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The Old Town of Caceres and its City WallsHow to get there: From Trujillo, take the N-521 motorway to arrive in Caceres after about 45 minutes. Today’s Caceres is a rather large modern city, but that’s not why you go there. You go to spend time in and around the old walled city, so unique that it has been declared a UNESCO world heritage city. Within the city walls, part of which originated in the Roman times, you will find Renaissance palaces, churches, and towers, many of which were lowered from their original height during the reign of queen Isabelle as part of a political manipulation and punishment. Most visitors enter the old city from the Plaza Major (main square) through the Foro de los Balbos (Balbos Forum) next to the town hall. The center of the old city is formed by the Plaza de Santa Maria with the Iglesia de Santa Maria. Even prettier is the Plaza de San Jorge with the Iglesia de la Preciosa Sangre and its white-washed towers (visible on the picture on the right). Deeper into the old city is a charming old Jewish quarter (the Barrio San Antonio) with white houses. It is a delight to stroll through the old city, climb it’s ramparts, and breathe the mixture of Roman, Arab, Jewish, and Catholic influences. The old city is pictured below. 
Where to stay and dine
Note that the parador will be closed for renovations from October 2008 to about May 2010. Although not in the old walled city but very close to it, Hotel Don Carlos is a pleasant alternative. Not as luxurious as the parador, it is nevertheless charming and very reasonably priced. A very good family-run restaurant with local specialties is El Figón de Eustaquio, located very close to Plaza Major and the old town. A bit further away is Atrio, one of the best cutting-edge restaurants in Spain with two Michelin stars. (Bring money!) Next stop on your itinerary:
Merida
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