Caceres Spain. Caceres is a city from the Middle Ages. A brief excursion into history
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Cáceres(Caceres) or Kasris(Caçris) in the local dialect is a city in western Spain (about 100 thousand inhabitants) and the capital of the province of the same name, which is part of the autonomous community of Extremadra (comunidad autónoma de Extremadura).
The historic part of Cáceres (old town) has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. This area is a real open-air museum, where many original buildings built in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance have been preserved. Among them stand out: Concatedrale of Santa Maria(Concatedral de Santa Maria), weathercock palace or Veletas(Palacio de las Veletas) - there is a provincial museum (Museo provincial de Cáceres) -, palaces of the Golfines family(palacios de los Golfines) - Queen Isabella stayed in one of them -, House of Sun(Casa del Sol), Buhako tower(Torre de Bujaco). However, this is far from a complete list of noteworthy objects of the historical heritage of Cáceres. The general structure of the old city has not undergone significant changes: it is surrounded by a fortress wall, the streets are narrow, many of them end in dead ends.
According to the docs, Cáceres owes its birth to the Roman legions who came here in the 1st century BC. However, they were not the first settlers. More ancient traces of human presence keeps Maltravieso cave(Cueva de Maltravieso), where many colored prints of human hands were found. This "artistic" work was created many thousands of years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic period. In a nearby cave El Conejar(El Conejar) archaeologists have found ceramics and stone tools of the Neolithic era (VI-V millennium BC). They are displayed in the local museum.
In 34 BC. military camp turned into a Roman colony "Norba Caesarina"("Norba Caesarina"). "Norba" - after the name of the hometown of the founder of Cáceres - the Roman commander Cayo Norbano Flaco. The second part - "Caesarina" - was added in order to perpetuate the memory of Gaius Julius Caesar. At that time, legions were stationed in the city, providing control over the strategic road "Via de la Plata" (Vía de la Plata), which passed between Mérida and Astorga. The Romans built roads not for centuries, but for millennia. Sections of the "path", preserved in the Caceres area, serve as a clear confirmation of this. Is in the city and an authentic section of a Roman wall.
After the death of the ancient empire, the Visigoths (5th century) ravaged the Roman city, and Norba Caesarina disappeared from history for 300 years. The Arabs, who invaded the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, appreciated the strategic position of the place and began to use it as well as the Romans - as a base for raids on Christian-controlled territories. It is in the documents of the Arab period that the name appears "Casires"("Cazires"). By the way, the Moors are the "culprits" of another modern name - the old Roman road Via de la Plata. It arose from the Arabic word - road - "balata", which was transformed into "fee".
In the XII century, the Christian reconquest (reconquest of lands) gained momentum, the Moors went on the defensive. The defenses of Cáceres underwent a major upgrade. Then new walls were erected, equipped with adarve * (* special passages for the transfer of troops inside the fortress). Despite these innovations, the Christians took the city twice (1166 and 1169-1174), but could not keep it. Only in the thirteenth century Alfonso IX, King of León, finally took possession of Cáceres. The city fell on April 23, 1229, the day of St. George. Since then, he has been revered by the townspeople as the patron saint of Cáceres.
Caceres was declared a free city, where power was exercised by a council of 12 elected rehidors. Very soon there were local "Montagues and Capulets". One party consisted of immigrants from Leon, with Galicians and Asturians who joined them, and the other - Castilians. City wars often broke out between the two factions. It is not surprising that the dwellings of the illustrious citizens of that period looked more like castles, with the main tower and loopholes instead of windows. Some have survived, however, most of the house fortifications were destroyed by order of Isabella the Catholic. In this way, the queen punished the "infidel" subjects who opposed her in a dynastic dispute. In addition, Caceres lost the status of a free city and came under the control of the crown (1477).
After the discovery of the New World, the real flowering of Caceres began, fed by a continuous flow of gold from America. Warlike hidalgos from La Vetusta del Sur took an active part in the conquest. The looted valuables of the Incas and Aztecs went to the construction and decoration of most of the churches and palaces of Cáceres, one of which belonged to the Toledo-Montezuma family. This surname is related by blood to the last Aztec emperor.
