Caceres

Travelled : 49km (19,500 Fitbit steps)
Visited & Stay: Caceres- aire free parking and services. 10min walk to old centre. N39.480270 W6.368790

We had read in camper contact that the aire was hard to get into, so we set off as early as we could ie 8am. It was an easy drive along the A58 but we couldn't do a left hand turn into the street where the aire was and had to drive up further in the peak hour traffic until we realised that we were never going to be able to turn left. So we did the only thing we could and that was to turn right into a side street and do a uturn back the way we came... we eventually made our way to the aire, which was full so we had to wait until someone left. It didn't take long and then we were off into town before 10am.

So, what is Caceres all about? It became Spain's first listed heritage city in 1949 and a UNESCO site in 1986. The old town is surrounded by walls built in the 12th century by Muslim rulers. The architecture reflects a blend of Roman, Islamic, Gothic and Renaissance styles. In 1229 it was conquered by Alfonso IX and it grew in prosperity attracting merchants and aristocracy.  They tried to rival each other with stately homes and palaces fortified by watch towers. At one point there were up to 1300 coats of arms, a lot can still be spotted on many of  the buildings. After the 16th century the economic decline set in but due to it having been untouched by the wars the town is almost like stepping back into time.
We entered the village at the main entrance from the Plaza Mayor and walked around the outer walls before zigzagging our way through the central streets.

 We spotted arched entrances and towers that were used to defend the town. We entered the Santa Maria church with its beautiful cedarwood reredos.

There are guys selling lottery tickets everywhere in Spain.

 We walked up the 2 towers of the San Francisco Javier church and spotted some stalks nesting and had a great view.

 Mark just loves a good stair.

 Safe to say my thighs were burning after 3 flights of stairs but the view was worth it.

 We entered open door ways and marvelled at the ancient interior atriums.

Feeling as if we had explored enough we went in search of a place to eat lunch. From the Plaza Mayor we went back to the modern life of shops. The streets were pumping as it was the rush hour before siesta.

 A couple of interesting statues which many towns have.

 We made our choice and filled our bellies. 

Feeling much more relaxed we wondered back to Bluey and did some planning for the next 8 days before we need to be in Sevilla.  We then ventured back into town for another stroll before settling in for the night.

 Door knocker of the say.