Cáceres, Spain: Difference between revisions
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As mentioned above, the first evidence of humans living in Cáceres is from the Late Paleolithic era, around 25,000 BC. Cáceres as a city was founded as ''Castra Caecilia'' by [[Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius]] and started to gain importance as a strategic city under Roman occupation, and remains found in the city suggest that it was a thriving center as early as 25 BC. Some remains of the first city walls built by the Romans in the [[third century|third]] and [[fourth century|fourth centuries]] still exist, including one gateway, the Arco del Cristo. |
As mentioned above, the first evidence of humans living in Cáceres is from the Late Paleolithic era, around 25,000 BC. Cáceres as a city was founded as ''Castra Caecilia'' by [[Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius]] and started to gain importance as a strategic city under Roman occupation, and remains found in the city suggest that it was a thriving center as early as 25 BC. Some remains of the first city walls built by the Romans in the [[third century|third]] and [[fourth century|fourth centuries]] still exist, including one gateway, the Arco del Cristo. |
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[[File:Caceres torre de Bujaco ermita de la Paz.jpg|thumb|left|300px|La Paz Hermitage.]] |
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After the end of the Roman Empire, the city was occupied by Germanic tribes - the [[Visigoths]] - and entered a period of decline until the [[Arab]]s conquered Cáceres in the eighth century. The city spent the next few centuries mostly under Arab rule, although power alternated several times between Moors and Christians. During this time, the Arabs rebuilt the city, including a wall, palaces, and various towers, including the Torre de Bujaco. Cáceres was reconquered by the Christians in the 13th century. During this period the city had an important [[Jew]]ish quarter: in the 15th century when the total population was 2,000, nearly 140 Jewish families lived in Cáceres. The Jewish population was expelled by [[Isabella of Aragon|Queen Isabella]] and [[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Ferdinand of Aragon]] in 1492, but many remains can still be seen today in the Barrio San Antonio, evidence of Jewish influences during this period. |
After the end of the Roman Empire, the city was occupied by Germanic tribes - the [[Visigoths]] - and entered a period of decline until the [[Arab]]s conquered Cáceres in the eighth century. The city spent the next few centuries mostly under Arab rule, although power alternated several times between Moors and Christians. During this time, the Arabs rebuilt the city, including a wall, palaces, and various towers, including the Torre de Bujaco. Cáceres was reconquered by the Christians in the 13th century. During this period the city had an important [[Jew]]ish quarter: in the 15th century when the total population was 2,000, nearly 140 Jewish families lived in Cáceres. The Jewish population was expelled by [[Isabella of Aragon|Queen Isabella]] and [[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Ferdinand of Aragon]] in 1492, but many remains can still be seen today in the Barrio San Antonio, evidence of Jewish influences during this period. |
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Cáceres flourished during the [[Reconquista]] and the [[Discovery of America]], as influential Spanish families and nobles built homes and small palaces there, and many members of families from Extremadura participated in voyages to America where they made their fortunes. In the 19th century, Cáceres became the capital of the province, marking a period of growth which was halted by the [[Spanish Civil War]]. Today, the headquarters of the university as well as several regional government departments are to be found in Cáceres. |
Cáceres flourished during the [[Reconquista]] and the [[Discovery of America]], as influential Spanish families and nobles built homes and small palaces there, and many members of families from Extremadura participated in voyages to America where they made their fortunes. In the 19th century, Cáceres became the capital of the province, marking a period of growth which was halted by the [[Spanish Civil War]]. Today, the headquarters of the university as well as several regional government departments are to be found in Cáceres. |
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[[File:Pano Parte Antigua de Cáceres.jpg|thumb|centre|700px|Panoramic of the Old Town as seen from the Bujaco Tower. This show the tower of Concatedral de Santa María, the towers of San Francisco Javier, San Mateo Church, and the ancient city walls.]] |
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==Monuments== |
==Monuments== |
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[[File:Caceres Iglesia de San Francisco Javier.jpg|thumb|San Francisco Javier Church.]] |