When the gold ran out, Caceres fell into a lethargic sleep. Even the awarding of the title of the capital of Upper Extremadura (1822) could not wake up the city. Some revival came in the second half of the 19th century, when a large deposit of phosphates was discovered in the vicinity of the city. The railway came to Caceres.
With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, the city took the side of the rebels, and immediately found itself at the epicenter of events. For some time, Franco's headquarters were located here, from where he led the first phase of the attack on Madrid. The city housed a school of tankers, and the planes of the Condor squadron were based at the local airfield. It may seem strange, but Cáceres was practically unharmed during the war.
In the 20th century, the diocese of Coria received a second capital - Caceres, and the church of St. Mary became a concatedrale.
Despite its venerable age, Cáceres is full of young faces, because one of the 4 campuses of the University of Extremadura (1973) is located here. Maybe that's why Cáceres lives a very dynamic cultural life. It hosts many festivals, including one of the nine annual meetings WOMAD(World Of Music, Arts & Dance - World of Music, Arts and Dance). The event has been held since 1982 at the initiative of Peter Gabriel.
Cáceres people know a lot about good food. In a relatively small town, the real star of gourmet cuisine burns - the Atrium restaurant, which is known even outside of Spain.
most popular shops, where they sell not only souvenirs, but also goods of famous world brands (clothes, shoes, perfumes, jewelry, etc.), are on the streets of Pintores(pintores) Moret(Moret) and Roso de Luna(Roso de Luna). You can buy local products in the free market, which appears every Wednesday on the Ronda de la Pizarra (Ronda de la Pizarra).
Climate of Cáceres belongs to the continental type, which is characterized by a large difference in summer and winter temperatures. However, the proximity of Cáceres to the Atlantic Ocean somewhat softens this unpleasant feature. During the winter months, temperatures in Cáceres rarely drop below 10°C. Sometimes there are "strong" cooling down to 4 ° C, there are short-term frosts. July is the hottest summer month with a maximum average temperature of 33°C. During this period, on some days the air can warm up up to 40°C and higher. The annual rainfall is 500 mm, which is quite small. Most rain falls in December(90 mm), minimum - for July(7 mm). Quite a lot of precipitation in the form of intermittent rains falls in October, November, March, April and May.
HOW TO GET TO AND MOVEMENT IN THE CITY
Cáceres is connected to other cities in Spain by rail and bus. There is no commercial airport in the city yet.
Train Station located at the address: Avenida Juan Pablo II, 6. Bus lines L1 and L4 stop near it. Bus station located 300 meters from the railway station, at the address: calle Túnez, 1.
The historical part of the city of Cáceres is very compact, so tourists practically do not have to resort to public transport services. It does not follow from this that it does not exist. There are in the city 9 regular bus routes, 2 nightly (from Saturday to Sunday), as well as a number of special ones.
Caceres has 75 taxi(data for 2009). Taxi ranks are available at both stations (railway and bus), as well as on the Avenue of Spain (Avenida de España, 7), America's Square (Plaza de América) and in some other places.
FOOD
The gastronomic preferences of the inhabitants of Cáceres are quite diverse. In their diet there are almost all types of products: meat, fish, numerous vegetables. In local recipes, the influence of the Moors and Sephardim (Jews of the Iberian Peninsula) is noticeable. Home cooking shows an obvious connection with the traditional food of the peasants. The sophisticated cuisine of a number of nearby monasteries, such as San Benito de Alcántara, Yuste and Guadalupe, has added a peculiar shade to the tastes of the inhabitants of Cáceres. The brothers left to their descendants entire collections containing original recipes for cooking game and desserts.
A special charm of many dishes is given by local products grown in areas of special geographical origin, such as: Iberian pig meat, beef, lamb, olive oil, red peppers, wine, cheeses, cherries and honey.
