Cáceres

Overview

Caceres, lies on a hill and is characterised by its constant evolution in history from Roman times until the present day. Two periods in it development have left their mark on today's city: the Arab stronghold before it fell to the Christians in 1229, and the feudal city between the 14th and 16th C, when it was swamped with palaces and towers of aristocratic families. This urban complex full of its own personality became part of World Heritage in 1986.

The city's history of battles between Moors and Christians is reflected in its architecture which is a blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance styles. From the Moslem period remain about 30 towers, of which the Torre del Bujaco is the most famous.

With the 14th C, Caceresis invaded by noblemen, and in only a few dozen years there are fortress-like houses and towers everywhere in the city, which becomes feudal in nature and is at the mercy of fighting rival factions. Of this period are the Palace of La Generala, Las Cigueñas House and Tower, the house of the Ovando-Oerero family, Espadero-Pizarro House or the House of El Mono..

The Catholic Monarchs ordered many of these buildings to be destroyed, bestowing the privilege of not being demolished on only a few, such as the Palace of Los Golfines de Arriba or Las Cigueñas Palace. During the 15th and 16th C, the palaces were replaced by magnificent stone houses which differed from the palaces only in size and fewer defensive means....more

History