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[[File:Caceres palacio de los Golfines de Abajo.jpg|thumb|left|Los Golfines de Abajo Palace.]] |
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[[File:Concatedral de Caceres.JPG|thumb|Concatedral de Santa María.]] |
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[[File:Caceres torre del palacio de las Ciguenas.jpg|thumb|left|Tower of the Las Cigüeñas Palace.]] |
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[[File:Caceres palacio de las Veletas.jpg|thumb|right|Las Veletas Palace.]] |
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[[File:Arco de la estrella Cáceres desde Torre Bujaco.JPG|thumb|left|Arch of The Star viewed from Bujaco Tower.]] |
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[[File:Adarve de la estrella.jpg|thumb|right|160px|The Star`s chemin de ronde in the Monumental City.]] |
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'''Cathedrals and Churches:''' |
'''Cathedrals and Churches:''' |
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* Iglesia y Convento de San Pablo, XV Century church and convent |
* Iglesia y Convento de San Pablo, XV Century church and convent |
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* Iglesia de San Juan, large majestic church which took five centuries to complete, from 13th to 15th Century |
* Iglesia de San Juan, large majestic church which took five centuries to complete, from 13th to 15th Century |
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* Ermita de San Antonio Iglesia de Santo Domingo; Ermita de la Paz; Iglesia de Santiago |
* Ermita de San Antonio Iglesia de Santo Domingo; Ermita de la Paz; Iglesia de Santiago |
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[[Image:Caceres Santa Maria torre portada Evangelio.jpg|thumb|200px|Santa María Cathedral]] |
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'''The Wall''': Torre de Bujaco XIIc; Arco de la Estrella XVIIIc; Torre de Sande, XIVc-XVc; Torre de los Púlpitos; Torre de la Hierba; Arco de Santa Ana; Torre del Horno; Torre del Postigo; Torre Redonda; |
'''The Wall''': Torre de Bujaco XIIc; Arco de la Estrella XVIIIc; Torre de Sande, XIVc-XVc; Torre de los Púlpitos; Torre de la Hierba; Arco de Santa Ana; Torre del Horno; Torre del Postigo; Torre Redonda; |
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* ''Ferias de San Fernando'' is held at the end of May. |
* ''Ferias de San Fernando'' is held at the end of May. |
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*[[Fleadh]] Cáceres is a new cultural event that occurs between October and November. The idea comes from [[fleadh cheoil na hEireann]] which is an Irish music event that happens every August in [[Ireland]]. |
*[[Fleadh]] Cáceres is a new cultural event that occurs between October and November. The idea comes from [[fleadh cheoil na hEireann]] which is an Irish music event that happens every August in [[Ireland]]. |
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[[File:Panoramica_Womad_2009.jpg|600px|thumb|centre|[[WOMAD]] feast 2009, in the Plaza Mayor.]] |
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==Shopping and Cuisine== |
==Shopping and Cuisine== |
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[[File:Caceres - modern center.jpg|thumb|230px|left|A street of the center of Cáceres.]] |
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'''Shopping:''' The small streets in the historical center have lots of small shops selling typical products. The convents sell homemade sweets and pastries. Wines from Extremadura are affordable, full-bodied red wine. Local liquors include cherry liquor made with cherries from the nearby Jerte valley, or other original liquors such as chestnut or blackberry. Other local produce can be bought in most towns and villages in the province including sheep cheese (Torta del Casar, is not made of goat milk, but with milk from merino sheep), fig cake, chestnuts, hams and other pork products, lamb, olive oil, and paprika (pimentón de la Vera). |
'''Shopping:''' The small streets in the historical center have lots of small shops selling typical products. The convents sell homemade sweets and pastries. Wines from Extremadura are affordable, full-bodied red wine. Local liquors include cherry liquor made with cherries from the nearby Jerte valley, or other original liquors such as chestnut or blackberry. Other local produce can be bought in most towns and villages in the province including sheep cheese (Torta del Casar, is not made of goat milk, but with milk from merino sheep), fig cake, chestnuts, hams and other pork products, lamb, olive oil, and paprika (pimentón de la Vera). |
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==Natural parks and rural tourism== |
==Natural parks and rural tourism== |