There are many restaurants in the city that serve a lot of interesting dishes. The recipes combine tradition and a modern approach to gastronomy. Locals especially love:
Chanfine(Chanfaina) - roast from the insides of lamb (in Extremadura);
Gazpacho from Caceres(Gazpacho cacereño) includes tomato, onion, cucumber, pepper, olive oil, salt, bread and water;
Frith(Frite) - the main ingredient of the dish is lamb or goat stew;
Patatas en escabeche con tencas(Patatas en escabeche con tencas) - tench (river fish) marinated with potatoes;
Caldereta estremenya(Caldereta extremeña) - thick stew;
Monastic desserts(Dulces conventuales) including "bones of the saint" (huesos de santo) from almonds;
Torta del Casar cheese(Torta del Casar);
Escabechera vision(Escabechera navideña) - roast turtledove (game) and marinated cod;
HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
Religious procession in memory of the Holy Martyrs San Fabian and San Sebastian(Romería de los Santos Mártires San Fabián y San Sebastián) takes place on the Sunday closest to January 20th. On this day, anise donuts (roscas de anís) are traditionally prepared and eaten;
Las Candelas and San Blas(Las Candelas y San Blas) is celebrated from 1 to 3 February. Accompanied by religious processions and traditional music. Holy Week of Caceres(Semana Santa Cacerena) classified as a holiday of international tourist importance. Some cofradia (brotherhoods of believers) are among the oldest in Spain. The statutes of the brotherhoods of the Nazarene (Nazareno) and Misaricordia (Misericordia) were adopted in 1464, the Black Christ - 1490, the Holy Spirit - 1493. Up to 3000 people take part in the processions of the Holy Week of Cáceres. The most colorful and unusual is the procession of the Brotherhood of the Black Christ, which takes place in the historical part of the city and repeats medieval rituals. The processional image of this cophradia (pasos) was created in the 14th century. During the year it is kept in one of the chapels of the Church of St. Mary (Santa Iglesia Concatedral de Santa María).
Saint George's Day(San Jorge) is celebrated on April 23, but the holiday begins the day before. On April 22, in the afternoon, a lot of interesting things happen: the parade and the "battle" of the Moors and Christians, the burning of the dragon in the main square (Plaza Mayor). There is also a theatrical performance dedicated to the history of the conquest of the city by King Alfonso IX.
Adoration of the Maiden of the Mountain(Romería de la Virgen de la Montaña) is part of the feast in honor of the city's patron saint. The image of the Immaculate Virgin, accompanied by believers, "moves" from its sanctuary to the main temple of Cáceres (Concatedral de Santa María).
Feast of the Virgin of the Mountain(Fiesta de Nuestra Sª. de la Montaña), in honor of the patron saint of the city, is celebrated on the first Sunday of May.
May Fair(Feria de Mayo) is the main city fair of Cáceres, which was founded by King Alfonso IX of Leon. Since 1896 it takes place from 28 to 30 May.
WOMAD Festival(organized by the international organization World Of Music, Arts & Dance) is held in May. Festival events are held inside the historical part of the city.
Caceres Pop Art(Cáceres Pop-Art) takes place in September. Artistic searches in all areas of pop culture fall into the field of view of the organizers: music, fine arts, photography, cinema, literature, fashion, comics.
Village Amex(Aldea de la Amex) is held in September. A festival dedicated to gypsy culture is organized by the Society of Musicians of Extremadura (Asociación de Músicos de Extremadura).
Traditional Irish Music Festival Cáceres Irish Fleadh takes place in November. Concerts of Celtic music are held in pubs and theater venues in the city.
Festival of the West(Festival del Oeste) - the first week of July, with the participation of groups working in the styles of hard rock, heavy metal, punk rock.
Festival of Early Ibero-American Music(Festival de Música Antigua Iberoamericana) - September. Concerts of early music are held in churches and palaces of the historical part of the city.
Festival of Classical Theater in Caceres(Festival de Teatro Clásico de Cáceres) - June.
Southern Forum. Contemporary Iberoamerican Art Fair(Foro Sur. Feria de Arte Iberoamericano Contemporáneo) - April. This art market is the second largest in Spain, after ARCO.
medieval market(Mercado Medieval) is organized in November. On the stalls that appear on the squares of the historical center, you can buy a lot of unusual things (souvenirs, local products, etc.). The marketplace is accompanied by theatrical performances, in which not only artists participate, but also sellers dressed in period costumes. "Spectators" do not lag behind them: Moors, Christians, Jews - all are dressed in appropriate costumes.
ATTRACTION
The historical center of Caceres can be divided into two large zones, the boundary between which is the city wall. The largest number of known historical monuments is located in the part that hides inside the defensive wall (parishes at the churches of Santa Maria and San Mateo). Outside there are two more parishes (Santiago and San Juan), which also belong to the historical center.
