Page 407 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

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EXTREMADURA

Cáceres • Badajoz

Of all the Spanish regions, far-flung Extremadura – “the
land beyond the River Douro” – is the most unspoiled.
Green sierras run southwards through rolling hills strewn
with boulders, while forests and reservoirs shelter rare
wildlife. Even the towns, with their atmospheric old quarters
and storks nesting on spires and bell towers, exude a
romantic, slow-paced charm.

Extremadura was the birthplace of many Cancho Roano and a Roman bridge at
conquistadors and emigrants to the Alcántara. Trujillo, Zafra and Jerez de los
New World; the riches they found there Caballeros have medieval and Renaissance
financed a surge of building. Guadalupe quarters; and there are small, splendidly
monastery, in the eastern hills, is the decorated cathedrals in Plasencia, Coria
most splendid monument to the region’s and Badajoz. The castles and stout walls
New World ties. of Alburquerque and Olivenza mark
The region has three UNESCO World frontiers embattled through history.
Heritage sites, including the towns of Whether you visit for its architecture,
Mérida and Cáceres. The former is home to gastronomy, history or nature, Extremadura
some of Spain’s finest Roman architecture, makes the perfect off­the­beaten­track
including an aqueduct and a magnificent destination. Charming villages are scattered
theatre. The old town of Cáceres, with its throughout the valleys of the north, where
ancient walls, winding streets and nobles’ small rivers and streams create natural
mansions, is still marvellously intact. pools that provide swimming oppor­
Other Classical remains dot the country­ tunities during the region’s notoriously
side – notably a Tartessan temple at hot summers.

View over the rooftops of the historic town of Cáceres
Typical pastures of the Extremadura region

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