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* Monfragüe Natural Park: Encompasses 85 square kilometers or 17,852 hectares and contains the following villages: Torrejón el Rubio, Serradilla, Malpartida de Plasencia, Toril, Serrejón, Jaraicejo and Casas de Miravete. The park contains one of the largest forests in Spain with over 1,400 different species of trees. A favorite with birdwatchers, the park has the world's largest colony of black vultures and imperial eagles, and is also home to colonies of black storks, eagle owls, black-shouldered kites and many grassland birds including great bustards and sandgrouse. Camping is not allowed in the park. |
* Monfragüe Natural Park: Encompasses 85 square kilometers or 17,852 hectares and contains the following villages: Torrejón el Rubio, Serradilla, Malpartida de Plasencia, Toril, Serrejón, Jaraicejo and Casas de Miravete. The park contains one of the largest forests in Spain with over 1,400 different species of trees. A favorite with birdwatchers, the park has the world's largest colony of black vultures and imperial eagles, and is also home to colonies of black storks, eagle owls, black-shouldered kites and many grassland birds including great bustards and sandgrouse. Camping is not allowed in the park. |
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[[File:Plaza mayor de Cáceres.jpg|thumb|Partial view of the Plaza Mayor.]] |
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[[File:PlazaMayorCaceres.JPG|thumb|Nocturne view of Plaza Mayor in Cáceres.]] |
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* Monumento natural Los Barruecos - 14 km. Contains unusual rock formations. |
* Monumento natural Los Barruecos - 14 km. Contains unusual rock formations. |
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Los Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuente is a protected habitat for birds. |
Los Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuente is a protected habitat for birds. |
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The university has another three campuses in Badajoz, Mérida and Plasencia.<br /> |
The university has another three campuses in Badajoz, Mérida and Plasencia.<br /> |
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<br clear=all> |
<br clear=all> |
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==Gallery== |
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<gallery> |
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Image:ConcatedralStaMaría.JPG|Facade of Concatedral de Santa María. |
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File:Arco de la estrella Cáceres.JPG|View of the Arch of the Star as seen from the Bujaco Tower. |
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File:Caceres_Iglesia_de_San_Mateo.jpg|San Mateo Church. |
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Image:Caceres_torre_de_los_Pulpitos.jpg|Los Púlpitos Tower. |
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Image:Caceres_palacio_Episcopal.jpg|Facade of The Episcopal Palace. |
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File:Iglesia de Santiago (Cáceres)- portada de la Epístola.JPG|Entrance of the Santiago Church. |
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Image:Caceres_casa_del_Sol.jpg|Casa del Sol. |
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Image:Nuestra_Senora_de_la_Estrella_de_Caceres.jpg|View of Our Lady of the Star, in the Arch of the Star. |
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</gallery> |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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Revision as of 01:28, 12 September 2009
 | This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. (December 2007) |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Criteria | Cultural: iii, iv |
| Reference | 384 |
| Inscription | 1986 (10th Session) |
Cáceres is the capital of Cáceres Province, in Extremadura, Spain (see map). Its 2007 census population was 91,606 inhabitants (88,245 in 2004 and 90,750 in 2006). The municipio has a land area of 1,750.33 km² (675.806 sq mi) and is the largest in geographical extent in Spain.
There have been settlements near Cáceres since prehistoric times. Evidence of this can be found in the caves of Maltravieso and El Conejar. The city was founded by the Romans in 25 BC.
The old town or Ciudad Monumental still has its ancient walls; this part of town is also well known for its multitude of storks' nests. The walls contain a perfect medieval town setting with no outward signs of modernity, for which reason many films have been shot there. The Universidad de Extremadura, and two astronomical observatories are situated in Cáceres. It is also a seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Coria-Cáceres.
Cáceres was declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO in 1986 because of the city's blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Thirty towers from the Muslim period still stand in Cáceres, of which the Torre del Bujaco is the most famous.