1. Churches and monasteries:
Concatedral of Our Lady (Concatedral de Santa María de Cáceres);
Church of St. Francis Xavier (Iglesia de San Francisco Javier);
Church of St. Matthew (Matheo / Iglesia de San Mateo);
church and monastery of St. Dominic (Domingo / Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo);
Paz Chapel (Ermita de la Paz);
Monastery of St. Peter (Convento de San Pablo);
Monastery of St. Clara (Convento de Santa Clara)
2. Palaces and houses of noble people:
Bishop's Palace (Palacio Episcopal);
Palace Golfines de Abajo (Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo);
Palace of Carvajal (Palacio de Carvajal);
Sigueñas Palace (Palacio de las Cigüeñas);
Veletas Palace (Palacio de las Veletas);
House of Solis (Casa de los Solís) or House of the Sun (Casa del Sol);
Palace Golfines de Arriba (Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba);
Palace of Toledo-Montezuma (Palacio de Toledo-Moctezuma);
Palace of the Comendador Alcuéscar (Palacio del Comendador de Alcuéscar);
Isla Palace (Palacio de la Isla);
Palace of Francisco Godoy (Palacio de Francisco de Godoy);
Palace of the Generala (Palacio de la Generala);
Ovando House (Casa de los Ovando);
House of Becerra (Casa de los Becerra);
House of Cáceres Ovando (Casa de los Cáceres Ovando);
House House Sánchez Paredes (Casa de los Sánchez Paredes);
House Paredes Saavedra (Casa de los Paredes Saavedra);
House of Lorenzo Ulloa (Casa de Lorenzo de Ulloa);
House of Saavedra (Casa de los Saavedra);
House of Aldana (Casa de Aldana);
House of Ovando Perero (Casa de los Ovando Perero);
House of the Monkey (Mono/Casa del Mono);
House Moragas (Casa de Moragas);
Ribeira House (Casa de los Ribera);
House of Caballos (Casa de los Caballos);
House Pereros (Casa de los Pereros).
3. Arches and gates leading to the historical part of the city:
Arch of the Star (Arco de la Estrella);
Arch of Christ (Arco del Cristo);
Arch of Santa Ana (Arco de Santa Ana) and the Gate of Postigo (Puerta del Postigo);
Portillon on Piñuelas Square (Portillo de la Plaza de las Piñuelas);
Merida Gate (Puerta de Mérida);
Pizarro Gate (Puerta de Pizarro);
Gate Coria (Puerta de Coria).
4. Defense towers
Almost all the defensive towers located inside the city limits were demolished by order of Isabella the Catholic. The local nobility was punished for the support they provided to another contender for the throne (Juan Beltraneja). Tower of the Palace of Cáceres Owando(Cáceres-Ovando) is one of the few exceptions. This tower has a second, popular name - Stork Tower(Torre de las Siguenas/Torre de las Cigüeñas). Birds regularly nest on its crown.
Other towers:
Buhako (Torre de Bujaco);
Pulpitos (Torre de los Púlpitos);
Adosada (Torre Adosada) - in the eastern sector of the city wall, near San Roque street (calle San Roque);
Aire (Torre del Aire) - in the northeastern sector of the city wall, between Obras Pias and Ornillo streets (calles Obras Pías and Hornillo);
Albarrana (Torre Albarrana, Pizarro street / calle Hernando Pizarro);
Aver (Torre del Aver) or Ved (Ved) or Postigo (del Postigo) on Postigo Street (calle Postigo), XII century;
Cotaja (Torre Cotaja) or Alijibes (de los Aljibes) - in the eastern sector of the wall;
Horno (Torre del Horno), XII century. - located in the center of the western sector of the wall and is perfectly visible from Piñuelas Square (plaza de las Piñuelas);
Mochada (Torre Mochada), XIII century. - at the end of the street of the same name;
Ochavada (Torre Ochavada), XII century. - on the northeast corner of the fortress wall, at the end of Obras Pias street (calle Obras Pías);
Yerba (Torre de la Yerba), XII century. - in the northeastern sector of the wall, well viewed from the main square (Plaza Mayor).
