Guadalupe, Trujillo, Merida and Caceres, the royal historical venues of Estremadura

An architectural mosaic

On the lands of Estremadura, which means frontier, no need to look very long for traces of cultural or architectural patrimony. It is everywhere ! Figureheads as illustrious as Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, resided in these palaces and montasteries of Gothic influence, Renaissance Mudéjar, baroque or neo-classic, which they had built. Follow in his footsteps by discovering the original furniture and the clockwork collection of the San Jeronimo de Yuste Monastery, a convent nestled in a forest where he made his last voyage. Another regional cultural destination, the village of Guadalupe with the Santa Maria Monastery, testimony to centuries of religious architecture. Embroideries, sculptures, paintings, its wide array of opulence will no doubt impress you.

Ornamented with eight towers, the monastic edifice, recalling the conquest of the New World, is the destination of several pilgrimages year-round . © DR

Surrounded by gardens and offering an outdoor pool, the Parador of Guadalupe is the most beautiful deluxe hotel of the town. © AL

On the table, the preparations of sous-chef Ana Puerta Estevez, rising star of Spanish cuisine. © AL

Timeless historical township centres 

After a shop-op in the local stores, head for Trujillo. Around the Plaza Mayor of this scenic town, one easily forgets the notion of time : the stately homesteads, the fortress and the former abode of Pizarro, the explorer who ventured to Peru, are all motifs of contemplation. Immortalize your moments spent in the small Medieval streets before living new sensations in Merida ! Bathed in mysterious legends, this town, which each year welcomes the International Festival of Classic Theatre, hosts the most monumental and well-preserved archeological sites in Spain, without forgetting the treasures of its National Museum of Roman Art.

Yes, châteaux in Spain do exist and the town walls of Trujillo are one of the most beautiful examples. © DR

On Plaza Mayor, the equestrian statue of Pizarro faces the church of San Marin and the Ducal Palace of San Carlos. © AL

In Merida, the vestiges of the Roman amphitheatre serve as backdrop for stunning sound and light spectacles. © AL

Sheltering more than 36 000 works of art, the National Museum of Roman Art is registered on the list of UNESCO's World Heritage. © AL

Caceres, a cultural and gourmet town

Next scheduled stop of your journey, Caceres ! In order to grasp an even better understanding of its magic, try to arrive there at the end of the day, when the historical buildings are illuminated. From the Jewish district to the imposing Arab walls, flying over its wide array of chapels and cathedrals, for sure this is a busy touristic scene. And from the tops of the San Francisco Javier church and the Bujaco Tower, the town and its châteaux will then literally be at your feet. A natural observation point to spot taverns, cafés and restaurants that will serve you local specialties enhanced by the talent of star chefs implanted in Estemadura.

If there were only two ecclesiastical sites to visit in Caceres, they would be the San Francisco Javier church and the Santa Maria cathedral. © AL

Installed in a former 17th century residence, the Hotel Hospes Palacio de Arenales & Spa largely deserves its 5 stars. © DR

Near the bullwarks of the town, the NH Collection Hotel is masterfully managed by the very professional Felissa Acedo Benitez. © DR

Best restaurant of the region, the Relais & Châteaux Atrio is the gourmet venue of two-star chef Tono Perez. © AL