Cáceres is one of the cities competing for recognition as the European City of Culture in 2016. The town's cultural highlights include various traditional dances such as flamenco and the blue lycra jig which is unique to Cáceres. Chief of Police Jose Martín, who is leading the the city's bid, can regularly be seen performing the jig in the main square (La Plaza Mayor).
History
The origins of Cáceres go back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the paintings in the Cuevas de Maltravieso (Maltravieso Caves) which date back to the late Paleolithic period. Visitors can see remains from medieval times, the Roman occupation, Moorish occupation and the Golden age of Jewish culture in Spain. Cáceres has four main areas to be explored: the historical quarter, the Jewish quarter, the modern center, and the outskirts.
As mentioned above, the first evidence of humans living in Cáceres is from the Late Paleolithic era, around 25,000 BC. Cáceres as a city was founded as Castra Caecilia by Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius and started to gain importance as a strategic city under Roman occupation, and remains found in the city suggest that it was a thriving center as early as 25 BC. Some remains of the first city walls built by the Romans in the third and fourth centuries still exist, including one gateway, the Arco del Cristo.
After the end of the Roman Empire, the city was occupied by Germanic tribes - the Visigoths - and entered a period of decline until the Arabs conquered Cáceres in the eighth century. The city spent the next few centuries mostly under Arab rule, although power alternated several times between Moors and Christians. During this time, the Arabs rebuilt the city, including a wall, palaces, and various towers, including the Torre de Bujaco. Cáceres was reconquered by the Christians in the 13th century. During this period the city had an important Jewish quarter: in the 15th century when the total population was 2,000, nearly 140 Jewish families lived in Cáceres. The Jewish population was expelled by Queen Isabella and Ferdinand of Aragon in 1492, but many remains can still be seen today in the Barrio San Antonio, evidence of Jewish influences during this period.
Cáceres flourished during the Reconquista and the Discovery of America, as influential Spanish families and nobles built homes and small palaces there, and many members of families from Extremadura participated in voyages to America where they made their fortunes. In the 19th century, Cáceres became the capital of the province, marking a period of growth which was halted by the Spanish Civil War. Today, the headquarters of the university as well as several regional government departments are to be found in Cáceres.
Monuments
Cathedrals and Churches:
- Iglesia y Convento de San Pablo, XV Century church and convent
- Convento de la Compañía de Jesus baroque style which today is used for art exhibitions
- Iglesia y Concatedral de Santa María, cathedral built in XXIII, Gothic period
- Iglesia de San Mateo, XV Century church built on the site of a former mosque
- Iglesia de San Francisco Javier, Baroque period, XVIII century
- Iglesia de San Juan, large majestic church which took five centuries to complete, from 13th to 15th Century
- Ermita de San Antonio Iglesia de Santo Domingo; Ermita de la Paz; Iglesia de Santiago
The Wall: Torre de Bujaco XIIc; Arco de la Estrella XVIIIc; Torre de Sande, XIVc-XVc; Torre de los Púlpitos; Torre de la Hierba; Arco de Santa Ana; Torre del Horno; Torre del Postigo; Torre Redonda; Torre Desmochada; Arco del Cristo; Arco del Socorro
Palaces and stately homes:
- Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba
- Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo - one of the most spectacular. The Reyes Católicos, Isabella and Ferdinand, lived here.
- Palacio del Comendador de Alcuescar
- Palacio-Fortaleza de los Torreorgaz, today a Parador hotel, Palacio Episcopal
- Palacio de Carvajal XVc
- Palacio de Godoy
- Palacio de Mayoralgo
- Mansión de los Sande
- Palacio de las Veletas
- Palacio de los Cáceres-Ovando
- Casa del Mono
- Palacio de los Toledo-Moctezuma
- Casa del Sol
- Casa Mudejar
- Casa de Carvajal y Ulloa
Museums
- Museum of Cáceres - ALJIBE - housed in La Casa de las Veletas y la Casa de los Caballos in the historical quarter.
- La Casa-Museo Árabe, between the Plaza San Jorge and the Arco del Cristo. Arab culture, art and remains.