Other attractions:
The main square (Plaza Mayor) is the main entrance to the territory of the historical center. On it is the city hall, built in 1867-89;
Forum Balbos (Foro de los Balbos) with a copy of the Roman statue of the Genius Androgyne;
Santa Maria Square (Plaza de Santa María), which overlooks the Concatedral of Our Lady (Concatedral de Santa María), the Bishop's Palace (Palacio Episcopal), the Mayoralgo Palace (Palacio de los Mayoralgo) and the Hernando Ovando Palace (Palacio de Hernando de Ovando);
San Jorge Square (Plaza de San Jorge);
San Mateo Square (Plaza de San Mateo) near the church of the same name (Iglesia de San Mateo);
Fragment of a Roman wall (muralla romana);
House Museum of the Moor (Casa-Museo Árabe Yusuf al Burch);
Old Hooderia (Jewish Quarter/Judería Vieja);
Cáceres Virtual Culture Center (Centro de Cultura Virtual de Cáceres).
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Caceres is an ancient Spanish city located in the autonomous community of Extremadura near the border with Portugal. The streets and squares of Cáceres can easily be mistaken for scenery for some film about medieval Europe: almost the entire original city center built in the 11th-15th centuries has been preserved here. Tourists come here for walks through the pages of the distant past, unique local cuisine and a pleasant warm climate.
Every year at the end of May, the traditional May Fair is held, founded by King Leon Alfonso IX in 1896.
For several centuries, the Romans ruled in Caceres: the period of their possession also accounts for the official date of the founding of the city, 29 AD. e. The Arab Caliphate, which replaced the Romans, made the region an important trading and strategic point. The Moors erected fortress walls, towers and fortifications, some of which have survived to this day. In the 13th century, the city passed into the hands of the Burgundian dynasty and has belonged to the Spanish crown ever since.
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How to get to Caceres
Caceres is located almost at the same distance from the two capitals of the Iberian Peninsula - Madrid and Lisbon (about 300 km). The nearest major airport is located in Badajoz (120 km), from where it is easy to get to Cáceres by bus or taxi, but from both capitals you need to fly with a transfer, and tickets are not cheap.
There is a bus service to almost all cities in Spain (Alsa company, official website in English), and from Madrid and Lisbon you can get there with Avanzabus company (official website in English). Between the Spanish and Portuguese capitals and Caceres runs a comfortable train of the Spanish monopoly Renfe (off. site in English), the journey which will take about 4 hours and will cost 45-70 EUR. Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Search for flights to Madrid (nearest airport to Cáceres)
Public transport
In Caceres, a fairly large city, there are 11 day and night bus lines covering its entire territory. In the medieval city center, of course, it is easier and more interesting to move around on foot, although some city buses call there. Taxis can be called from a hotel or restaurant or caught on the street; there are special parking lots at the railway and bus stations, on Avenida de Espana and on one of the central squares of Plaza de America. There are several bike rentals in the city, but there is no infrastructure for cyclists in the old center, and narrow streets and large paving stones make the task even more difficult.
Accommodation
Although Caceres is considered a popular tourist city, the lack of beaches significantly reduces the cost of living. A bed in a hostel will cost 32-44 EUR per day, almost the same amount will cost a single room in a small hotel. A double room with breakfast near the city center can be rented for 40-50 EUR. The price for a double room in a luxury hotel in an old building reaches 370-420 EUR. Hotels 3-4 * usually keep their own small restaurant and organize excursions for guests.
Cuisine and restaurants of Caceres
Cáceres, which has been recognized more than once as the gastronomic capital of the year, impresses with a variety of dishes and many old recipes carefully preserved by the locals. Until the 13th century, the city belonged to the Arabs, so the gastronomic traditions of the region have a Moorish tinge. The national cuisine was also influenced by the Sephardim (Spanish Jews) and various monastic orders, whose cloisters still stand around Cáceres.
Here they mastered unusual ways of cooking fish, vegetables, meat, during the period of Spanish possession - Iberian pork. The fish in Caceres is river, so the taste of dishes from it is strikingly different from the Mediterranean. Soup is a frequent guest on the table: you will be happy to cook gazpacho or stew "caldereta extrema". Be sure to try "chanfaina", made from the insides of a sheep, and "frite" stew (young sheep or goat). For cheese connoisseurs, it would be remiss not to try the Casar Torte, a rare and interesting sheep cheese made in Caceres since the 13th century. For a meat or fish dish in a good restaurant, they will ask 30-40 EUR, for a vegetable or snack - 10-12 EUR. The average check in a fast food cafe is 8-12 EUR.
