Extremadura

This is one of the most beautiful, and perhaps least known, regions of inland Spain. Its beautiful cities, first Roman and Moorish, then medieval and aristocratic, gave birth to many of the conquistadors - conquerors of the New World.

Extremadura is a large and sparsely populated region in the west of Spain, bordering central Portugal and consisting of two provinces, both of which bear the name of their main town. Cáceres, to the north, has a fascinating old quarter, ringed by old Moorish walls and superb watchtowers. Nearby, Plasencia is home to a splendid Gothic cathedral, old medieval walls and beautiful Baroque and Renaissance palaces. And the attractive town of Trujillo, the birthplace of Pizzaro, the conqueror of Peru, has palaces, churches and a bustling town square. 

To the south is Badajoz, the second province and the largest in Spain. With its fortified main town and Alcazaba (citadel), the city of Badajoz is located on the Vía de la Plata (Silver Route), an old pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela used during the Middle Ages. Located on this route, Mérida is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Spain. Indeed, the city boasts more Roman remains than any other city, including a Roman theatre and amphitheatre, a Roman bridge spanning over 800 metres long, with 60 arches, Roman villas and the Museum of Roman Art.

Extremadura has two provinces: Badajoz and Cáceres.

Places of interest

Alcántara: Six-arched Roman bridge, castle, mansions.

Corio: Quiet old town enclosed by 4th-century Roman walls, cathedral.

Cuacos de Yuste: Town with 15th-century Jeronimos Monastery.

Guadalupe: Old pilgrimage centre, church and monastery.

Jerez de los Caballeros: Birthplace of various conquistadors.

Olivenza: Town with strong Portuguese influence, castle, ethnographic museum, 17th-century church.

Pedroso de Acim: Convento del Palancar– said to be the smallest monastery in theworld.

Cuisine of the region

Local cuisine includes Iberian cured ham and a variety of cheeses; Torta del Casar, La Serena, Ibores, Gata and Cabra del Tietar. Game abounds in this region (partridge, pigeon, turtle dove, rabbit, hare, wild boar, deer) served with wild mushrooms, truffles or wild asparagus. Honey, thyme, heather, rosemary, lavender, lime and eucalyptus are used to prepare a great variety of desserts.

Alfeñiques: caramel dessert.

Nuégados: egg yolk and orange buns.

Perrunillas: small round cakes.

Rosquillas: ring-shaped biscuits.

Técula-mécula: cinnamon, almond and tea.