- Museo Concatedral de Caceres, in the Plaza Santa Maria. Religious art.
- Museo Piedrilla - Guayasamín
Festivals
- The Festival of the Martyrs (La Fiesta de los mártires) is held in January.
- Carnival, The Festival of the Candles ( La Fiesta de las Candelas) and Fiesta de San Blas are held in February.
- The Easter Festival Semana Santa is held during the week before Easter Sunday. Processions wind through the narrow streets in the historical center.
- Music Festival: "Extremúsika" around March-April.
- Music Festival: "Festival del Oeste", a pop, rock and heavy music festival, around first days of July.
- The most important local festivals in Cáceres are in April. The San Jorge Festival, held on the 22nd-23rd, involves a dragon being burnt in a bonfire in the town square (La Plaza Mayor), accompanied by a fireworks display.
- WOMAD music festival is held at the beginning of May.
- Ferias de San Fernando is held at the end of May.
- Fleadh Cáceres is a new cultural event that occurs between October and November. The idea comes from fleadh cheoil na hEireann which is an Irish music event that happens every August in Ireland.
Shopping and Cuisine
Shopping: The small streets in the historical center have lots of small shops selling typical products. The convents sell homemade sweets and pastries. Wines from Extremadura are affordable, full-bodied red wine. Local liquors include cherry liquor made with cherries from the nearby Jerte valley, or other original liquors such as chestnut or blackberry. Other local produce can be bought in most towns and villages in the province including sheep cheese (Torta del Casar, is not made of goat milk, but with milk from merino sheep), fig cake, chestnuts, hams and other pork products, lamb, olive oil, and paprika (pimentón de la Vera).
Cuisine: Fresh, quality ingredients are the key to the local cuisine. Salt-cured ham and red wine are produced locally and are officially recognized by the Spanish government. Both goat and sheep cheese are produced by traditional methods and renowned throughout the country. Cáceres is also famous for its stews, roast meats (especially pork, lamb and game), fried breadcrumbs (migas), trout, pastries and honey.
Natural parks and rural tourism
- Monfragüe Natural Park: Encompasses 85 square kilometers or 17,852 hectares and contains the following villages: Torrejón el Rubio, Serradilla, Malpartida de Plasencia, Toril, Serrejón, Jaraicejo and Casas de Miravete. The park contains one of the largest forests in Spain with over 1,400 different species of trees. A favorite with birdwatchers, the park has the world's largest colony of black vultures and imperial eagles, and is also home to colonies of black storks, eagle owls, black-shouldered kites and many grassland birds including great bustards and sandgrouse. Camping is not allowed in the park.
- Monumento natural Los Barruecos - 14 km. Contains unusual rock formations.
Los Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuente is a protected habitat for birds.
Education
The University of Extremadura (founded in 1973) has a campus in Cáceres. It comprises several schools:
- Polytechnic School (offering studies in Computer Engineering, Architecture, amongst others)
- Nursing and Occupational Therapy School
- School of Sports Science
- School of Teaching
- School of Business and Tourism
- Veterinary School
- Philosophy and Letters School (offering studies in Literature and History, amongst others)
- Law School
The university has another three campuses in Badajoz, Mérida and Plasencia.
Gallery
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Facade of Concatedral de Santa María. -
View of the Arch of the Star as seen from the Bujaco Tower. -
San Mateo Church. -
Los Púlpitos Tower. -
Facade of The Episcopal Palace. -
Entrance of the Santiago Church. -
Casa del Sol. -
View of Our Lady of the Star, in the Arch of the Star.
-_portada_de_la_Ep%C3%ADstola.JPG?lang=en)
External links
- Cáceres City Council website Template:Es icon
- Astronomical Observatory Template:Es icon
- Cáceresjoven - Website with information about Cáceres Template:Es icon
- Festival del Oeste 2009 - Official website of Festival del oeste with dates, location, tourist and transport information an de line-up of 2009 festival. Template:Es icon
39°29′N 6°22′W / 39.483°N 6.367°W