Entertainment and attractions
The old center of Cáceres, surrounded by walls, in 1986 was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is better to start a walk through the ancient city from the main square (Plaza mayor), where locals like to gather for outdoor gatherings and conversations. The Star Arch (Arco de la Estrella), connected with the Bujaco Tower (Torre de Bujaco), leads from here deep into the old city - authentic buildings of the 12th-15th centuries. The next stop is St. Mary's Square (Plaza de Santa Maria), where several major attractions are located at once: the Cathedral of St. Mary, deeply revered by the Spaniards, the Gothic palaces of Carvajal and the Bishop's, the House of Hernando de Ovando and others. On the small, but extremely picturesque plasolette of Saint Jorge (Plaza de San Jorge), there is a bronze statue of Saint Jorge and the Dragon, dedicated to the patron saint of Cáceres. From here you can also see the facade of the 18th century Jesuit church of St. Francisco and the House of Becerra, built in the 15th century in the Gothic style.
The building of the Palace of Weathercocks houses the Historical Museum of Cáceres, which contains a collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits.
There are no less interesting places in the upper part of the old city. Try to find the amazing triptych of Cáceres - three interconnected squares of the city, Plaza de San Mateo, Plaza de San Pablo and Plaza de las Veletas. They are surrounded by religious and secular architectural masterpieces: the Church of St. Mateo, the Palace of Storks, the Palace of Weathercocks, the Monastery of St. Paul, the House of the Sun. A walk around Caceres can take several days if you visit all the historical and gastronomic sights of the center. Most churches, monasteries, palaces and towers can be entered, schedules and prices depend on the season.
The first people appeared on the territory of the modern city in the late Paleolithic era. Nearby there are caves where rock paintings more than 10 thousand years old were found.
Casares is a municipality that is part of the Llanos de Cáceres region of the province of Cáceres in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura. The city is the judicial capital of the entire region. This municipality is the largest in area in Spain. The Spanish capital Madrid is 290 kilometers away.
History of the city of Caceres
Drawings from the Upper Paleolithic era have been found in caves near the city. Many artifacts found by archaeologists date back to the Neolithic era. In Roman times, the Norba Caesarina colony was founded here, on the major road Via de la Plata. The date of foundation of the city is considered to be 29 AD. Around the 5th century, the Visigoths destroyed the Roman settlement, and there was no news about the city until the 8th-9th centuries. The incoming Muslims appreciated the convenient strategic position of the former Roman colony for confrontation with Christian lands in the north.
In 1229, during the reconquista, the city was liberated from the Moors and included in the Castilian kingdom. In 1790, Carlos IV established here the headquarters of the Royal Auditorium of Extremadura, the highest judicial body of the region, thereby giving impetus to the prosperity of the city. In 1822 Caceres became the capital of the province of the same name.
In 1936, General Franco chose this city as a gathering place for revolutionary forces. Throughout the Civil War, his family lived in the city, which he saw only after the capture of Madrid and the end of the war.
Caceres on the world map
Attractions of the city of Caceres
The historical part of this ancient city has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1986. Its squares, temples, arches, towers, houses of nobility, quarters and streets are unique architectural objects that are worth significant tourist attention.
In addition to the old town, the following places are worth noting, which are only a small part of the attractions of Caceres:
- Church of Santiago;
- Church of San Juan Bautista;
- Plaza de Toros;
- Chalet Malaga;
- Cave of Santa Ana;
- Caceres el Viejo;
- Via de la Plata.
Ancient medieval castles:
- Castillo de las Arguijuelas de Abajo;
- Castillo de las Arguiulas de Arriba;
- Castillo de Salor;
- Castle of Castillo de las Seguras;
- Castillo de Castellanos.
Among the museums of Cáceres stand out:
- Museum of Caceres;
- Museum of History and Culture "Casa Pedrilla";
- House Museum "Guayasamín".
Caceres has many old streets that cross the city, hermitages of various eras, garden parks, astronomical observatories, theaters.
