‘I’ve travelled all over Spain – this ancient city is ‘underrated”

Spain is soon set to overtake France to become the most visited country in the world, largely owing to its global appeal of a diverse range of natural landscapes and vibrant cities.

However, most international tourists seem to only flock to a select few destinations, such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, or to the Mediterranean coast like the Costa del Sol. 

What most people do not realise is that the nation is also home to countless hidden treasures that remain underappreciated and void of crowds of tourists that descend on the most popular regions. 

One such gem is Caceres, a city steeped in history and architectural splendour, recently hailed as Spain’s most underrated destination by American travel influencer Nick O’Brien, known as @NickLovesSpain on X (formerly Twitter). 

Caceres is located in the centre of the Extremadura autonomous community. According to data from 2021, the city itself is home to over 94,300 people. 

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Caceres’ historic centre boasts the third-largest collection of monuments in Spain, according to the country’s Official Tourism Portal. 

The city is considered a cradle of Renaissance architecture on the Iberian Peninsula, inhabited by castles and farmhouses with several centuries of history. 

Visitors can see remains from Prehistoric, medieval times, both Roman and Moorish occupation and the Golden age of Jewish culture in Spain. Caceres has four main areas to be explored: the historical quarter, the Jewish quarter, the modern centre, and the outskirts.

At the heart of Caceres lies the impressive Plaza Mayor, one of the largest squares in Spain according to O’Brien, which is flanked by 17th-century arcades and the city’s Town Hall. 

Towering above the square is the Torre de Bujaco, a striking 25-metre-high structure of Arab origin. Nearby stand the smaller Towers of the Pulpitos and Yerba, as well as landmarks like the Ermita de la Paz and the Arco de la Estrella, the main gateway to the old city. 

The ancient city walls, originally Roman and reconstructed in the 12th-century, are remarkably well-preserved, something that cannot be said for many Spanish cities.

Another must-visit area is the Plaza de Santa Maria, home to the imposing Caceres Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with a striking façade and an impressive interior. 

Surrounding the square are several ornate palaces, including the Episcopal Palace, Hernando de Ovando’s Palace and the Palace of the Mayoralgo, each adding to the area’s timeless charm.

But tourists can also visit something much, much older. There have been settlements near Caceres since prehistoric times. The Maltravieso Cave, discovered in 1956, contains hundreds of paintings, including the world’s oldest known cave painting – a red hand stencil which is over 67,000 years old. 

This is 20,000 years before the known arrival of Homo sapiens to Europe and is therefore believed to have been made by Neanderthals. 

Visitors like O’Brien are often captivated by its rich heritage, stunning beauty, and hidden nooks filled with character. 

For those seeking a cultural escape, Caceres offers the perfect weekend getaway in the heart of Extremadura.