb the Torre de Bujaco for views, visit the Co-Cathedral of Santa María and its bell tower, explore the Arab cistern at the museum, tour Renaissance palaces, wander the Jewish Quarter, try Torta del Casar cheese, take free walking tours, and visit during the Medieval Market in November.
When is the best time to visit Cáceres?
April-June offers ideal 15-25°C (59-77°F) temperatures with spring blooms and festivals; September-October provides comfortable weather with fewer crowds; avoid intense July-August heat exceeding 34°C (93°F); November Medieval Market attracts visitors despite cooler weather.
What should you eat in Cáceres?
Try Torta del Casar (creamy sheep cheese), migas extremeñas (fried breadcrumbs with pork), cochifrito extremeño (marinated fried pork), caldereta de cabrito (goat stew), chanfaina (organ meat stew), pestorejo (grilled pig parts), local sweets like floretas and técula mécula.
Why is Cáceres a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
UNESCO named Cáceres a World Heritage Site in 1986 because of its outstanding mix of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance architecture, all preserved within its medieval walls. It is one of the most complete historic ensembles in Europe.
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Cáceres?
Yes. Season 7, Episode 3 was filmed in Cáceres’ historic center, with the old town standing in for King’s Landing during Euron Greyjoy’s triumphal march. Nearby Los Barruecos was used for the battle scene between the Lannisters and Daenerys.
How many towers are in Cáceres?
Approximately 30 towers from the Islamic period still stand in Cáceres, with Torre de Bujaco the most famous.
Which tours are available in Cáceres?
Freetour.com offers a Fundamental Free Tour (1h 45min covering main monuments) and a Mysteries & Legends evening tour (1h 30min exploring medieval stories), both tip-based, starting at €0 in Spanish.