City population and notable residents of Cáceres
According to statistics for 1900, 16,933 people lived in Caceres. The entire XX-XXI centuries. The population is growing dynamically and in 2017 the city is home to 95,917 residents. This city is a major economic, industrial and tourist center of the region. The local population works in the livestock industry, in textile, ceramic, and pharmaceutical enterprises.
Among the famous residents, Diego Gonzalez Holguin stands out - a missionary, Jesuit, compiler of the dictionary and grammar of the Quechua language.
The climate of Caceres
The city is dominated by a Mediterranean climate in its continental variety. The average annual temperature is 16.5 degrees. In winter, on average, about 10 degrees Celsius. December is considered the rainiest month and July the driest. The municipality of Cáceres is part of the natural area of Los Llanos de Cáceres. Cáceres includes eight Special Protection Areas for Birds (ZEPA).
Caceres is one of the oldest cities in Spain with a huge historical heritage. This city constantly attracts many tourists who can get acquainted with the superbly preserved architecture of the city.
The history of Caseros is similar to the history of the whole, where for many centuries the Romans, the Arabs, the Visigoths, and even the Moors managed to visit and manage. But I will not hit such deep historical knowledge, whoever needs it, I think, can easily find all this on the relevant sites. I'm just going to talk about one day in this Spanish town, which is not quite in the center of the tourist route.Church of Santa Maria.
The first thing we encountered here was a complete lack of understanding of the English language, which we more or less know. Problems with the language appeared in the first cafe that came across, where we prepared to eat. We couldn't explain to the waiter what we needed. And everything happened like this: I ask if you speak English, the waiter answers with a smile, “yes” and we start a conversation with him, explaining that we want meat and beer. From all that was said, he understands only beer and nods his head, but at the same time he continues to stand at our table with a notebook and smile. Again I ask if everything is clear to him and he again answers “yes”, smiles and continues to stand at the table. This would have continued for I don’t know how long, until a young Spanish student and a girl came to our aid, who explained to us in English that the waiter didn’t understand what we had been talking to him for about fifteen minutes. In short, only thanks to the guys, we found out that we can’t wait for meat here, since for this we need to order a couple more dishes in addition, and meat is not served here separately. In general, we went to dinner elsewhere.
There is another feature in Caceres, which is that during the siesta you will not eat anywhere, because. all food outlets, I emphasize all, are closed until 17.00. So keep that in mind.
So let's get back to Caseros tourist. What is worth seeing here and where to go. First of all, this is Holy Week, when the brotherhoods of believers arrange a procession, where in the process the members of this brotherhood carry the so-called “passos” on their shoulders, which are some kind of elegantly decorated platform with figures of revered saints and scenes from divine stories. These platforms are carried by several members of the brotherhood at once, of which there are only twelve, and in total they have more than three thousand members. Moreover, they are carried in swing to the beat of drums or the ringing of bells in accordance with Castilian traditions and customs. The procession occupies the entire street and stretches for several hundred meters. There may be several such processions and they take place in the month of April. You will be very lucky if you get to this holiday.
Sculptures of members of the brotherhood.
In such outfits a procession passes. Each brotherhood has its own color of costumes.
And this is the handle of the stretcher, which is placed on the shoulder. Everyone can come up and try to lend a shoulder and feel the burden the members of the brotherhood bear during the procession.
This is what the procession itself looks like at night. Layout.
The most colorful procession is the procession of the Brotherhood of the Black Christ, accompanied by medieval rituals. In mid-April, many tourists and Spaniards from the surrounding area gather in Caceres, and if you want to see and participate in this holiday, then it is advisable to book a hotel in advance.
All members of the fraternity are dressed in peculiar costumes, reminiscent of the clothes of the Kuk-Lus-Klan, but differ in the color of the hats.
In one of the courtyards. You can freely go into such a courtyard and see everything for yourself.
What to see in Caceres.
Church of St. Francis Xavier (Iglesia de San Francisco Javier).
George the Victorious.
It is a symbol of many countries and cities, including Greece, Georgia, Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Portugal and England. Including Moscow. In Caceres, George the Victorious symbolizes the victory over Islam. For some, this will seem strange. Yes, all religion is strange. In particular, in Spain, the fires of the Inquisition burned, destroying the souls of many innocent people. Interestingly, George the Victorious is also revered among Muslims under the name Girgis.
